Skip to content
Flagpole Guides
Italy

Transporting a flagpole in Italy

Published Written by

This page is an English translation of the Italian original. Where the two versions differ, the Italian text is the original.

A ground-mounted pole is often longer than a car. A 6-metre pole in a single piece is longer than many cars. Transport is therefore part of the purchase, and the Highway Code (Codice della strada) sets precise rules for a load that projects from the vehicle. This guide summarises what article 164 provides and the most common solutions.

What article 164 of the Highway Code says

Article 164 governs securing loads on vehicles. The load is arranged so as to:

  • prevent it falling or spilling;
  • not reduce the driver's visibility or restrict their freedom of movement;
  • not compromise the vehicle's stability;
  • not cover lights, signalling devices and number plates.

On projections, the article provides that:

ProjectionRule
FrontNot permitted
RearPermitted for indivisible items up to 3/10 of the vehicle's length, within the dimension limits
SidesUp to 30 cm from the position lights; poles, bars and similar horizontal loads may not project sideways
MarkingOne or two square retroreflective panels at the end of the projection

For a car 4.5 metres long, 3/10 of the length corresponds to 1.35 metres of rear projection. The load may also not drag on the ground.

Penalties

Under article 164, anyone who breaks these rules is liable to an administrative fine of 87 to 344 euros. The vehicle may not continue its journey until the load is secured, and the officer withdraws the registration document and driving licence, which are returned once the load has been secured.

Transport options

  • Delivery by the supplier: many suppliers deliver flagpoles with suitable vehicles, often at extra cost.
  • Pole in sections: some poles come in two or three sections that slot together, which are easier to transport.
  • Van or trailer: a longer vehicle reduces or removes the projection.
  • Roof rack: for short, light poles, with the load secured at several points.

The cost of transport is part of the total price, as described in the guide to buying a flagpole.

Buying online and delivery

For a distance purchase, the 14-day withdrawal period in article 52 of the Consumer Code runs, for goods, from the day the consumer takes possession of them. On delivery it is common to check that the pole and its parts are undamaged, because scratches and dents are easier to report straight away.

On arrival

A long pole is stored horizontally, supported at several points, to prevent it bending. Anodised or coated surfaces stay protected in their packaging until installation. Installation is described in the guide to flagpole installation, and the types of flagpoles in the guide to types of flagpoles.

Frequently asked questions

Can a flagpole stick out of a car?

Under article 164 of the Highway Code, a load may not project from the front of the vehicle. It may project from the rear, if it consists of indivisible items, by up to 3/10 of the vehicle's length, within the dimension limits of article 61.

How is a projecting load marked?

Article 164 provides that a projecting load is marked with one or two square retroreflective panels at the end of the projection, of an approved model.

What penalties does the law set for a badly secured load?

Article 164 of the Highway Code sets an administrative fine of 87 to 344 euros. The vehicle may not continue until the load is secured, and the officer withdraws the registration document and driving licence until then.

Sources

This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Italian:

Related guides