Measure from the rear of the bed or body to the end of the load for both the marker trigger and the general maximum.
More than 4 ft beyond the rear of the bed or body: a red or orange flag at least 18 in in both length and width, clearly visible from the rear.
More than 4 ft beyond the rear of the bed or body: a red or amber light, plainly visible under normal conditions from at least 200 ft to the rear.
A load generally may not extend more than 14 ft beyond the rear of the bed or body. The statute states exceptions for vehicles transporting forestry products or utility poles.
The boundary wording matters
North Carolina says “more than four feet,” so exactly 4 ft does not trigger this section's flag-or-light requirement. More than 14 ft exceeds the general maximum unless a stated exception applies.
A visibility marker does not by itself make a setup legal. Maximum projection, total length, securement and exceptions remain separate checks.
Checks the calculator cannot finish for you
- Determine whether the forestry-product or utility-pole exception applies.
- For a commercial motor vehicle or a vehicle with GVWR of 10,001 lb or more engaged in commerce, review the referenced federal commercial-vehicle rules.
- Confirm total length, securement, vehicle limits and route restrictions.
STATE PRESELECTED
Measure the actual setup, then review the rule result.
The calculator keeps unsupported cargo length separate from the legal projection named by the state rule.
Open with North Carolina selected →OFFICIAL SOURCES
Rule information was last checked on Aug 16, 2026. Official pages and current law control if this summary differs.
North Carolina General Statutes § 20-117 ↗