Tennessee pilot car regulations
Certification: not published. Tennessee's TDOT permit rules set escort vehicle equipment but do not mention any escort driver certification.
From Tennessee's own rules and pages, checked 2026-10-24. Rules change: the state's page is the last word.
- Escort vehicle
- The escort must be a properly licensed vehicle weighing more than 2,000 lb with a factory weight rating under 18,000 lb. Both sides need a sign at least 8 x 12 in. with the escort business's name and phone number.Source
- Sign
- Bumper-mounted or roof-mounted yellow sign(s) reading "OVERSIZE LOAD" with black letters at least 10 inches high and a 1 1/2 inch brush stroke, visible from the front and rear. Signs must be durable wood or metal (heavy canvas or cloth allowed if fastened flat against a backing), clean and readable.
- Lights
- A rotating amber light or strobe-type amber light visible from at least 500 feet and visible from all directions (360 degrees).
- Flags
- Two red or fluorescent orange flags, at least 18 inches square, mounted at about a 40 to 70 degree angle on the roof rack.
- Height pole
- Loads over 15 feet tall need a front escort with protrusions (a height pole) at least as tall as the load, in constant radio contact to warn of low clearances. TDOT's FAQ puts this at 15'1" and up and says survey poles are set 6 inches above the load height.
- Other equipment
- Working two-way electronic communication devices; two 5-pound fire extinguishers; a STOP/GO paddle at least 18 inches (round, octagonal or square) with 6-inch letters; safety orange vest, shirt or jacket; red hand-held flag 18 inches square; two yellow/black oversize load banners; hard hat; reflective triangles or 18-inch traffic cones. Recommended: hand-held two-way radios, flares, maps, height indicator.
- State's own list
- Open the listSource