Oversize and overweight movements - Minnesota

Flagpersons

A standing flagperson may be required for overlength movements at intersections.

There are no flagperson or escort requirements for overweight movements, although they can be required when crossing certain bridges.

During the movement of an overdimensional load, a certified pilot/escort driver, in the performance of the flagging duties, may control and direct traffic to stop, slow, or proceed in any situation when deemed necessary to protect the motoring public from the hazards associated with the movement of the overdimensional load. The pilot/escort driver, acting as a flagger, may aid the overdimensional load in the safe movement along the highway designated on the overdimensional load permit and must:

• Assume the proper flagger position outside the pilot/escort vehicle and, as a minimum standard, have in use the necessary safety equipment as defined in section 6E.1 of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD);
• Use STOP or SLOW paddles or a 24-inch red/orange square flag to indicate emergency situations, and other equipment as described in section 6E.1 of the MUTCD; and
• Comply with the flagging procedures and requirements in the MUTCD and the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Minnesota Flagging Handbook, available at http://tinyurl.com/MNflagging (see Part 6).

Escort certification

Drivers domiciled in Minnesota must complete a pilot/escort certification course accepted, approved, or authorized by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has partnered with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to develop training curriculum). At the time of the course, pilot/escort drivers must provide a certified and current (within 30 days) driver's license record to the Minnesota-authorized training program. For more information on Minnesota's training and certification program, contact Hennepin Technical College at www.hennepintech.edu/cts/.

Initial certification is valid for four years from the date of issue. One additional four-year certification may be obtained through a mail-in or online re-certification process provided by a Minnesota-authorized training program. Pilot/escort drivers must attend a full certification course every eight years.

Pilot/escort drivers domiciled outside of Minnesota may operate as a certified pilot/escort driver with another state's certification credential, provided the course meets the minimum requirements outlined in the Pilot/Escort Training Manual - Best Practices Guidelines as endorsed by the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, available at http://tinyurl.com/pilotmanual.

Certified pilot/escort drivers and certified licensed peace officers operating a pilot or escort vehicle must meet the following requirements:

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
• Possess a valid operator's license for the type of vehicle being operated;
• Carry his/her pilot/escort certification card at all times while in pilot/escort operations;
• When operating a vehicle in excess of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating, comply with the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts 382, 383, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, and 397; and
• If operating as a front or rear pilot car driver, do not perform as a tillerman/steerman for the load being escorted (a tillerman/steerman must not be in the pilot/escort vehicle when a steering activity is being performed).

Pilot/Escort vehicle operators have specific duties and responsibilities when escorting overdimensional vehicles and loads. These duties and responsibilities can be found in Minnesota Administrative Rule 7455.1200, Certified Driver Duties, available at http://tinyurl.com/MNescortduties. Minnesota also adopts by reference the Pilot Car Escort Best Practices Guidelines Manual, available at http://tinyurl.com/pilotmanual.

Pilot/Escort vehicle operators are also responsible for attending pre-trip coordination meetings with the overdimensional vehicle drivers, law enforcement (if involved), and utility company representatives (if involved). Specific requirements for the pre-trip meetings can be found in Minnesota Administrative Rule 7455.1300, Pre-trip Coordination Meeting, available at http://tinyurl.com/MNescortmeeting.

Escort car signs, flags, and lights

A pilot/escort vehicle must display an OVERSIZE LOAD sign mounted on the top of the vehicle, clearly readable and legible at all times of operation. This sign must be displayed so that it is visible to both overtaking and oncoming traffic at all times during the pilot/escort operation. Bumper-mounted signs only are prohibited.

The sign must be a rigid mount and be a minimum of five feet in width, have 10 inches of vertical visible surface space, and display black letters that are eight inches in height and have a one-inch brush stroke on a solid yellow surface (solid is defined as when being viewed from the front or rear at a 90-degree angle to the sign, no light can transmit through the solid surface).

Red/orange 18-inch flags must be mounted in line with the OVERSIZE LOAD sign and mounted at approximately a 45-degree angle toward the sides of the pilot/escort vehicle. A sign, light, or flag may not extend more than six inches beyond the widest part of the body of the pilot/escort vehicle.

Signs and flags must be removed or covered when pilot/escorts are not providing services.

If a route survey is being performed by the pilot/escort, the OVERSIZE LOAD sign must be removed or covered. Route surveys may not be performed while escorting an overdimensional load.

The pilot/escort vehicle, in addition to any other equipment required by the traffic laws, must be equipped with at least one flashing yellow or amber light. These lights must be mounted on the top of the pilot/escort vehicle and visible for 360 degrees for all traffic. Two types of approved lighting are described as follows:

• Two AAMVA/SAE/USDOT-approved yellow or amber, flashing or oscillating, strobe lights must be used with one mounted on each side of the top-mounted sign. These lights must be visible for 360 degrees, illuminated at all times during operation, and visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions.
• An AAMVA/SAE/USDOT-approved yellow or amber, flashing or oscillating, strobe beacon light bar must be used, mounted on top of the pilot/escort vehicle. The light bar must have a minimum of two lights within the housing of the light bar. The light bar must be unobstructed and visible for 360 degrees.

AAMVA/SAE/USDOT refers to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the United States Department of Transportation.

Incandescent, strobe, or diode (LED) lights may be used if they meet the criteria specified above.