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New Mexico (NM) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

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

Legal Dimensions — New Mexico

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
14'0"
Max Length
65'0"
Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Front Overhang
3'0"
Rear Overhang
4'0"

Interstate Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 — Permit required, no escort
12'1" 14'0" 0 — Escort may be required by NMDOT depending on route/highway
14'1" 19'11" 1 Rear 1 rear escort on 4-lane
20'0" 30'0" 1 Police Rear 1 escort + police escort + flagperson required at 20' or wider

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
14'1" 15'11" 0 — Route survey may be required; Group A restricted routes may require escort over 13'6"
Route survey required
16'0" 17'11" 1 Front 1 high-pole escort + route survey required
Height pole required
Route survey required
18'0" 20'0" 1 Front 1 high-pole escort + utility-company certifications required
Height pole required
Route survey required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
65'1" 90'0" 0 — Permit required
90'1" 110'0" 1 Rear
110'1" 200'0" 2 Front + Rear

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 — Permit required
12'1" 14'0" 0 — Escort may be required on Group B routes (NMDOT discretion)
14'1" 19'11" 1 Front 1 front escort on 2-lane
20'0" 30'0" 1 Police Front 1 escort + police escort + flagperson required at 20' or wider

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
14'1" 15'11" 0 — Route survey may be required; Group A restricted routes may require escort over 13'6"
Route survey required
16'0" 17'11" 1 Front 1 high-pole escort + route survey required
Height pole required
Route survey required
18'0" 20'0" 1 Front 1 high-pole escort + utility-company certifications required
Height pole required
Route survey required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
65'1" 90'0" 0 — Permit required
90'1" 110'0" 1 Rear
110'1" 200'0" 2 Front + Rear

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, Monday through Saturday
Night Travel
Not permitted for oversize loads
Weekend Travel
No Sunday travel.
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on major holidays. No travel visibility under 1000' or winds over 25 mph.
Urban Restrictions
Albuquerque/Santa Fe/Espanola: 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Santa Fe additional: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM (except SR599).

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required front and rear
Flags
Red 18" flags
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the New Mexico Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

Moving an Oversize Load Through New Mexico?

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