Length Requirements for Placing Items on the Roof of a Private Car?
3 Answers
Private car roof load length requirements stipulate that the total height from the ground upwards must not exceed 4 meters; from the roof upwards, it must not exceed 0.5 meters. Items that can be placed on roof racks include: 1. Ropes: Generally, items with relatively complex structures can be secured with ropes due to their wider fixation area and reduced risk of slipping. 2. Luggage nets: Luggage nets are suitable for lightweight materials that are difficult to secure with elastic straps, such as tent materials which might slip if fastened solely with elastic straps. 3. Car roof boxes: Although car roof boxes have limited capacity, they offer stability and are commonly used by car owners to store travel clothing. Additionally, they can serve a decorative purpose.
I've checked the regulations before. The length of items on the roof must not exceed the total length of the vehicle, otherwise you'll be fined if caught by the police. The height must also not exceed 0.5 meters above the roof. For example, if an SUV's roof height is 1.7 meters, the total height of the cargo after installing a roof rack cannot exceed 2.2 meters. When installing, it's best to measure with a tape measure. Once, I exceeded the limit by 10 cm when transporting a surfboard, and it swayed left and right due to the wind on the road. I recommend using crossbars and a mesh net for securing. Checking the tightness of the straps before long trips is crucial. Last year, a friend's roof box shifted on the highway due to poor fixation. Remember to walk around the car after loading to ensure it doesn't obstruct the rearview mirror's visibility. Safety should always come first.
The length limit for roof cargo actually depends on the vehicle type, with different standards for sedans and station wagons. The legal requirement is that the cargo must not extend beyond the front or rear of the vehicle. I always keep my ski equipment within the dimensions of the roof rack. It's advisable to leave a safe distance at both ends when loading, especially ensuring enough space for the tailgate to open. For height, the cargo should not exceed half a meter from the roof, and the total height with the rack should stay under the 4-meter limit. I've used cargo nets and elastic cords for cross-securing and found that elastic straps reduce shaking better than rigid ones. It's best to avoid carrying items on the roof in bad weather, as cargo can shift dangerously in strong winds.
