According to the new regulations that will come into effect on February 17, 2024, oversized vehicles will be subject to revised escorting rules. Here are the key points of these changes:
REGULATION OF THE MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE of November 8, 2023 on piloting non-standard vehicles – DOWNLOAD
Changes in the Equipment and Marking of Escort Vehicles:
- Elimination of the Roof Information Board.
- The minimum height of the escorting vehicle will be 1.7 meters
- Permissible body types for escorting vehicles include BB (van), AF (multifunctional), and AG (pick-up).
- The new markings for escorting vehicles will include the word “PILOT” placed on the front grille, on the front side doors, and on the rear hatch or rear doors of the vehicle.
- Alternatively, the word may be applied in a mirrored reflection on the front grille.;
- White and red stripes will be placed on the front grille, sides, and rear hatch or rear doors of the escorting vehicle. The use of white and red stripes on the front grille is not required if the dimensions of the grille do not allow for the simultaneous placement of stripes and the “PILOT” word.
WRAPPING THE FRONT HOOD OF THE VEHICLE
WRAPPING THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE
WRAPPING THE REAR GATE OR DOOR OF THE VEHICLE
Mandatory Pilot Vehicle Equipment:
- at least two yellow flashing lights, placed on the roof of the vehicle symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the vehicle; the light signals sent must be visible on all sides of the vehicle from a distance of not less than 150 m with good air transparency and should not blind other road users;
- a white or car yellow light with the inscription “PILOT” in black, placed on the roof of the vehicle; these lights may be placed in one lamp combined with the lights referred to in point 1; the “PILOT” inscription must be visible on the front of the vehicle from a distance of not less than 50 m in good air transparency;
- two lights placed at the front of the vehicle and two lights placed at the rear of the vehicle symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the vehicle at a height of 250 mm to 1500 mm from the lower edge of the light housing to the road surface, and the distance between their axes cannot be less than 0 .6 m, which enable sending an intermittent stream of yellow light; the light signals sent must be visible from the front of the vehicle from a distance of not less than 150 m with good air transparency and should not blind other road users; they are intended to operate only when the lights referred to in points 1 and 2 are on;
- means of direct radio communication with piloted vehicles, including at least one portable device enabling direct radio communication from outside the piloting vehicle;
- sound amplifying device;
- at least 4 U-23 road cones with a height of not less than 750 mm, referred to in the provisions on detailed technical conditions for road signs and signals, as well as road traffic safety devices and the conditions for their placement on roads;
- a sign for stopping vehicles;
- a flashlight that emits red light to signal other road users when visibility is poor;
- altimeter with the ability to measure heights of not less than 5 m;
- a measuring tape with a measuring range of not less than 30 m.
- the piloting vehicle may be equipped with an additional white or selective yellow light placed outside, mounted in a way that allows changing the light direction (spotlight), which should be turned on independently of other lights
Pilot’s Rights and Responsibilities:
- ensures proper organization of the passage of oversize vehicles in accordance with the conditions contained in the permit for this journey or the conditions specified by the road manager for the passage of oversized vehicles over a bridge or viaduct, referred to in Art. 64c section 11 of the Act of 20 June 1997 – Road Traffic Law;
- exercises direct supervision over the passage of oversized vehicles during transit and parking;
- manages road traffic within the scope and on the terms specified in road traffic regulations;
- decides to suspend piloting in the event of a significant obstruction to road traffic or a threat to its safety.
No Changes to the Parameters of the Non-Standard Vehicle Subject to Piloting:
- The requirements regarding the size of an oversized vehicle remain unchanged. Vehicles exceeding a length of 23.00 m, a width of 3.20 m, a height of 4.50 m, or an actual total weight of 60 tons require piloting by one vehicle. If they exceed 30.00 m in length, 3.60 m in width, 4.70 m in height, or 80 tonnes in total weight, two escort vehicles are required
These new regulations aim to increase safety and efficiency in the transport of oversized vehicles. For transport companies and pilots of non-standard vehicles, this means the need to adapt to new standards and procedures.
GRAPHICS FROM PONADNORMATYWNI.PL [1]
Marcin Malec
Marcin Kalinowski
