When is a pilot vehicle required to follow the vehicle it is escorting?

A pilot vehicle is specifically required to follow an oversize vehicle or load to ensure the safety and proper navigation of the larger vehicle, which may have difficulty maneuvering through traffic or navigating turns and obstacles. This practice is crucial because oversize vehicles often extend beyond the normal width of the road, making them a potential hazard to other road users. The pilot vehicle provides real-time guidance and can signal to other motorists about the presence of the oversize vehicle, helping to maintain a safe distance between vehicles and ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.

The requirement for a pilot vehicle to follow does not apply to all types of vehicles and loads, nor is it solely dependent on road conditions like the number of lanes. For instance, while escorting may be beneficial on highways with three lanes or when traveling at high speeds, the specific regulation centers around the characteristics of the vehicle being escorted, particularly when it exceeds standard dimensions.