Official-source planning toolRules verified Sep 8, 2026 · Planning information, not legal advice
Check my load

LOAD PLANNING · FOUR VERIFIED STATES

Will it fit?
Is it legal?

Measure your kayak, lumber or other long load. Check physical support and the state's rear-projection rule separately, then review the equipment and manual checks that apply.

Where do I measure? ↗Compare state rules ↗
Physical length comparisonFrom entered dimensions
Cargo length12 ft 0 in
Front-to-last-support reach7 ft 6 in
Bed floor Added reach
Beyond last support4 ft 6 in

Both bars start at the bed's front wall. Reach does not mean continuous contact or suitable support. This diagram does not show legal projection. Starting values are examples.

Planning information, not legal advice. Official sources are linked in every covered result. No account required.

LOAD CHECKTell us about the trip and setup
No account needed
1
Trip and cargoSelect where, what and when.
When will you drive?
2
Measure the loadUse the actual loaded configuration.

Prefilled dimensions are examples, not your measurements. This simple geometry assumes a straight, horizontal load aligned with the bed's front wall. Diagonal, tilted or offset loads need direct measurement and manual review.

Inside front wall to the rear edge of the bed floor; do not include an open tailgate
FTIN
Total support reach behind the bed floor; count overlapping tailgate/extender reach only once, or enter zero if none
FTIN
Overall end-to-end cargo length
FTIN
3 LEGAL-RULE MEASUREMENT
Measure from the taillamps to the extreme rear end of the load.
FTIN

Do not subtract a tailgate or bed extender unless the cited rule uses that point.

Measure this separately. The starting value is illustrative, even when a guide link fills the physical dimensions. Recheck this measurement whenever the state, trip time or load position changes.

Planning information only — not legal advice. Secure every load and confirm current rules, vehicle limits, cargo guidance, axle position, total length, and exceptions.

YOUR PLANNING RESULT

One result, three decisions.

Review physical support, the selected state rule and the manual checks that still apply before driving.

Edit measurementsOpen official rule ↗
MEASUREMENT SUMMARY · CA△

UNSUPPORTED CARGO LENGTH

4 ft 6 in

Marker equipment is triggered by the entered projection

California's maximum rear projection depends on the last point of support and wheelbase. Any projecting load still needs a manual maximum-length check.

Physical support7 ft 6 in

Cargo length12 ft 0 in

Legal projection4 ft 6 in

Marker threshold≥ 4 ft

MARKER STATUSRequired at entered projection
PROJECTION-RULE STATUSManual check required
DAYLIGHT REQUIREMENT

At 4 ft or more behind the taillamps: a solid red or fluorescent-orange flag at least 18 in square; wider loads can require two flags.

MANUAL CHECKS THAT REMAIN
  • Compare projection beyond the last point of support with two-thirds of wheelbase.
  • Confirm total vehicle/load length and any special-load exception.
VERIFY THE RULE BEFORE CHOOSING EQUIPMENTOpen official source · California Vehicle Code § 24604 · flags and lights ↗Open official source · California Vehicle Code § 35410 · rear projection ↗
NEED A HUMAN CHECK?

Build a clean fact sheet before asking an authority or professional.

No form, account or personal information is required. Opening the checklist only records anonymous interest in manual-review guidance.

BUILD THE NEXT STEP

Matched to this result; product links do not change the legal measurement.

RULE-TRIGGERED MARKING18 × 18 in red cloth load flag

The retailer lists an 18 × 18 in true-red flag. Check whether one or two flags, placement and attachment are required for this load.

Review retailer details →LOAD CONTROLCam straps and tie-downs

Choose rated equipment and follow the cargo and vehicle manufacturers' securement guidance.

Review category →PHYSICAL SUPPORTPickup-bed extender candidate

This retailer-listed candidate adds physical support only. Confirm vehicle and receiver fit, installed load rating, securement and every legal measurement point separately.

Review retailer details →

These are ordinary, non-affiliate product and category links. Overhangers does not currently earn a commission, and no retailer or brand sponsors, endorses, or has approved this recommendation. Read the disclosure.

STARTER COVERAGE

Four states.
Every rule traced.

Overhang law uses different measurement points. We show the source, reference point, threshold boundary, and verification date instead of hiding uncertainty.

TXVerified Sep 8, 2026

Texas

Day flag and standard maximum: measure from the vehicle's rear. After dark: measure from the rear of the bed or body.

Read the state guide →
NCVerified Sep 8, 2026

North Carolina

Measure from the rear of the bed or body to the end of the load.

Read the state guide →
WAVerified Sep 8, 2026

Washington

Flags: vehicle rear and sides. Nighttime lighting: rear of bed or body. Separate maximum: center of the last axle.

Read the state guide →
Compare flags, lights, measurement points and maximums →

BUILT FOR THE LOAD IN FRONT OF YOU

01

Kayaks

Short-bed pickups, open tailgates and the bed-extender question.

Plan a kayak setup →02

Lumber

Long boards, sheet goods and the trip home from the store.

Check lumber overhang →03

Ladders

Rear projection, visibility and a stable support plan.

Check ladder overhang →04

Canoes

Long hulls that may need a rack instead of unsupported bed carry.

Measure a canoe setup →

THE SAFER-SETUP LIST

Measure first.
Then equip the load.

General categories for long-load setups. Use the result-matched list above for the selected state and time, and confirm every product with its manufacturer.

Run the check again →
01

High-visibility load flag

For daylight visibility when a verified rule triggers it; check size, color, number and placement.

↗
02

Rear marker lights and reflectors

For after-dark visibility where the verified rule requires specified equipment.

↗
03

Cam straps & tie-downs

Choose rated equipment and follow cargo and vehicle guidance.

↗
04

Truck-bed extender candidate

Adds physical support; confirm vehicle fit, ratings and legal measurement points.

↗

NOT A GUESSING ENGINE Every covered rule card links to an official source.

NOT A PERMIT SERVICE We flag axle, total-length, exception and permit checks.

NOT A LOAD-SECUREMENT PLAN Weight, anchor points and rated equipment still matter.