South Carolina pilot car regulations

Certification: not published. SCDOT's oversize movement guidelines set escort vehicle rules but say nothing about an escort driver certification.

From South Carolina's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.

Escort vehicle

SCDOT does not set a vehicle type for escorts. The truck hauling the load can't also be the escort, and each escort works with only one load at a time.Source

Sign

Signs or banners on the front and rear of the escort vehicle, or above the roofline visible from front and rear; at least 12 inches high x 7 feet wide; reading OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD in black letters 10 inches high and 1.5 inches wide on yellow background; must not conceal the license plate or lights.

Lights

At least one flashing amber, strobe amber or rotating amber light mounted on top of every escort vehicle, working during the move with at least 500 feet visibility at 360 degrees. Vehicle lights cannot be used instead. Headlights on at all times while escorting.

Height pole

Loads 16 feet high and over need one front escort with a height pole (height measuring device) for the entire move, plus a route survey.

Other equipment

Direct two-way radio contact between escort(s) and the towing vehicle at all times. Flagmen, including escort drivers, must wear a high-visibility safety vest and hat when outside the vehicle (permit general conditions).