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National Pilot Car Association

"So everyone gets home safe"

P/EVO beginner guide

New to the Pilot / escort vehicle operator Industry? Here's some helpful information for you.

We all have to start somewhere. Newcomers to the P/EVO industry can easily be overwhelmed by the challenges that more experienced P/EVOs forget even exist. It can be hard to ask for help in this industry for fear of seeming incompetent, but that's not the attitude that we have at the NPCA. We've put together this list of information and helpful links that we feel any new (or experienced) P/EVO ought to know.



State Certifications

P/EVO certification is a hot topic in the industry. A common question we hear is "Do I need to be certified to be a P/EVO?" and the answer depends on your circumstances. According to this FHWA report released in February 2018,  14 states currently have or are planning to implement some form of P/EVO certification programs. The NPCA strongly suggests that any potential P/EVO complete a certification class as the first step in beginning their journey. The pilot / escort certification isn't a "fix all" solution to learning everything you need to know, but it definitely is a step in the right direction.

"Which state certification is the best?" is yet another question that depends on your circumstances. Where are you located? Are you planning on working regionally or nation-wide? Most state P/EVO certifications involve some form of reciprocity between other states that require a similar program. Use the table below to see which certification is the best for you.

 States Requiring P/EVO Certification
Other State Certifications Accepted
 AZ
 CO, FL, NC, UT, WA
 CO AZ, FL, MN, OK, UT, WA
 FL AZ, CO, GA, MN, NC, OK, PA, VA, WA
 GA AZ, CO, FL, NC, OK, UT, VA, WA
 MN CO, FL, NC, OK, UT, WA
 NC CO, GA, FL, MN, NC, NY, UT, VA, OK, WA
 NY No other certifications accepted.
 OK CO, FL, GA, MN, NC, UT, WA
 **PA
 CO, GA, UT, NC, VA, WA
 UT AZ, CO, FL, MN, NC, OK, VA, WA
 VA FL, GA, MN, NC, OK, UT, WA
 WA AZ, CO, GA, MN, NC, OK, UT, VA
**PA only requires a certification for their "Certified Escort Vehicle" program when replacing state police in a Superload movement.

Additional Helpful Certifications


National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course - Florida Pilot/Escort operators that do not possess a commercial driver's license are required to have proof of completion of an 8 hour (or equivalent) defensive driving course. The NPCA suggests this Online NSC Course. While on the website, be sure to click on "Please click here to take the NSC Defensive Driving Course for any other reason including Pilot/Escort purposes." The cost of this course is $29.95 and you do not have to renew your certificate.


ATSSA Online Flagger Certification Training Course - This course provided by the American Traffic Safety Services Association is an excellent course that ALL P/EVOs would benefit greatly from taking. State regulations vary wildly on a P/EVOs role when it comes to flagging traffic. For the states that allow a P/EVO to flag traffic, this course is a fantastic resource on standard best practices for flagging and controlling traffic outside of your vehicle.

Permits

Some states require P/EVOs to obtain specific permits in order to legally operate while in the state. See below for a list of state permits you should have if you plan on operating nation-wide.

  • Georgia Amber Light Permit - Vehicles with amber flashing lights in GA are required to purchase this permit. The cost of the permit is $2 per vehicle and it is valid for 1 year from the date of approval.
  • Nevada Amber Light Permit - Vehicles with amber flashing lights in NV are required to purchase this permit. The cost of the permit is $2 per vehicle, $12 for 6-14 vehicles, or $24 for a blanket permit covering 15 or more vehicles. The permit expires June 30 of every year.
  • Louisiana Escort Vehicle Permit - Vehicles based outside of Louisiana are required to possess this permit. The cost of the permit is $10 per vehicle and it is valid for 1 year.


Equipment Requirements

"Is my vehicle legal?" is another common question we hear from new P/EVOs. Yet again, the answer all depends on which states you plan on operating in. The OS/OW industry as a whole is plagued by the lack of harmonization between state regulations concerning OS/OW movements. The P/EVO industry is no exception.

Concerning the equipment states require a P/EVO to possess, the NPCA has put together a list below that is a good reference. PLEASE STILL DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE IN REVIEWING STATE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE ENTERING ANY NEW STATE. State requirements and regulations change all the time, and WE CAN NOT GUARANTEE THIS LIST IS ACCURATE TODAY!

 Item Amount Note
 18'' Stop/Slow Paddle
 1 
 Spare Amber Beacon Light
 1 
 Reflective Triangles
 9 
 Class III ANSI Safety Vest
 1 
 18'' x 18'' *RED* Load Flags
 3 
 10lbs Fire Extinguisher
 2 Check Exp. Date and Charge Level
 36'' Reflective Traffic Cones
 3 
 "OVERSIZE LOAD" Banner
 2 10'' Letters
 Orange Hard Hat
 1 
 15 Minute Flame Flares
 8 
 24'' x 24'' Red Stick Flag
 1 Weighted Tips
 Operational CB Radio
 1 
 SPARE CB Radio
 1 Handheld is OK
 Flashlight 1 Check Batteries
 6'' Red Traffic Wand
 1 
 Spare Batteries
 8 AA / AAA
 First Aid Kit
 1 



Insurance Requirements

Are P/EVOs required to have insurance? Not always, but the NPCA believes all P/EVOs should have adequate insurance coverage that protects both you and your customer in the event of an incident involving property damage or bodily injury. How do you know you have the right coverage? Here's the basics:

  • Commercial Automotive Liability - Personal automotive policies will not cover your vehicle while you are using it for commercial activities, such as piloting / escorting. NPCA recommends at least $1,000,000 in coverage for your commercial automotive policy limits.
  • Commercial General Liability (GL) - While a general liability policy does not cover any property or bodily injury claims you may have while working, most states that require insurance will require this type of policy. Furthermore, the next type of coverage we recommend requires that you carry a GL policy to begin with. NPCA recommends at least $1,000,000 in coverage for your GL policy limits.
  • Professional Errors & Omissions (E&O) - The most important policy for a P/EVO to carry is a professional E&O policy. This policy will cover the property or bodily injury claims arising out of an error or omission on behalf of the P/EVO operator. In the worst case scenario, this is the only type of policy that will fully protect you and your customers. NPCA recommends at least $1,000,000 in coverage for your E&O policy limits.

Address: PO Box 266, Lincoln, AL  35096

Phone: (205) 392-8867

Email: info@nationalpca.org

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