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South Carolina (SC) Pilot Car & Escort Vehicle Requirements

Escort requirements, travel restrictions, and signage rules for oversize/overweight loads in South Carolina.

Legal Dimensions — South Carolina

Max Width
8'6"
Max Height
13'6"
Max Length
75'0"
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" 1 Rear
14'1" 16'0" 2 Front + Rear
16'1" 20'0" 2 Police Front + Rear 2 civilian (1 front + 1 rear) + 2 police escorts (1 front + 1 rear) required for width over 16'

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 16'0" 0 — Permit required; no mandatory escort below 16'
16'1" 20'0" 1 Front 1 front lead pole vehicle escort; complete route survey required; clearance must be at least 6" more than load height
Height pole required
Route survey required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
75'1" 125'0" 0 — Permit required
125'1" 200'0" 1 Rear 1+ escorts depending on configuration

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
15'1" 30'0" 2 Front + Rear 1 front + 1 rear escort required for overhang exceeding 15'

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
130,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 0 — Mon-Fri only for loads over 130,000 lbs

Non-Interstate / State Road Escort Requirements

Width

Min WidthMax Width EscortsPositionNotes
8'7" 12'0" 0 — Permit required
12'1" 14'0" 1 Front 1 escort on 2-lane roads
14'1" 16'0" 2 Front + Rear
16'1" 20'0" 2 Police Front + Rear 2 civilian (1 front + 1 rear) + 2 police escorts (1 front + 1 rear) required for width over 16'

Height

Min HeightMax Height EscortsPositionNotes
13'7" 16'0" 0 — Permit required; no mandatory escort below 16'
16'1" 20'0" 1 Front 1 front lead pole vehicle escort; complete route survey required; clearance must be at least 6" more than load height
Height pole required
Route survey required

Length

Min LengthMax Length EscortsPositionNotes
75'1" 125'0" 0 — Permit required
125'1" 200'0" 1 Rear 1+ escorts

Overhang

Min OverhangMax Overhang EscortsPositionNotes
15'1" 30'0" 2 Front + Rear 1 front + 1 rear escort required for overhang exceeding 15'

Weight

Min WeightMax Weight EscortsPositionNotes
130,001 lbs 999,999 lbs 0 — Mon-Fri only

Travel Restrictions

Standard Hours
One-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset
Night Travel
Not permitted for oversize loads
Weekend Travel
No Sunday travel.
Holiday Restrictions
No travel on major holidays
Urban Restrictions
7-9 AM and 3-6 PM restricted on school days for 12'-15' wide. Over 15' wide: 9 AM-3 PM school days only.

Signage & Flag Requirements

Oversize Load Sign
Required for loads over 12' wide
Flags
Standard flags at extremities
Additional Notes
Amber beacon for 12'-14' wide. Amber beacons on outer rear corners for 14'-16' wide.
Disclaimer: These regulations are for informational purposes only. Always verify with the South Carolina Department of Transportation before moving any oversize/overweight load. Regulations change frequently.

Moving an Oversize Load Through South Carolina?

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