Nevada is one of the West’s most important transportation corridors, with major highways such as Interstate 80 and Interstate 15 supporting regional and national freight movement. Oversized vehicles regularly travel on Nevada roadways to transport large equipment, infrastructure materials, and commercial freight safely across the state.

To help protect all roadway users, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) regulates oversized and over dimensional vehicle travel through a permitting process that includes approved travel routes, operating hours, escort vehicle requirements, safety signage, and weight restrictions.

When sharing the road with oversized vehicles, drivers should use extra caution and allow additional space.

Plan Ahead

Before traveling, visit NVRoads.com and select “Trucker Information / Oversized Loads” to view current oversized load activity on Nevada highways.

When possible:
• Plan extra travel time
• Review alternate routes or detours
• Identify safe stopping areas along your route
• Prepare for limited cell service in rural areas
• Drivers traveling long distances should also keep:
• A full tank of gas
• Drinking water and snacks
• A printed Nevada state map for emergency reference

Watch for Pilot Vehicles

Oversized loads are often accompanied by escort or pilot vehicles with flashing lights and “Oversized Load” signage.

If you see a pilot vehicle:
• Slow down and stay alert
• Follow all traffic directions
• Yield or pull over when necessary
• Avoid sudden lane changes near the load
• Escort vehicles help protect motorists by warning drivers of approaching oversized vehicles and roadway restrictions ahead.

Keep a Safe Following Distance

Oversized vehicles require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles.

To stay safe:
• Leave extra space behind oversized vehicles
• Increase following distance on hills or steep grades
• Allow additional reaction time during traffic slowdowns or emergencies
• Never tailgate large trucks or heavy loads
• Maintaining a safe distance improves visibility and helps reduce crash risks.

Expect Wide Turns

Oversized vehicles may need additional lanes and turning space to safely navigate intersections and roadway curves.

Drivers should:
• Never attempt to squeeze between a turning truck and the curb
• Avoid passing during wide turns
• Stay patient and allow the vehicle to complete the maneuver safely
• Large loads may temporarily use middle or adjacent lanes while turning

Be Patient and Predictable

Oversized vehicles often travel below the speed limit and remain in the right lane whenever possible.

When sharing the road:
• Drive cautiously and predictably
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors
• Do not weave between lanes near oversized loads
• Avoid excessive honking or distractions
• Safe, predictable driving helps reduce crashes and improves traffic flow for everyone.

Avoid Blind Spots

Truck drivers have large blind spots on all sides of their vehicles. If you cannot see the driver in their mirrors, they likely cannot see you.

For safer passing:
• Do not linger beside oversized vehicles
• Pass only when safe and legal
• Use a clear, long stretch of roadway
• Wait until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane
• Oversized vehicles may need to shift lanes unexpectedly to avoid obstacles or roadway hazards.

Share the Road Safely

Oversized and overdimensional vehicles play an important role in Nevada’s economy and transportation network. By staying alert, giving large vehicles extra space, and driving patiently, motorists can help improve roadway safety for everyone traveling on Nevada highways.