What you will see
Different types of oversize vehicles have different pilot or escort vehicles. In general, the bigger the vehicle and its load, the more pilot or escort vehicles it must have to alert other motorists.
Laws introduced in 1999 have changed the requirements for pilot and escort vehicles. The requirements are summarised below.
Vehicles which exceed 3.5 metres (m) and up to 4.5 m wide require:
- one pilot vehicle
- yellow flashing lights
- signs that say 'OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD'.
Vehicles which exceed 4.5 m and up to 5.5 m wide require:
- two escort vehicles — one in front, one behind
- yellow flashing lights
- yellow/white wig-wag lights
- signs that say 'OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD'.
Vehicles which exceed 5.5 m wide or vehicles operating in critical areas require:
- more than two escort vehicles or a combination of escort and police vehicles
- escort vehicles that have yellow flashing lights and yellow/white wig-wag lights
- signs that say 'OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD'.
When you see a pilot vehicle:
- slow down
- move over if necessary
- follow instructions from the pilot/escort operator.
Last updated: 25 July 2011
