Overhang limits on trucks, cars, and trailers
The rear overhang limit for a truck or car is 60 per cent of the wheelbase or 3.7 metres, whichever is shorter. Front overhang can be up to 1.2 metres long.
Make overhanging loads safe
If a load sticks out more than 1.2 metres behind a vehicle, or the driver can't see the overhanging load very well:
- Get a brightly colour flag or piece of material that's at least 30 x 30 centimetres.
- Attach it to the end of the load.
- Attach a red light to the end of the load if you're driving at night.
Overhang limits
Trucks and cars
| Location on vehicle | Overhang limit |
|---|---|
| Rear | Sixty per cent of the wheelbase or 3.7 metres, whichever is shorter. The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle. |
| Front | 1.2 metres in front of the vehicle. |
| Side | 150 millimetres from the outermost part of either side of a vehicle. The maximum overall width for a vehicle and any load is 2.5 metres. |
Trailers
The maximum allowable overhang on a trailer is 3.7 metres.
| Trailer type | Overhang limit |
|---|---|
| Pig and tag trailers | Measure the load-bearing part of your trailer, from the start of the frame (near the hitch) to halfway across the wheel well. Your trailer's overhang cannot exceed this length. |
| Dog trailers and semi-trailers | Measure from the trailer's point of articulation (where it swivels) to the rear overhang line (generally, the centre line of the rear axle or axle group). Your trailer's overhang cannot exceed this length. |
| Trailers for water devices and gliders (rowing boats) | Five metres. This longer limit only applies when:
|
View more information on bicycle racks and carriers.
Contact us for more information on overhang limits.
Maximum vehicle lengths (including load)
A car's maximum overhang doesn't change, even if you're driving with a trailer.
| Vehicle type | Maximum length |
|---|---|
| Car | 12.5 metres |
| Rigid truck | 12.5 metres |
| Prime mover or semi-trailer | 19 metres |
Rules for overhang limits
The rules for overhang limits are in parts 4 and 5 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021.