State guides / California
California oversize escort requirements
When a load over legal width, height, length or weight needs pilot cars or a police escort in California, on two-lane and divided highways.
Sources incomplete or in conflict; confirm with the state before you move
| Load | Two-lane highway | Divided highway | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width12'6" wide | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
| Width14'6" wide | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
| Width16'6" wide | None+ police | None+ police | Blue/Brown-route approximation: width >15', height ≥17', or length >135' (non-controlled-access) — CHP escort — California assigns escorts by a 5-color route classification, not a statewide width/height/length grid; Yellow-route approximation: width >16' or length >185' — CHP escort — California assigns escorts by a 5-color route classification, not a statewide width/height/length grid |
| Width18'6" wide | None+ police | None+ police | Blue/Brown-route approximation: width >15', height ≥17', or length >135' (non-controlled-access) — CHP escort — California assigns escorts by a 5-color route classification, not a statewide width/height/length grid; Yellow-route approximation: width >16' or length >185' — CHP escort — California assigns escorts by a 5-color route classification, not a statewide width/height/length grid |
| Height15'6" high | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
| Height16'6" high | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
| Length110' overall | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
| Length130' overall | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
| Weight200,000 lb gross | None | None | No escort trigger at this size |
Whenever an escort is required
- civilian escort counts aren't published as hard numbers. Confirm against the actual route's color table before moving.
Each example changes one dimension from a legal 8′6″ wide, 13′6″ high, 75′, 80,000 lb tractor-trailer. Real moves often combine several. “Set by permit” means California decides that case on the permit itself. Permits can add conditions of their own, so check yours before you move.
Price the whole California move in one quote.
Permits, escorts, police, curfews and fuel for every state on the route, with the source behind every line.
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