Oklahoma Office of Administrative Rules

595:30-3-17.1. Certification of Operators of Escort Vehicles for Hire

(a) Requirements. Every person who drives an escort vehicle for hire to escort a permitted over-dimensional load or vehicle in this state must be certified by the Department of Public Safety. To be certified, the person must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
   
2. Possess a valid driver license from the state or jurisdiction in which the person is a resident.
   
3. Submit an application for certification to the Size and Weight Permit Division of the Department of Public Safety on the form provided by the Department. The application must contain all required information.
   
4. Attend a course in escort vehicle certification, as prescribed by the Department, and successfully pass the escort vehicle certification examination.
   

(b) Course and Examination. The course will be taught by the Oklahoma State University Center for Local Government Technology (OSU Tech). Courses will be taught at locations throughout the state. Class size shall be determined by OSU Tech. Locations, times, and enrollment information will be made available after July 14, 2001, by calling (405) 744-9905.

(c) Certification. The Department of Public Safety will grant a certification card to any person who completes an escort vehicle course prescribed by the Department and passes the escort vehicle certification examination and satisfy all other requirements.

1. The term of the certification shall be for a maximum period of five (5) years, subject to subsection (d), and shall expire automatically five (5) years after the date of issuance. Upon expiration of the certification, the operator must again comply with the requirements in (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this Section before the Department of Public Safety will issue a new certificate.
   
2. Operators must notify the Department of Public Safety, Size and Weight Permit Division in writing within thirty (30) days of any change of address or name.
   
3. Operators who operate only in intrastate commerce or in interstate commerce into or through states which do not have escort vehicle certification requirements for the type of vehicle and/or load being escorted may apply for a restricted certification. Such certification shall be exempt from the insurance requirements of OAC 595:30-3-17(f).
   

(d) Denial or Withdrawal of Certification. The following circumstances shall result in denial or withdrawal of certification:

1. Failure to satisfy the requirements of or failure to give required or correct information on the application for certification as an escort vehicle operator, or the commission of any fraud in making the application.
   
2. Violation of rules established by the certifying state.
   
3. Suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of the driver license of the certified operator. The certified operator shall notify the Department of Public Safety, Size and Weight Permit Division, within five (5) days of any such suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial, and shall provide the Division a copy of the Order of the Department.
   
4. An accumulation of 10 points against the driver license of the certified operator.
   

(e) Hearing. Any party aggrieved by the denial or withdrawal of certification under this Section may request a hearing, in writing, with the Department pursuant to OAC 595:1-3.

(f) Certification By Other States. Until and through June 30, 2006, Oklahoma shall recognize valid escort certifications issued by other states and in the possession of escort vehicle operators who are residents of other states. On and after July 1, 2006, an escort vehicle operator shall possess an Oklahoma certification, unless the escort vehicle operator is a resident of a state other than Oklahoma which has a reciprocal agreement with Oklahoma recognizing escort vehicle operator certifications issued by that state [47 O.S., §14-120.1(E)] and is in possession of a current escort vehicle operator certification issued by that state. Under all circumstances, an escort vehicle operator who is an Oklahoma resident shall have an Oklahoma certification.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 3125, eff 7-14-01; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 3025, eff 7-25-04; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2706, eff 7-25-05]