Trailer overhang rules?

Well out of my wheelhouse here, but I don't think I have ever seen a 3 car wedge in MA with overhang. I'm going out on a limb and saying it's probably a no in MA.

 

Out of mine too, but I know CT says no overhang on a 48' flat.... but that is because 48' is the legal length of the load. A 40' flat can legally have 8' of overhang. I'm not sure about a wedge because different trailers, different rules, it may come down to trailer length or whether or not the load is divisible.

 

Short answer, no, your combination does not meet the definition of an automobile transporter. Most states will classify you as a flatbed with a divisible load, which eliminates any overhang. I will break it down further as below (NN is the National Network of highways includes US Routes and Interstates)

NJ no overhang, 53' trailers allowed BUT anything over 96" wide is only allowed on NN and 102 routes

NY no overhang either end of trailer or up to total length of 53' cargo

CT no overhang, 48' trailer on all roads except NN, 65' overall extreme length for truck-trailer combos

RI appears to allow 3' to front of power unit, 4' to rear of trailer, no 53' trailers off NN, 41' kingpin to rear axle

They don't have a clear definition of auto transporter or divisible load. I may be wrong though.​

MA I am not sure about, can't find my clear guidance sheet for them

PA no overhang, 65' extreme bumper to bumper on combinations off the NN, also 96" width off the NN

 

Ma allows for a 4 foot overhang before you need an oversized permit. At least on flat bed loads

 

Is that 4 foot for all loads or only non-divisible like pipe, poles, beams and such? The problem many car haulers have that use high-mount trailers is they don't get the Federal allowance for overhang in many states, they get treated just like any flatbed hauling a divisible load.

 

Running through NY, MA and CT a lot, I can't say if it's legal or not but I see more with overhang on high mounts and ramp trailers than without.

 

It is not legal
Unless the power unit can carry a motor vehicle.