Transporting a flagpole in Denmark: rules for long loads
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
This page is an English translation of the Danish original. Where the two versions differ, the Danish text is the original.
A flagpole of 8 or 10 metres is longer than most cars and trailers. Many retailers therefore deliver the pole or sell it in several sections. Anyone collecting a long pole themselves is subject to the rules on marking long loads. This guide brings together the rules and common practice when transporting flagpoles.
Marking long loads
The Ministry of Justice executive order on marking long or wide loads from 1977 still applies:
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Load projects more than 1 m to the rear | Marked (section 1) |
| Load projects more than 1 m to the front | Marked (section 2) |
| Load projects more than 2 m to the front | The driver is accompanied by a helper (section 3) |
| Load projects more than 15 cm to the side | Marked (section 4) |
| Breach | Fine (section 6) |
What the marking looks like
Under the executive order, the marking is a cylindrical object that is white with at least two red reflective stripes, at least 30 cm high and at least 10 cm in diameter. The marking sits on the part of the load that projects furthest, as low as possible but no lower than 350 mm, so the driver has a clear view and it does not endanger others.
For non-commercial transport outside lighting-up time, the marking can instead be a light-coloured cloth or other clear marking. This is the rule most often used when a private person collects a flagpole in daylight.
In the dark
During lighting-up time, stricter requirements apply:
- a load projecting more than 1 metre to the rear has at least one lamp showing red to the rear
- a load projecting more than 1 metre to the front has at least one lamp showing white to the front
- a load projecting more than 15 cm to the side has both a white lamp to the front and a red one to the rear
Practical points
- Several sections: Many glass-fibre and metal flagpoles are delivered in several sections that are joined during installation.
- Support on the way: A long pole is supported so it does not bend or vibrate, and secured so it cannot shift under braking.
- Surface: The finial, pulley and surface are protected from scratches, especially on a painted wooden pole.
- Delivery: Many retailers offer delivery, and it is often a separate item.
According to Bolius, a flagpole for a suburban garden is typically 7 to 10 metres, so most garden flagpoles are longer than an ordinary trailer.
Installation is described in the guide to flagpole installation, the types in the guide to types of flagpoles, and the materials in the guide to flagpole materials.
Frequently asked questions
When is a flagpole on a car marked?
Under the executive order on marking long or wide loads, a load is marked if it projects more than 1 metre beyond the rearmost or foremost point of the vehicle, or more than 15 cm beyond its side.
How is a long flagpole marked?
Under the executive order, the marking is a cylindrical object, white with at least two red reflective stripes, at least 30 cm high and 10 cm in diameter. For non-commercial transport outside lighting-up time, a light-coloured cloth or other clear marking can be used.
What applies in the dark?
During lighting-up time, a load projecting more than 1 metre to the rear is also marked with at least one lamp showing red to the rear under the executive order. If the load projects at the front, it is a lamp showing white to the front.
What if the flagpole projects more than 2 metres in front?
Under section 3 of the executive order, the driver is accompanied by a person who, at junctions, level crossings and similar difficult places, can help the driver and warn other road users.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Danish:
Related guides
- Flagpole installationFlagpole installation in Denmark: the Building Act, local plans and easements, coastal protection, distance to the boundary, foundation and position.
- Types of flagpolesTypes of flagpoles in Denmark: free-standing poles with a base or tilting bracket, external and internal halyards, poles on buildings and flag avenues.
- Flagpole materialsFlagpole materials in Denmark: glass fibre, wood, aluminium and steel – maintenance, durability, appearance and price compared.
- Lifespan and sustainabilityLifespan and sustainability of flagpole and flag in Denmark: what wears wood, glass fibre and metal, how flags last longer, and disposal of worn flags.