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:
Department of Transport - overhanging loads: guidance
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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