How far can a load hang off the back of a truck?

The short answer

For the four states currently verified by Overhangers, Texas has a standard four-foot rear maximum unless another law permits the load; North Carolina generally allows up to 14 feet beyond the bed or body; Washington measures its 15-foot maximum from the center of the last axle; and California generally uses two-thirds of wheelbase beyond the last point of support. Each rule has separate limitations and exceptions.

A common four-foot figure often tells you when a flag, lamp or reflector is required. It is not automatic permission to carry the load and it is not a nationwide maximum.

Measure two different lengths

Physical unsupported length is cargo length minus the truck bed, open tailgate and any entered support. Legal rear projection is measured from the point named by the state rule to the end of the load. The two numbers can differ, especially when a tailgate or hitch-mounted extender supports the cargo.

• Measure the cargo and every support surface in the loaded position.
• Find the state's legal reference point before measuring rear projection.
• Select daylight or nighttime because the boundary and equipment can change.
• Treat axle, wheelbase, total length, special cargo and permits as manual checks.

Cargo type can change the review

A kayak, ladder, lumber bundle, canoe or pipe can all be a projecting load, but specialized cargo, commercial use, unusual width and vehicle combinations can invoke additional provisions. Do not reuse a recreational-kayak result for poles, forestry products, utility work or commercial transport without checking the applicable exception and securement rules.

Checks that still need human review

• The exact state and route
• The state-defined rear reference point
• Wheelbase, last axle and total length
• Cargo, commercial-use and permit exceptions

Continue planning the load

Read the covered state rules

Frequently asked questions