How far can a kayak stick out of a truck bed? There is no single U.S. number.

Start at the reference point in the official rule

The visible amount behind an open tailgate is not always the number used by law. Overhangers asks for legal rear projection separately because covered states use different language and reference points.

California's marker provision uses four feet or more behind the taillamps. Its maximum rear projection also depends on the last point of support and wheelbase, so the calculator keeps a manual maximum-length check. Texas generally sets a four-foot rear extension limit and uses a more-than-four-foot threshold in its special marking provision for excepted or permitted loads.

Four covered states, four rule boundaries

North Carolina uses more than four feet behind the rear of the bed or body for its marker trigger and generally describes a 14-foot rear maximum, subject to stated exceptions. Washington uses more than four feet for its daytime flag provision and four feet or more for the specified nighttime equipment; it also requires a separate last-axle measurement for the 15-foot rule.

These examples show why a generic 'four-foot rule' is incomplete. The operator can be greater-than or at-least, and the starting point may not be the same point you used to calculate physical support.

A marker requirement is not a complete legality decision

A flag, lamp or reflector answers a visibility requirement. It does not replace maximum-length, wheelbase, last-axle, route, vehicle, special-cargo, load-securement or permit checks.

• Calculate unsupported cargo length for the physical setup.
• Measure legal projection from the cited reference point.
• Check the exact threshold operator for the time of travel.
• Complete every manual check shown with the result.

Frequently asked questions