Pilot vehicles are used to warn drivers they’re approaching an oversize vehicle or load.

When an oversize or overload permit requires a pilot vehicle for escort purposes, the pilot vehicle shall be equipped with a yellow flashing light and shall display an illuminated “WIDE LOAD” or “D” sign.

When escorting an oversize vehicle or load:

• on a two-lane or four-lane highway — The pilot vehicle shall precede and follow the oversize vehicle or load at a distance of not less than 100 metres and not more than 500 metres.
• on a four-lane divided highway — The pilot vehicle shall follow the oversize vehicle or load at a distance of not less than 100 metres and not more than 500 metres.

Drivers should be aware that the oversize vehicle or load may pose a threat to normal traffic patterns, particularly when passing the oversize vehicle or load on a two-way highway.