R909-2-28. Pilot Escort Requirements and Certification Program

(1) Pilot escort driver requirements. Individuals who operate a pilot escort vehicle must meet the following requirements:

(a) must be a minimum of 18 years of age;

(b) must possess a valid driver's license for the state jurisdiction in which the driver resides;

(c) must obtain a certification card by an authorized qualified certification program as outlined in this section, and shall have it in their possession at all times while in pilot escort operations;

(d) within 30 days pilot escort drivers must provide a current Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) certification to the qualified certification program at the time of the course;

(e) no passengers under 16 years of age are allowed in pilot escort vehicles during movement of oversize loads;

(f) a pilot escort driver may not perform as a tillerman/steerman while performing pilot escort operations; and

(g) a pilot escort driver must meet the requirements of 49 CFR 391.11 if using a vehicle for escort operations that weighs more than 10,000 lbs.

(2) Driver certification process.

(a) Drivers domiciled in Utah must complete a Utah pilot escort certification course authorized by the division. A list of authorized instructors may be obtained by contacting [phone].

(b) Pilot escort drivers domiciled outside of Utah 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, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

(c) The department may enter into a reciprocal agreement with other states provided they can demonstrate that course materials are comprehensive and meet minimum requirements outlined by the department.

(i) A current listing of reciprocity states may be obtained by contacting the division at 801-965-4892.

(d) The pilot escort driver's initial certification expires four years from the date issued, and it is the responsibility of the driver to maintain certification.

(i) One additional four-year certification may be obtained through a mail-in or on-line re-certification process provided by a qualified pilot escort training entity.

(3) Suspensions and revocations.

(a) Pilot escort drivers may have their certification denied, suspended, or revoked by the division if it is determined that a disqualifying offense has occurred within the previous four years.

(b) Drivers convicted of serious traffic violations such as excessive speed, reckless driving and driving maneuvers reserved for emergency vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances may have their certification denied, suspended, or revoked by the division.

(c) The division may suspend for first offenses up to one year. Subsequent offenses may result in permanent revocation of driver certification.

(d) When a driver is denied pilot escort driving privileges for reasons other than the conditions set forth in this rule, the individual may file an appeal.

(i) The appeals shall be handled by a steering committee created by the division.

(e) The steering committee shall have the powers granted to the deputy director in R907-1-3 for appeals from other division administrative actions. This committee's decision, if adopted by the director of the division, will be considered a final agency order under Administrative Procedures in R907-1.

(4) Pilot escort vehicle standards.

(a) Pilot escort vehicles may be either a passenger vehicle or a two-axle truck with a 95 inch minimum wheelbase and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 12,000 lbs and properly registered and licensed as required under Utah Code Sections 41-1a-201 and 41-1a-401.

(b) Equipment shall not reduce visibility or mobility of pilot escort vehicle while in operation.

(c) Trailers may not be towed at any time while in pilot escort operations.

(d) Pilot escort vehicles shall be equipped with a two-way radio capable of transmitting and receiving voice messages over a minimum distance of one-half mile.

(i) Radio communications must be compatible with accompanying pilot escort vehicles, utility company vehicles, permitted vehicle operator and police escort, when necessary.

(ii) When operating with police escorts a CB radio is required.

(e) Pilot escort vehicles may not carry a load.

(5) Pilot escort vehicle signing requirements. Sign requirements on pilot escort vehicles are as follows:

(a) pilot escort vehicles must display an " OVERSIZE LOAD" sign, which must be mounted on the top of the pilot escort vehicle;

(b) signs must be a minimum of 5 feet wide by 10 inches high visible surface space, with a solid yellow background and 8-inch-high by 1-inch wide black letters. Solid is defined as when being viewed from the front or rear at a 90-degree angle, no light can transmit through;

(c) the sign for the front pilot escort vehicle shall be displayed so it is always clearly legible and readable by oncoming traffic; and

(d) the rear pilot escort vehicle shall display its sign so it is readable by traffic overtaking from the rear and clearly legible at all times.

(6) Pilot escort vehicle lighting requirements. Two methods of lighting are authorized by the division. Requirements are as follows:

(a) two AAMVA approved amber flashing lights mounted with one on each side of the required sign. These shall be a minimum of six inches in diameter with a capacity of 60 flashes per minute with warning lights illuminated at all times during operation;

(b) an AAMVA approved amber rotating, oscillating, or flashing beacon or light bar mounted on top of the pilot escort vehicle. This beacon light bar must be unobstructed and visible for 360 degrees with warning lights illuminated at all times during operation; and

(c) incandescent, strobe or diode lights may be used provided they meet the above criteria.

