My First over sized load

I always get passed by OD loads and their escorts!

 

I lived and worked out of Northern Virginia, hauled local all the time and that was in a 500 mile radius. Maryland never messed with me about having a oversize load sign, my wide load side of the signs were never used that I recall and not to argue what is correct or not.

I never had one ticket for using oversize load signs, even the District of Columbia has DOT and not a peep from them.

 

I see a lot of other drivers that leave the OVERSIZE LOAD sign on the front bumper even when they are running empty or with a legal width load.. I also was doing this because (I know this is going to sound stupid) I didnt want to attatch the signage to my front bumper with bungee cords and scratch the bumper all up with the metal hooks. (I have a brand spanking new 2013 Pro Star that still has under 2000 miles because I run local - Still have the plastic on the passenger seat) I mounted the front bumper sign all nice and passed through Georgia Scales several times on 16 and on 95 down past Brunswick. The other day there was a DOT officer standing out in the weight ok lane stopping random trucks, He told me I needed to remove the Oversize Load sign on the bumper if I wasnt hauling anything. Was I in the wrong for leaving the sign on the bumper?

 

I have found most states frown upon the signs being on if not hauling if you can remove it, it is a ticket in Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

But know many have gotten away with it and never been stopped, I just take them off and it saves the lifespan of the signs.

 

I use "oversize load" banners east coast and gulf states, have'nt had any issues. Most times I just roll the front banner up a little to avoid confusion at toll booths and scales while running empty.

 

Got any cool ideas for mounting the banners? My issue is with the size of the bumper and the fact that the banner did cover the license plate... I had removed the plate, hung the banner and then mounted the plate over the banner. The banner is about 1/2 inch less than the height of the beumper.

 

Flip up license plate holder, or mount it lower down like I did if that will work for you. As seen here in colder climates....

I also remove all signs etc when empty.

Martin

 

Some states will fine you for having the signs displayed when mty. or bobtailing.
yes I get lzy from time to time and leave my front sign on.
Almost cost me a fine in S.D. Was asked about the sign and flags. Told the scale lady I was lazy. She stated lazy can cost me a ticket. Told her I got a sudden burst of power. She laughed and said good to hear that.
Pa. will bust you. So will N.D. if you find the wrong officer.

 

Haven't done any in years, but I know Pennsylvania did put on the permit that all signs had to be removed, after the haul.

 

Have plenty of flags to meet any requirements. I had 7 on for a 12' 6" x 56' load when I hit MN a couple weeks ago. DOT officer said add 4 more and then go ahead. It was on the permit, but I missed it.