How Pilot Car Rules and Legal Truck Heights Vary by State
Two interactive maps showing how pilot car and height rules change from state to state.
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Reviewed quarterly against current state DOT publications.
Maximum Legal Truck Height by State
Maximum legal truck height on the Interstate ranges from 13′6″ in most eastern states to 14′ or 14′6″ across much of the West. Florida caps the lowest at 13′6″; Arizona, Montana, and Texas all allow 14′ before a permit is required.
Anything above the legal limit requires an oversize permit. Pole escort and route survey thresholds vary widely. Some states trigger a front pole escort near 14′6″ to 17′, and written route surveys more commonly kick in at 17′ to 19′. Loads approaching 16′–17′ are often classified as a superload requiring DOT advance notice.
See each state's exact legal height limit in the map or table below. Use the calculator to check the specific heights that trigger permits, pole escorts, route surveys, or superload designations for your route.
Wide Load Pilot Car & Escort Thresholds by State
Maximum legal trailer width on the Interstate is 102″ (8′6″) in every state. Anything wider is classified as a wide load and requires an oversize permit, and in most states a pilot car escort. The width at which the first pilot car is required varies enormously: Arizona triggers one at 11′1″, Florida at 12′1″, Texas at 14′1″ (on divided roads), and Montana not until 16′7″.
A second escort (typically a 2-car front-and-rear configuration) is usually required above 14′, and police escort often kicks in around 16′ or wider. Oversize signs, red flags, and amber warning lights are mandated once the load passes 10′ in most states, and several states restrict wide-load travel to daylight only or prohibit it on major holidays.
See the first width at which a pilot car is required in each state using the map or table below. Use the calculator to check exact escort counts, police requirements, and travel restrictions for your route.
Why This Matters
Height and width are two of six dimensions our calculator can check for every state on your route. Length, weight, and overhangs all have their own state-by-state thresholds, and each one can independently trigger permits, escorts, and travel restrictions.
Height and width data sourced from current state DOT regulations for the Interstate (National Network). Individual state rules may differ on non-Interstate roads.
This information is provided for planning purposes only. Permit rules and thresholds can change without notice. Verify current requirements with the state DOT before applying for a permit.