(7) Pilot escort vehicle equipment requirements. Pilot escort vehicles shall be equipped with the following safety items:

(a) standard 18-inch or 24-inch red and white "STOP" and black and orange "SLOW" paddle signs. For nighttime travel moves, signs must be reflective in accordance with MUTCD standards;

(b) nine reflective triangles or 18-inch reflective orange traffic cones, not to replace or be replaced by items (c) or (d);

(c) eight red-burning flares, glow sticks or equivalent illumination device approved by the division;

(d) three orange 18-inch-high cones;

(e) a flashlight with a minimum 1 1/2-inch lens diameter, with extra batteries or charger. An emergency type shake or crank flashlight will not be allowed;

(f) 6-inch minimum length red or orange cone or traffic wand for use when directing traffic;

(g) an orange hardhat and class 2 safety vest for personnel involved in pilot escort operations. Class 3 safety vests are required for nighttime travel moves;

(h) a height-measuring pole made of a non-conductive, non-destructive, flexible or frangible material, only required when escorting a load exceeding 16 feet in height;

(i) a fire extinguisher;

(j) a first aid kit that is clearly marked;

(k) one spare "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign, 7 feet by 18 inches;

(l) one serviceable spare tire, tire jack and lug wrench;

(m) a handheld two-way simplex radio or other compatible form of communication for operations outside pilot escort vehicles; and

(n) vehicles shall not have unauthorized equipment on the vehicle such as those generally reserved for law enforcement personnel.

(8) Police escort vehicle equipment and safety requirements. Police escort vehicles shall be equipped with the following safety items:

(a) all officers must have a CB radio to communicate with the pilot and transport vehicles;

(b) officers shall complete a Utah Law Enforcement Check List and Reporting Criteria Form;

(c) officers shall verify that all pilot escorts are in possession of current pilot escort inspections, or they shall complete an inspection prior to load movement;

(d) police vehicles must be clearly marked with emergency lighting visible 360 degrees; and

(e) officers shall be in uniform while conducting police escort moves.

(9) Insurance for pilot escort vehicles.

(a) Driver shall possess a current certificate of insurance or endorsement which indicates that the operator, or the operator's employer, has in full force and effect not less than $750,000 combined single limit coverage for bodily injury and property damage as a result of the operation of the escort vehicle, the escort vehicle operator, or both causing the bodily injury and property damage arising out of an act or omission by the pilot escort vehicle operator of the escort duties required by the regulations. Such insurance or endorsement, as applicable, must always be maintained during the term of the pilot escort certification.

(b) Pilot escort vehicles shall have a minimum amount of $750,000 liability. This is not a cumulative amount.

(10) Pre-trip planning and coordination requirements. A co-ordination and planning meeting shall be held prior to load movement. The drivers carrying or pulling the oversize loads, the pilot escort vehicle drivers, law enforcement officers, department personnel, and public utility company representatives shall attend as required. When police escorts are present, a Utah Law Enforcement Check List and Reporting Criteria Form must be completed. This meeting shall include discussion and coordination on the conduct of the move, including at least the following topics:

(a) the person designated as being in charge such as a department representative or a law enforcement officer;

(b) all documentation for authorized routing and permit conditions is distributed to all appropriate individuals involved in the move;

(c) communication and signals coordination;

(d) permitted dimensions will be verified with measurement of load dimensions; and

(e) copies of permit and routing documents shall be provided to all parties involved with the permitted load movement.

(11) Permitted vehicle restrictions on certain highways. Certified pilot escort operators must refer to highway restrictions specified in the secondary highway restrictions prior to all load movements.

(12) Flagging requirements. During the movement of an over-dimensional load or vehicle, the pilot escort driver, in the performance of the flagging duties required by R909-2-28, may control and direct traffic to stop, slow or proceed in any situations where it is deemed necessary to protect the motoring public from the hazards associated with the movement of the over-dimensional load or vehicle. The pilot escort driver, acting as a flagger, may aid the over-dimensional load or vehicle in the safe movement along the highway designated on the over-dimensional load permit and shall:

(a) 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 6E.1 of the MUTCD;

(b) use "STOP" and "SLOW" paddles or a 24-inch red or florescent orange or red square flag to indicate emergency situations, and other equipment as described in 6E.1 of the MUTCD; and

(c) comply with the flagging procedures and requirements as set forth in the MUTCD and the Utah Department of Transportation Flagger Training Handbook.