Is it legal to drive with my boot open.

brokenant

I can't find an answer so wondered if anyone knew.
Need to pick up some 12 foot fence posts and my big trailers is up north at the moment, so will have to fit in the car.
I've had a quick guesstimation and I think my boot door will be between a third and half open, with the posts protruding about 2ft. Problem is its side opening and has the number plate on it so will be at up to a 45 degree angle. Any ideas.

McKneff

If you are spotted, 3 points and 80 quid fine, is that cheaper than a delivery charge

And factor in the extra insurance premiums you will pay on your insurance for years to come
because you have 3 points. Its a no brainer really


How much is the delivery charge, you choose.

Hammyman

brokenant wrote: »

I can't find an answer so wondered if anyone knew.
Need to pick up some 12 foot fence posts and my big trailers is up north at the moment, so will have to fit in the car.
I've had a quick guesstimation and I think my boot door will be between a third and half open, with the posts protruding about 2ft. Problem is its side opening and has the number plate on it so will be at up to a 45 degree angle. Any ideas.

Yes it is legal to drive with the boot open.

HOWEVER anything protruding more than 6 inches to the side or three feet to the rear of the outline of the car is classed as an abnormal load and you would have to go through all the song and dance required for that including not just putting marker boards on but submitting a route to the police and council and getting an abnormal load movements permission.

All numberplates and lights have to be clearly visible.

Hammyman

brokenant wrote: »

I can't find an answer so wondered if anyone knew.
Need to pick up some 12 foot fence posts and my big trailers is up north at the moment, so will have to fit in the car.
I've had a quick guesstimation and I think my boot door will be between a third and half open, with the posts protruding about 2ft. Problem is its side opening and has the number plate on it so will be at up to a 45 degree angle. Any ideas.

Yes it is legal to drive with the boot open.

HOWEVER anything protruding more than 6 inches to the side or three feet to the rear of the outline of the car is classed as an abnormal load and you would have to go through all the song and dance required for that.

Weird_Nev

I can't see it being an issue so long as it's a short trip, the posts are properly secured and so is your boot door.

Be aware the effects of exhaust gas being drawn into the cabin: Open front windows a bit and have the fans on too to blow air through the cabin to avoid this.

mikey72

Hammyman wrote: »

Yes it is legal to drive with the boot open.

HOWEVER anything protruding more than 6 inches to the side or three feet to the rear of the outline of the car is classed as an abnormal load and you would have to go through all the song and dance required for that including not just putting marker boards on but submitting a route to the police and council and getting an abnormal load movements permission.

All numberplates and lights have to be clearly visible.

I have a fencepost in my car, can I submit a route please, and can I have all the abnormal load permissions? :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

brokenant

McKneff wrote: »

If you are spotted, 3 points and 80 quid fine, is that cheaper than a delivery charge

And factor in the extra insurance premiums you will pay on your insurance for years to come
because you have 3 points. Its a no brainer really


How much is the delivery charge, you choose.

Do you know what offence is that for? I need to pick them up tomorrow.

paddedjohn

As long as the load is secure, doesnt stick out from the car more than 2 foot, your lights and number plate arent obscured and your rear view vision isnt impaired then you should be ok.

The_Turner

McKneff wrote: »

If you are spotted, 3 points and 80 quid fine, is that cheaper than a delivery charge

And factor in the extra insurance premiums you will pay on your insurance for years to come
because you have 3 points. Its a no brainer really


How much is the delivery charge, you choose.

Wrong, there is no traffic ticket with an £80 fine. That's the second time in weeks that you've given wrong advice. You are a classic example of why forum advice is dangerous.

martinthebandit

With side opening I think the problem may be that your lights may be slightly obstructed, personally I would still do it but I would also use a trailer board, especially this time of year.

Although without one you will probably get away with it, unless you meet a particularly anul plod (and there does seem to be more of that sort about than there used to be)

[Deleted User]

Hi,

take a saw with you and cut them in half, then rejoin them with a splint. :rotfl: