|
General Escort Requirements
The operator of an escort vehicle shall, consistent with applicable law, warn
the traveling public when:
- a permitted vehicle must travel over the center line of a narrow bridge or
roadway;
- a permitted vehicle makes any turning movement that will require the permitted
vehicle to travel in the opposing traffic lanes;
- a permitted vehicle reduces speed to cross under a low overhead obstruction or
over a bridge;
- a permitted vehicle creates an abnormal and unusual traffic flow pattern; or
- in the opinion of MCD, warning is required to ensure the safety of the traveling
public or safe movement of the permitted vehicle.
If your vehicle exceeds 14’ wide or 17' high or 110’ long, one escort is
required. When exceeding 17' high, your escort must travel in front and be
equipped with a height pole.
If your vehicle exceeds 16’ wide or 18' high or 125’ long, both front and rear
escorts are required. When exceeding 18' high, your front escort must be
equipped with a height pole.
Additionally, MCD may require that the permitee obtain law enforcement
assistance when a permitted vehicle is being moved within the corporate limits
of a city, or at such times when law enforcement assistance would provide for
the safe movement of the permitted vehicle and the traveling public.
Special Escort Requirements
There are additional escort requirements for
manufactured homes and
portable buildings being transported under a single trip permit.
Equipment Requirements for Escort Vehicles
- An escort vehicle must be a single unit with a gross vehicle weight (GVW)
of not less than 1,000 pounds not more than 10,000 pounds.
- An escort vehicle must be equipped with two flashing amber lights or one
rotating amber beacon of not less than eight inches in diameter, affixed to the
roof of the escort vehicle, which must be visible to the front,
sides, and rear of the escort vehicle when it is actively engaged in escort
duties for the permitted vehicle.
- An escort vehicle must display a sign, on either the roof of the vehicle,
or the
front and rear of the vehicle, with the words "OVERSIZE
LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD." The sign must be visible from the front and
rear of the vehicle while escorting the permitted load. The sign must meet the following specifications:
- at least five feet, but not more than seven feet in length, and at least 12
inches, but not more than 18 inches in height;
- the sign must have a yellow background with black lettering;
- letters must be at least eight inches, but not more than 10 inches high with a
brush stroke at least 1.41 inches wide; and
- the sign must be visible from the front or rear of the vehicle while escorting
the permitted vehicle, and the signs must not be used at any other time.
- An escort vehicle must maintain two-way radio communications with the permitted
vehicle and other escort vehicles involved with the movement of the permitted
vehicle.
- Warning flags must be either red or orange fluorescent material, at least 12
inches square, securely mounted on a staff or securely fastened by at least one
corner to the widest extremities of an overwidth permitted vehicle, and at the
rear of an overlength permitted vehicle or a permitted vehicle with a rear
overhang in excess of four feet.
Equipment requirements for motorcycles
- An official law enforcement motorcycle may be used as a primary escort vehicle
for a permitted vehicle traveling within the limits of an incorporated city, if
the motorcycle is operated by a highway patrol officer, sheriff, or duly
authorized deputy, or municipal police officer.
- An escort vehicle must maintain two-way radio communications with the permitted
vehicle and other escort vehicles involved with the movement of the permitted
vehicle.
|
