Escort requirements, travel restrictions, and signage rules for oversize/overweight loads in Iowa.
PCP - Pilot Cars & Permits provides professional pilot car escort services throughout Iowa. Whether you need a lead vehicle, chase car, or high pole escort, our certified pilots are available 24/7 across Iowa and all connecting states. We handle the coordination so your oversize load moves safely and on time.
| Min Width | Max Width | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8'7" | 16'6" | 0 | — | Permit required, no escort on 4-lane until over 16'6" |
| 16'7" | 20'0" | 1 | Rear | 1 rear escort on 4-lane highways |
| Min Height | Max Height | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13'7" | 14'6" | 0 | — | Permit required, no escort |
| 14'7" | 20'0" | 1 | Front |
Front escort with mounted height pole required (Iowa DOT Form 442052)
Height pole required |
| Min Length | Max Length | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70'1" | 80'0" | 0 | — | Permit required |
| 80'1" | 120'0" | 0 | — | Amber revolving lights required on load — no escort vehicle |
| 120'1" | 200'0" | 1 | Rear | 1 rear escort vehicle required |
| Min Overhang | Max Overhang | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25'1" | 40'0" | 1 | Front | Front overhang over 25': 1 escort or amber |
| 10'1" | 30'0" | 1 | Rear | Rear overhang over 10': 1 escort or amber light |
| Min Weight | Max Weight | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,001 lbs | 999,999 lbs | 0 | — | Amber light required for overweight |
| Min Width | Max Width | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8'7" | 14'6" | 0 | — | Permit required. Exceeds half roadway up to 14'6": 1 front on 2-lane. |
| 14'7" | 20'0" | 1 | Front | 1 escort on 2-lane |
| Min Height | Max Height | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13'7" | 14'6" | 0 | — | Permit required, no escort |
| 14'7" | 20'0" | 1 | Front |
Front escort with mounted height pole required (Iowa DOT Form 442052)
Height pole required |
| Min Length | Max Length | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70'1" | 80'0" | 0 | — | Permit required |
| 80'1" | 120'0" | 0 | — | Amber revolving lights required on load — no escort vehicle |
| 120'1" | 200'0" | 1 | Rear | 1 rear escort vehicle required |
| Min Overhang | Max Overhang | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25'1" | 40'0" | 1 | Front | Front overhang over 25' |
| 10'1" | 30'0" | 1 | Rear | Rear overhang over 10' |
| Min Weight | Max Weight | Escorts | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80,001 lbs | 999,999 lbs | 0 | — | Amber light required |
PCP - Pilot Cars & Permits coordinates experienced pilot car operators throughout Iowa for both local and interstate moves. From a single-county delivery to a multi-state haul that begins or passes through Iowa, our team matches your load with the right escorts — lead cars, chase cars, high pole escorts, and steer cars — based on the dimension thresholds and travel rules outlined above.
Because oversize requirements change at every state line, we plan your route end to end so your equipment stays compliant from origin to destination. Our dispatchers handle scheduling, positioning, and communication with your drivers, keeping your oversize or overweight load moving safely and on time across Iowa and beyond.