Transporting a flagpole in Belgium: loads and the highway code

A flagpole of 6 to 8 metres is longer than most cars and trailers. Anyone collecting or transporting a pole themselves is subject to the rules of the Belgian highway code on the dimensions and marking of loads. Many suppliers therefore deliver poles in sections or by lorry.

How far a load may overhang

Article 46 of the highway code regulates the dimensions of loads:

• The load may in no case overhang the front of the vehicle, with an exception for car transporters.
• For cars and other vehicles, the load may generally overhang the rear by no more than 1 metre.
• For long, indivisible items, the code allows a longer overhang. Since the highway code was regionalised, the rules for this may differ in Flanders from those in Brussels and Wallonia. The text for Brussels and Wallonia sets a limit of 3 metres for long, indivisible items.
• For bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles and their trailers, the limit is 0.50 metre.

According to Wegcode.be, the maximum height of a loaded vehicle, including a roof box or a load on the roof, is 4 metres, and the maximum width 2.55 metres.

Marking an overhanging load

Under article 47 of the highway code, a load overhanging the rear of the vehicle by more than 1 metre is marked with:

• a square panel with sides of 0.50 metre, with alternating red and white stripes about 75 mm wide and retroreflective red stripes, fixed to the furthest point of the load, at right angles to the vehicle's centre line
• for a vehicle travelling with its lights on, such as at night: also a rear-facing red light and an orange reflector on each side

Poles in sections

Many poles for private individuals consist of two or more sections that are slotted together on site. Retracted telescopic poles are often shorter than 2 metres. Such poles fit in a van or on a roof rack without an overhanging load. Larger one-piece poles are usually delivered by lorry or on a trailer.

Loading and unloading

A long pole is awkward to carry and can strike vehicles, façades or overhead lines when loaded and unloaded. KLIM-CICC warns of the dangers of insufficient distance from overhead high-voltage lines. When raising a pole, it is customary to work with two or more people, or with a crane for large poles. More on this is in the guide on flagpole safety.

Protection during transport

The finish of a pole, such as anodising, powder coating or gelcoat, can be damaged in transport. Poles are therefore usually delivered wrapped in film or cardboard. Damage that existed at delivery is covered by the legal guarantee, as described in the guide on the price of a flagpole.