Transporting a flagpole in Switzerland: rules for long loads

A flagpole of 6, 7 or 8 metres fits in no car. Anyone collecting one themselves or taking an old one to the collection point after removal is transporting a long load, for which the Swiss Traffic Rules Ordinance (VRV) contains precise rules. Many specialist retailers therefore deliver poles with their own vehicles or by freight carrier.

How far the load may overhang

Article 73 of the ordinance sets the dimensions for loads that overhang the loading area:

The dimensions do not refer to the edges of the vehicle but to the steering wheel and the rear axle. On a car with a long rear overhang, there is therefore less room behind the end of the vehicle than the 5 metres suggest. A trailer with a long loading area or a van with a roof rack is often better suited to long poles.

Marking

Under Article 58(2bis) of the ordinance, the end of loads that overhang the rear of the vehicle by more than 1 metre must be clearly marked. For loads that overhang at the side in a way that is not easy to see, Article 58(2) requires the outermost points to be marked with pennants or boards by day and with lights or reflectors at night and when the weather requires, white to the front and red to the rear. Under Article 57, the load and load carriers may not cover the number plates or the lights.

Securing the load

Under Article 73(5) of the ordinance, appropriate measures must ensure that loads and parts of loads cannot easily be blown off. In practice, a pole is usually lashed down at several points so that it cannot shift forwards or backwards, and loose parts such as finial, pulley and rope are removed or packed separately. Under Article 57, the driver checks before setting off that the vehicle and load are in the condition required by the rules.

View and protection

Under Article 73, loads in front of or beside the driver’s seat are only permitted if they do not obstruct the view. Under Article 58(1), loads that could be dangerous in a collision because of points, cutting edges or corners are fitted with protective devices. The open end of a pole can be such an edge.

Protecting the pole

An aluminium pole is light but sensitive to scratches and dents. Padding at the support points and packaging protect the surface. Long poles sag if they rest on only two points; support along the whole length, for example on a ladder on the roof rack or on a long trailer bed, prevents this.

Delivery by the trade

Many Swiss specialist retailers deliver poles with their own vehicles or by freight carrier and also offer installation. Transport can make up a noticeable part of the price; more in the guide to buying a flagpole. How the pole is put up after transport is covered in the guide to flagpole installation.