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    Q748: What are the legal requirements in relation to carrying a load on my vehicle that overhangs the front, rear or sides?

    Loads overhanging the front and rear of a vehicle

    The table below is a summary of the requirements applicable to loads overhanging the front and rear of a vehicle.

     

    Length of Projection

    Action if load projects rearwards

    Action if load projects forwards

    Not exceeding 1 metre

    No requirements specified

    No requirements specified

    More than 1 metre, but not exceeding 2 metres

    End must be made clearly visible

    No requirements specified

    More than 2 metres, but not exceeding 3.05 metres.

    Marker boards required

    · Attendant required

    · Marker boards required

    Exceeding 3.05 metres

    · Two clear working days notice to Police

    · Attendant required

    · Marker boards required

    · Two clear working days notice to Police

    · Attendant required

    · Marker boards required

    Racing boats propelled by oars and certain other vehicles have slightly different requirements.

     

    Loads overhanging the side/s of a vehicle

    The table below is a summary of the requirements applicable to loads overhanging the sides of a vehicle.

     

    Load Projection or Overall Width Action required

    Load Projection or Overall Width Action required

    Over 305mm lateral projection on either side.

    · Two clear working days notice to Police

    · Marker boards front and rear

    · Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility

    More than 2.9 metres, but not exceeding to 3.5 metres overall width

    · Two clear working days notice to Police

    · Marker boards front and rear

    · Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility.

    More than 3.5 metres, but not exceeding to 4.3 metres overall width

    · Two clear working days notice to Police

    · Attendant required

    · Marker boards front and rear

    · Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility.

    If you would like further information in relation to overhanging loads please see the link below:

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/409165/Information_Sheet_Overhanging_loads.pdf

    Offences
    Please be aware that even if you comply with the above requirements if the load is unsafe/insecure or if your vehicle is overweight, you could be prosecuted.

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