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.