OAR 734-082-0037: Warning Signs and Flags Required

(1) Over-length or over-width vehicles, or vehicles transporting over-length or over-width loads are required to display to the front and rear standard signs bearing the words “OVERSIZE LOAD”: (a) Signs must be seven feet wide by 18 inches high with black letters 10 inches high in accordance with Federal Highway Administration series C on highway yellow background; (b) The highway yellow background of the sign must be made of reflectorized material when operating between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise; (c) Signs must be kept clean, legible and mounted horizontally with adequate support to provide full visibility at all times when in use; (d) Signs must not cover or interfere with the visibility of the vehicle’s registration plates. To meet this requirement, plates may be mounted to cover a portion of the sign’s background, as long as the sign’s legend remains readable; and (e) All such signs must be removed or retracted when not required. (2) Warning signs for vehicles transporting loads which are overwidth and under 80 feet in overall length may bear the words “WIDE LOAD” provided the sign meets the standards described in section (1) of this rule. (3) Warning signs for vehicles transporting loads which are not over eight feet six inches wide may bear the words “LONG LOAD” when the vehicle and overhang are over 80 feet in overall length provided the sign meets the standards described in section (1) of this rule. (4) The outermost extremities of any overwidth load must be marked during daylight hours with red flags not less than 18 inches square. Flags must be kept clean and must be clearly visible to the front and rear. The attachment device must not extend beyond the widest extremity by more than three inches on either side. (5) When a load extends beyond the rear of the load carrying part of the vehicle four feet or more, the outermost extremity of the load must be visibly marked as described in ORS 815.275. When a red flag or cloth is used, it must be not less than 18 inches square, kept clean and must be clearly visible. The attachment device must not extend beyond the rear of the load more than three inches. (6) If placement of the sign described in section (1) on a self-propelled mobile crane obscures the vehicles headlights, turn signals, license plates, brake lights or taillights, the requirements of this rule may be met if the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers are constructed or painted with a highway yellow background and the words “OVERSIZE LOAD” are painted, or applied by decal, on the bumper. Visibility of the sign may not be obscured by any other part of the vehicle, including but not limited to an auxiliary axle or jeep axle. The sign requirements in subsection (1)(a) through (1)(d) apply to this section. (7) The provisions of subsection (1)(a) and (1)(c) of this rule regarding the warning sign size, color and lettering do not apply to operations of vehicles described in section (6) if conducted in compliance with regulations from the state in which the vehicle is registered. However, nothing in this subsection relieves a person from displaying a warning sign, visibility of sign, or using reflective material when required.