How far can cargo protrude on a trailer?
Transporting an object larger than your trailer is subject to certain rules. For example, the load may not protrude too much beyond your trailer. This does depend on the type of cargo you are transporting. On Alpina.nl we explain it to you and have listed all the rules!
If you often haul cargo, it is wise to look into trailer insurance as well. You are not required to insure your trailer, but it may be wise. Trailer insurance is especially wise when the trailer has a high daily value or is indispensable to you, such as because of your job.
Divisible load or indivisible load?
How far cargo may protrude on a trailer depends on the type of cargo you are transporting. A distinction is made between divisible cargo and indivisible cargo. Divisible cargo is cargo that can be divided into smaller parts, such as a package or object that can be disassembled. Indivisible cargo is cargo that you cannot divide or disassemble without damaging the object. Indivisible cargo is, for example, a ladder or pole.
There are more stringent requirements for divisible cargo than for indivisible cargo. This is because you can easily make the load smaller. Therefore, you are expected to do so in order to reduce the risk of accidents.
Rules on protruding trailer cargo
On a trailer or semi-trailer, cargo may NOT protrude at the front. Divisible loads may protrude no more than 20 cm at the sides, indivisible loads may protrude more than 20 cm at the sides if the trailer is no wider than 3 m. Partial loads may not protrude more than 1 m at the rear, indivisible loads may protrude more than 1 m under certain conditions. That condition is that the load does not protrude more than half the length of the trailer, with a maximum of 5 m from the rear axle.
Example: If your trailer is 6 meters long, the protruding (indivisible) load should not protrude more than 3 meters behind the rear axle of the trailer.
You are also required to secure, secure or cover the load on your trailer so well that the load cannot fall off the trailer while driving.
Do I need a marking plate if my cargo protrudes on my trailer?
In some cases, you must use a marking sign on your trailer. This is required if the load protrudes more than 1 meter in length (at the front or rear) or if the protruding load protrudes more than 10 cm in width (with the exception of a passenger car).
A marker sign is a square sign with parallel diagonal stripes in red and white. The sign must have a width of no less than 7 cm and no more than 10 cm. If you transport protruding cargo at night, you must also pay attention to lighting. You will need at least one white light in front and one red light at the back.
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