Saskatchewan Pilot Cars / Escort Vechicle Requirements

When Escort Vehicles are Required: 

Overwidth

Overlength

Overhang

Loads on Hwy 102 and 905 North of La Ronge

Escort Vehicles Requirements

Two-way radios required 

If a permit for exceeding the dimensions set out in the regulations is issued pursuant to section 36 of the Act and the permit requires the permit holder to use an escort vehicle, two-way radio communication must be maintained between the operator of the escort vehicle, the operator of the unit towing the over-dimensional load and all other vehicles required by the permit at all times.

Equipment to be carried on escort vehicle 

Every escort vehicle must carry the following equipment: 

(a) one stop/slow paddle or red flag per crew member for the purpose of traffic control; 

(b) one brightly coloured vest, shirt or jacket that must not be covered by any other clothing or article and that must be worn when flagging traffic; 

(c) a fire extinguisher approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratory, having a rating of 5BC and kept fully charged; 

(d) flares, lanterns or reflectors that: (i) are to be used to mark the hazard in the event of a breakdown or accident; and (ii) are visible for 150 metres under normal weather conditions and while the hazard exists. Signs to be mounted on escort vehicle 

Every escort vehicle must have mounted on its roof a “D” sign or a “Wide Load”, or “Long Load” or “Oversize Load” sign. 

The sign must comply with the following requirements: 

(a) the sign must have two positions: (i) upright, displaying the symbol or sign when escorting a load; and (ii) folded flat, when not escorting a load; 

(b) the sign box must: (i) be constructed of durable material suitable for use of the sign in all weather and highway conditions; (ii) be 180 centimetres by 35 centimetres in dimension; (iii) be self-illuminated to provide uniform lighting of the sign message to ensure the sign is visible from a distance of 300 metres under clear conditions at night; (iv) shelter all wire connectors, switches and flashers; and (v) protect and seal its interior from the elements;

(c) in the case of a “D” sign, the sign must: (i) have a white background; (ii) have vertical red bars; and (iii) have the size and positioning of the bars and letter “D” as specified in the attached diagram of the “D” sign;

(d) in the case of “Wide Load”, “Long Load” or “Oversize Load” signs, the signs must have a yellow background with black lettering as specified in the attached diagram of the “Wide Load”, “Long Load” or “Oversize Load” sign; and

(e) the sign must: (i) be kept in good repair; and (ii) be kept clean and legible at all times. 

Every escort vehicle must have two 175 millimetre flashing amber outboard lights that meet the requirements of SAE Standard J595. 

Every escort vehicle must be equipped with two amber inboard rotating or flashing amber lights that are at least 200 millimetres in diameter and in the case of rotating lights, be equipped with two sealed beams in each unit.

Operation of escort vehicle 

(1) If an escort vehicle is preceding the vehicle transporting an over-dimensional load, the escort vehicle must precede the vehicle transporting the over-dimensional load by at least 300 metres but not more than 1000 metres. 

(2) If an escort vehicle is following the vehicle transporting an over-dimensional load, the escort vehicle must follow at a distance of not more than 300 metres. 

(3) A vehicle, while engaged as an escort vehicle, must not:

(a) tow any trailer or other vehicle; or

(b) carry any load that, in any manner: (i) obscures any lights or signs that the escort vehicle is required to be equipped with; or (ii) obscures or interferes with the view of the operator of the escort vehicle.

Source of information: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/31363 

http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/18/95455-95455-MHI-0082_2017_Truckers_Guide_Final.pdf