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 | The rear overhang must not exceed the length of the load carrying area or body to the overhang line. |
| Dog trailers and semi-trailers | The rear overhang must not exceed 60% of the length from the point of articulation at the trailer to the overhang line. |
| 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.