When must a load projecting beyond the rear end of a vehicle display a red flag?

A load projecting beyond the rear end of a vehicle must display a red flag when it extends more than 4 feet. This regulation is in place to ensure safety on the road by alerting other drivers to the presence of an extended load. The red flag serves as a visible warning, helping to prevent accidents that might occur due to reduced visibility of the load. When a load extends beyond this specified distance, it becomes crucial to use the flag to indicate to other vehicles that they should exercise caution.

In Montana, and many other states, this rule helps maintain traffic flow and safety by ensuring that all road users are aware of potential protrusions from vehicles. While other distances may be considered for different regulations or types of loads, the 4-foot mark is established as the threshold for requiring a visible warning flag to avoid dangers associated with extended loads.