Minnesota Administrative Rules

7455.1200 CERTIFIED DRIVER DUTIES.

A.

A vehicle used in escort operations by certified licensed peace officers and certified pilot/escort drivers is prohibited from escorting more than one overdimensional vehicle or load at the same time, unless expressly authorized by the commissioner.

B.

When vehicles used in escort operations are in front of the overdimensional vehicle or load being escorted, the operator shall:

(1)

warn oncoming traffic of the presence of the vehicle or load by use of lights and signs as provided within this chapter;

(2)

notify the driver of the overdimensional vehicle or load by two-way radio of all hazards; overhead clearances; obstructions; traffic congestion; pedestrians; and any other circumstances evident to the operator that could affect either the safe movement of the overdimensional vehicle or load, the safety of the traveling public, or the efficient movement of traffic in sufficient time for the driver of the overdimensional vehicle or load to take remedial action, as necessary;

(3)

to the extent necessary, locate safe places, if available, adjacent to the highway and notify the driver of the overdimensional vehicle or load thereof to allow the overdimensional vehicle or load and the pilot/escort vehicles to clear the highway, so that following traffic can safely pass or for any other reason necessary to protect public safety and the efficient movement of traffic; and

(4)

be far enough in front of the overdimensional vehicle or load to signal oncoming motorists to stop in a timely manner, before the motorists enter any narrow structures or other restrictions on the highway to permit the safe passage of the vehicle or load.

C.

When vehicles used in escort operations are behind the overdimensional vehicle or load, the pilot/escort driver shall:

(1)

warn traffic approaching from the rear of the presence of the overdimensional vehicle or load ahead, by use of lights and signs as provided within this chapter;

(2)

notify the driver of the overdimensional vehicle or load by two-way radio of flat tires or other problems with the overdimensional vehicle or load; objects coming loose from the overdimensional vehicle or load; other traffic approaching or passing the overdimensional vehicle or load; and any other circumstances evident to the operator that could affect either the safe movement of the overdimensional vehicle or load, the safety of the traveling public, or the efficient movement of traffic in sufficient time for the driver of the overdimensional vehicle or load to take remedial action, as necessary;

(3)

notify the front pilot/escort driver and the driver of the overdimensional vehicle or load by two-way radio of traffic buildup and other delays to the normal flow and efficient movement of traffic caused by the movement of the overdimensional vehicle or load;

(4)

notify the driver of the vehicle or load by two-way radio of other vehicles attempting to pass the overdimensional vehicle or load; and

(5)

ensure the pilot/escort vehicle is far enough behind the overdimensional vehicle or load to signal motorists following the overdimensional vehicle or load to slow or stop in a timely manner, before narrow structures or other restrictions on the highway, to permit the safe passage of the overdimensional vehicle or load.

D.

Traffic lights procedure.

(1)

If the front pilot/escort vehicle goes through a traffic light but the overdimensional vehicle or load does not, then the driver of the front pilot/escort vehicle shall pull the vehicle over to the right side of the highway, where practicable, to wait for the overdimensional vehicle or load.

(2)

If the overdimensional vehicle or load goes through the traffic light but the rear pilot/escort vehicle does not, then the overdimensional vehicle or load must reduce speed until the pilot/escort resumes position behind the load.

(3)

Pilot/escort drivers are responsible for all requirements utilizing pilot escorts as directed in this chapter.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 299D.085

History:

37 SR 992

Published Electronically:

February 25, 2013