How must loads exceeding four feet in length be secured during transport?

When transporting loads that exceed four feet in length, a visible red flag is required to ensure the safety of the load and other road users. This red flag serves as a clear warning to driver’s and pedestrians that the load extends beyond the standard dimensions of the vehicle, which helps to prevent accidents by improving visibility.

Although securing the load properly is critical, simply tying it down or placing it inside the vehicle bed does not address the critical issue of alerting other drivers about the extended load, especially in cases where the load might be protruding significantly from the vehicle. Additionally, marking with a caution sign would not provide the same level of immediate visibility as a bright red flag, which is specifically recognized for this purpose. Therefore, displaying a visible red flag is the correct and most effective method to ensure that larger loads are communicated properly to others on the road.