is it legal or not? - Wirral-Wikiwirral

Hey all,

Just wondering if somebody can help me please?

We've all seen it, a lot of us have probably done it, but is it legal to drive with something hanging out of you car boot if you secure the load and the boot lid properly?

Only asking as I have to take some 5 metre lengths of skirting board from prenton to Liverpool tomorrow ( via the tunnel ) and I only have a tiny pug 106. Am I likely to get fined if pulled?

Thanks in advance,
Volly

Put a floured ant flag or something on the end of the cargo so it is via able to other road users.

Sorry volly, that should of read...

Put a flouresant flag or something on the end of the cargo so it is visable to other road users.

Stupid iPhone.

Lmao! Cheers mate. I wondered what a floured ant flag was, lol.

So if I put a flouresant flag on the end, I'll avoid a pull and potential fine?

Just don't forget that if it sticks out a long way, when you turn sharply it can overlap the pavement, parked cars or opposite carriageway - you don't want to wipe out pedestrians or other vehicles.

Better go through the tunnel barrier sharpish or it may come down on your wood!

As long as its secure, not a danger to yourself and has visible markings for other road users I think not.

That's what we used to do when I was roofing anyway lol.

If unsure I would ask the police, they should be able to help, pm wench on here, she deals with traffic violations I think

Originally Posted by diggingdeeper

Better go through the tunnel barrier sharpish or it may come down on your wood!

OUCH! ha ha

Thanks again bud

Only thing I would say is that 5 metres is half as long again as the 106 so the wood is going to stick out probably 2 metres minimum.I don't know how you will make it safe with that much sticking out the back as it will surely sag and could even obscure the rear brake and indicator lights.The point about turning corners is very valid as well. Best of luck with that trip.

*Visions of a drive-by jousting*

IIRC, if it overhangs the vehicle by a certain amount (2 metres?) at either end it needs a visual marker on the end to signify it.

I believe legally it has to be a type of fluro triangle, like the ones you get in break down kits. But you see fluro vests and old rags on the end of most vehicles anyway, so not sure how enforced this is, as long as its visibly marked.

*QUOTE* From askthe.police.uk

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q748.htm

Quote

The maximum overhang to both the front and back of a vehicle (includes trailers) is a tricky matter. The overhang which you can have on such a vehicle is 60% of the distance between the foremost axle and where the overhang is to begin. So, the allowed overhang to the rear would be 60% of the distance between your front wheels and where the overhang is to commence. For overhang to the front, this would be measured as 60% of the distance from your front wheels to the front of your vehicle. Any measurements from the front wheels should be taken from the centre of those wheels.

You should mark overhangs with a bright cloth.

Have a look at this

Do what i used to do, depending on the quantity of course!
Have them thru the front passenger window and then thru the rear if you need. Tye the bundles and wind the front window up to secure them. Lash the rears and the hatch down securely. You should get about 1m out the front depending on length of wood!!

You will definitely get pulled in the tunnel. Heavy fine too. Better to hire a bigger car-it's cheaper than penalty points!! :-)

In any case, you stand a good chance of damaging another vehicle because the B'head tunnel s curved-and if that vehicle is, say, a Lexus sports coupe being driven by a local drug dealer you might get murdered in a road rage attack if you snap his mirrors off with the trailing edge of your skirting. It's just not worth 6 penalty points and a shiv in the goolies is it? Drive carefully now!! :-)

Thanks for all the replies.

Decided to go in work earlier and chop them in half, ha ha.

Cheers, volly

Chop in half best idea!

Also make sure your number plate is still visible if they're hanging out the boot

Originally Posted by _Ste_

Put a floured ant flag or something on the end of the cargo so it is via able to other road users.

I have some floured ants i dont need if you need them lol.

Originally Posted by Volly

Hey all,

Just wondering if somebody can help me please?

We've all seen it, a lot of us have probably done it, but is it legal to drive with something hanging out of you car boot if you secure the load and the boot lid properly?

Only asking as I have to take some 5 metre lengths of skirting board from prenton to Liverpool tomorrow ( via the tunnel ) and I only have a tiny pug 106. Am I likely to get fined if pulled?

Thanks in advance,
Volly

Volly have you not got a friend with a van ?

yrs ago i had to transport some plastic piping and all i did was secure it over the door mirror and then lash it to the rear hatch with a further lashing thru the rear door window overhang was bout a foot each end and Ionly had a hillman hunter lol