Virginia law requires loads extending beyond a vehicle to be marked for safety. Non-commercial vehicles must display a red flag if the load extends more than four feet beyond the rear, while commercial vehicles need warning flags or lights depending on load size and visibility conditions. The law aims to improve road safety by clearly marking protruding loads.
A red flag must be displayed at the end of the load if it extends more than four feet beyond the rear of the vehicle's bed or body.
Warning flags on commercial vehicles must be at least 18 inches in length and width, with one flag if the load extends more than four inches beyond the sides or rear, and two if wider than two feet.
Yes, between sunset and sunrise, a red light must be displayed at the end of the load, visible at least 500 feet to the sides and rear.
Red or orange fluorescent warning flags are used to mark the extremities of loads extending beyond the sides or rear of commercial motor vehicles.