Rear Overhang: OR vs WA

if you hang your kayak out the back of a car or truck, this may surprise you:

WA:  rear overhang is limited to 15' back from rear wheels/axle.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.44.034

OR:  rear overhang is limited to 75% of the wheelbase measured back from rear wheels/axle.

http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/818.080  (Table II, item 4)

so in my case, small SUV with 106.6" wheelbase, the rear overhang can be 80" in OR; 180" in WA! 

in this image, as my PA12 normally rides, end is 5' out from rear bumper supported by hitch carrier about 2.5' out; it is 92" out from the rear wheels.  so I am in violation of OR rules by a full foot!   

I contacted OR Troopers about this goofy rule and got a reply that I have done the calculation correctly.    cheers? roger

Yep. That's ODOT for ya.

I've got a feeling that is a "rarely enforced" rule if the load is tied down and flagged properly, but nonetheless some cop who didn't get his donut that morning could cite you.

Easy now, everyone knows it's now lattes and scones...black coffee and doughnuts are a thing of the past...

Yep. That's ODOT for ya.

I've got a feeling that is a "rarely enforced" rule if the load is tied down and flagged properly, but nonetheless some cop who didn't get his donut that morning could cite you.

agreed, I am not planning to change things because it makes no sense (I could flip down the front pass seat and slide the PA12 another foot forward if I wanted to)...here is another way to look at it:  front bumper to back of the yak is 19.5' for my whole deal...a new Silverado crew cab with full bed is 21.5' long..with nothing hanging out the back...

maybe I could put some little wheels on the side of the hitch carrier and call it a "trailer"...LOL

Since I have my trident on the back of my f350 long box pickup with the rudder a inch from the rear window I would be In violation to most likely. yet I have had conversations with many county,city,and state police about my kayak and how I fish from it and the normal inquiries about it and that never comes up lol.its secured well and bright orange and yellow.so if that and a red pickup doesn't say here I am look at me what does.also I never flag it if someone hits it they are under my rear bumper already.

Easy now, everyone knows it's now lattes and scones...black coffee and doughnuts are a thing of the past...

I've never felt safer than when the Starbucks near my house went 24-hour.

Easy now, everyone knows it's now lattes and scones...black coffee and doughnuts are a thing of the past...

I've never felt safer than when the Starbucks near my house went 24-hour.

I see cops at Starbucks more than any other single place these days.

For safety, it would be a very good idea to hang a red flag or a blinking red light (like those used on bicycles) on the rear end of your projecting load.   

For safety, it would be a very good idea to hang a red flag or a blinking red light (like those used on bicycles) on the rear end of your projecting load.

correct, it is required at 48" rear overhang measured from the rear of the vehicle; the orange safety flag you can see at the end of my kayak well exceeds the state requirement for size of the rear warning flag...

I've hauled material for years on pickups.....I have always followed the 4' rule, if it hangs out 4 or more....flag it well. Never have been stopped for it.

I've hauled material for years on pickups.....I have always followed the 4' rule, if it hangs out 4 or more....flag it well. Never have been stopped for it.

same here, I almost wish that the OR rule had not been brought to my attention but not being aware of a law is worse;  regardless of how goofy it seems to be.