New Hampshire (NH) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

Escort requirements, travel restrictions, and signage rules for oversize/overweight loads in New Hampshire.

Legal Dimensions — New Hampshire

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
13'6"
Max Length
53'0"
Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Front Overhang
3'0"
Rear Overhang
4'0"

Interstate Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 11'11" 0 Permit required, no escort
12'0" 14'11" 1 Rear 1 rear escort on divided highway
15'0" 17'11" 1 Police Rear 1 escort + 1 NH State Police escort (48hr notice)
18'0" 20'0" 1 Police Rear 1 escort + 2 NH State Police escorts

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 14'0" 0 Route survey required over 13'6"
Route survey required
14'1" 20'0" 1 Front 1 high-pole escort + utility coordination
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
53'1" 79'11" 0 Permit required, no escort
80'0" 99'11" 1 Rear 1 escort required
100'0" 200'0" 1 Police Rear 1 escort + NH State Police (48hr notice) unless safety not compromised

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
15'0" 30'0" 1 Rear 1 escort at 15'+ overhang; combined with width 12'+ on 2-lane undivided = 2 escorts

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 11'11" 0 Permit required
12'0" 14'11" 1 Front 1 front escort on undivided 2-lane
15'0" 17'11" 1 Police Front 1 escort + 1 NH State Police escort (48hr notice)
18'0" 20'0" 1 Police Front 1 escort + 2 NH State Police escorts

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 14'0" 0 Route survey required over 13'6"
Route survey required
14'1" 20'0" 1 Front 1 high-pole escort + utility coordination
Height pole required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
48'1" 79'11" 0 Permit required, no escort
80'0" 99'11" 1 Rear 1 escort required
100'0" 200'0" 1 Police Rear 1 escort + NH State Police (48hr notice) unless safety not compromised

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
15'0" 30'0" 1 Rear 1 escort at 15'+ overhang; combined with width 12'+ on 2-lane undivided = 2 escorts

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
Daylight, Monday through Friday
Night Travel
Not permitted for oversize loads
Weekend Travel
No weekend after noon Saturday. No Sunday travel.
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on major holidays. Spring thaw weight limits.
Urban Restrictions
Manchester: 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM restricted

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required on oversize loads
Flags
Standard flags at extremities
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

Moving an Oversize Load Through New Hampshire?

Use our free tool to calculate escort requirements across multiple states, or order a pilot car now.