If are based in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and you need to transport ladders, scaffolding, canoes, tipi poles etc on the roof of your van or car below are the official legal requirements. They can be found under section 26 of the VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency Operational Manual).
Rear overhang
Less than 1 metre: No requirement
1m - 2m: Render clearly visible (i.e- red ribbons, high visibility vest, etc) "Clearly visible within a reasonable distance to a person using the road"
2m - 3.05: Rear marker board required:
Over 3.05 metres: 2 working days notice to the police must be given.
Projections and overhang to the front:
0 - 2m: No requirements
2m - 3.05: Front and side marker board.
Overhang above 3.05: 2 working days notice to the police
What the VOSA manual does not specify is whether or not you can have a two metre front overhang and two metre rear overhang. We contacted VOSA and were informed that this was the case. Therefore, legally you can have a four metre total overhang without the need for a light board.
In practice however, if you have 3 metre mini, and wish to carry seven metre ladders, whether you are legally entitled to carry them or not, this will look very unsafe so you will almost certainly get stopped (You may also need to consider the weight of your poles and the cars MAM - the weight it is allowed to carry).
If the size of the load you are carrying looks unsafe to you, chances are it will look unsafe to other road users and the police. A print out of the VOSA manual kept in your car or van to prove it within the law will certainly save you a lot of time when or if you are stopped.
Rear overhang
Less than 1 metre: No requirement
1m - 2m: Render clearly visible (i.e- red ribbons, high visibility vest, etc) "Clearly visible within a reasonable distance to a person using the road"
2m - 3.05: Rear marker board required:
Over 3.05 metres: 2 working days notice to the police must be given.
Projections and overhang to the front:
0 - 2m: No requirements
2m - 3.05: Front and side marker board.
Overhang above 3.05: 2 working days notice to the police
What the VOSA manual does not specify is whether or not you can have a two metre front overhang and two metre rear overhang. We contacted VOSA and were informed that this was the case. Therefore, legally you can have a four metre total overhang without the need for a light board.
In practice however, if you have 3 metre mini, and wish to carry seven metre ladders, whether you are legally entitled to carry them or not, this will look very unsafe so you will almost certainly get stopped (You may also need to consider the weight of your poles and the cars MAM - the weight it is allowed to carry).
If the size of the load you are carrying looks unsafe to you, chances are it will look unsafe to other road users and the police. A print out of the VOSA manual kept in your car or van to prove it within the law will certainly save you a lot of time when or if you are stopped.
I researched the above topic for my tipi hire business as I regularly carry large loads. If you are interesting in renting a tipi in the UK for weddings, garden parties festivals, fetes, or wish to learn how to make tipi poles and pegs, or if you wish to view tepee artwork please visit my England tipi hire site. |
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