Learn how far your ladder or other items can legally stick out from behind your vehicle.
Have you ever wondered about the law concerning the protrusion of items from a vehicle in your state? For example, when you’re hauling a ladder or lumber for that new project. Most states have different rules, so you need to have the red flag and know the limitations of protrusion lengths your state legally permits.
If you have something sticking out too far from your car or truck, you can be issued a citation. Even worse, a fine. We’ll go over the basics of having something protruding from the front or back of your vehicle and what the limitations are in your state.
Learn how far a ladder can extend from your vehicle and apply the best road practices.
One of the most important things here is to ensure you don’t lose whatever you’re moving. Therefore, ensure your long item is properly secured to your vehicle or truck. When securing lighter items, we suggest using a small rope if you can tie a good knot. If you’re not the greatest with knots, consider a double tie if this is the only option.
For heavy and long items (lumber, poles, pipe, ladders, etc.), use ratchet straps to secure them when possible. We do not recommend using bungee cords to secure anything under any circumstances. They are too stretchy and can’t be 100% counted on. The last thing you need is an insurance claim.
Do I have to tie a red flag on anything that sticks out of the back or front of my vehicle or truck? The rule of thumb on this is if it sticks out more than 3 feet, yes. It doesn’t matter if it extends 3 feet from the front bumper or 3 feet from the rear bumper down low, on top of the hood or in racks. However, if it protrudes more than 3 feet in either direction, you must attach a red-colored warning flag to each protruding end.
Considering the safety of other motorists and public property, there are various laws in place to limit how far an item can overhang or protrude from the rear end of vehicles. They also cover properly marking the item being transported at each end. As mentioned earlier, if you don’t correctly flag or mark the protrusion, you could be subject to a ticket, a fine or both.
The USDOT has federal regulations that cover this area of the law. It says that if you have something protruding over 3 feet in the front or 4 feet from the rear of the car or truck, it must be properly marked with a red or orange safety flag. Keep in mind that objects protruding more than 4 inches from the sides of a vehicle must be appropriately marked.
To learn how far a ladder can stick out of your car, review your local regulations. Some examples include:
Whether you want to transport a ladder on your car roof or drive with items sticking out of your vehicle, follow these guidelines:
Think your items will exceed the maximum overhang rules for the rear of a vehicle? You may need wide load shipping for the following:
Haul your load with the best transporters in the industry!
