Is it legal to drive with my boot open.

oldagetraveller

It was always advised to open a front side window when driving with boot/tailgate open. It is said to reduce exhaust fumes being drawn into the car due to the aerodynamics.

scheming_gypsy

oldagetraveller wrote: »

It was always advised to open a front side window when driving with boot/tailgate open. It is said to reduce exhaust fumes being drawn into the car due to the aerodynamics.

and if it's the passenger one, they can poke the poles out of the window to reduce the overhang at the back,.

Norman_Castle

You should keep dash vents open and all of the windows closed. If the windows are open, at lower speeds, air will be drawn out through the windows and in, with exhaust fumes, through the open boot.

cardinalbiggles

Norman_Castle wrote: »

You should keep dash vents open and all of the windows closed. If the windows are open, at lower speeds, air will be drawn out through the windows and in, with exhaust fumes, through the open boot.

You beat me to it, you will get fumes coming into the car when the boot is open, its not pleasant to say the least.

Gloomendoom

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.

Things have obviously changed since metrication. The current regs say...

Rear overhang

Less than 1 metre: No requirement

1m - 2m: Render clearly visable (ie- red ribbons, high vis vest, etc) "Clearly visible means within a reasonable distance to a person using the road"

2m - 3.05: Rear marker board required:

Over 3.05 metres: 2 working days notice to the police must be given.

Projections and overhang to the front:

0 - 2m: No requirements

2m - 3.05: Front and side marker board.

Overhang above 3.05: 2 working days notice to the police:

brokenant

martinthebandit wrote: »

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)

The lights shouldn't be a problem as they are on the main body of the car. It's the number plate I have concerns over, but can't find any reference to it.

Gloomendoom

brokenant wrote: »

The lights shouldn't be a problem as they are on the main body of the car. It's the number plate I have concerns over, but can't find any reference to it.

The number plate should be vertical.

How far have you got to go? I have done similar trips several times without any problems. I have always tied the tailgate or boot lid down as far as it will go with a bungee cord or strap. As others have said, wind down the driver's door window to prevent fumes being sucked back into the cabin.

brokenant

It will be vertical because its side opening, its just the door and number plate will be at a 45 degree angle.
Thanks for the tips about fumes, hadn't even thought about that.

Norman_Castle

As others have said, wind down the driver's door window to prevent fumes being sucked back into the cabin.

Opening the window will cause fumes to be drawn into the car. Keep the windows closed.

pendulum

We drove back from B&Q with planks hanging 3ft out the back and the boot (with numberplate) at 45 degrees. Not one but two traffic cops passed us on the A127 and although one did have a jolly good look he decided it wasn't worth his time pulling us.

As long as you're clearly not taking the !!!!, have the overhang wrapped in a bright colour and drive sensibly you "should" be ok. If you're in a van though and he thinks you're doing it regularly I don't think you'll be so lucky but if its clearly just a one off the risk of getting pulled is low and then it's probably going to be just a warning if you do get pulled, it's up to you though.

I've never experienced fumes coming in to the car with the boot open, it must depend on the design of the car at the rear.