When must a red flag be attached to a load?

A red flag must be attached to a load when it extends beyond the dimensions of the vehicle, specifically when it exceeds 1 meter in length. This requirement is in place for safety reasons; by marking the protruding load, you alert other road users to its presence, reducing the risk of accidents. A load that extends too far can obstruct visibility or present a hazard, making it crucial for drivers to use these flags to indicate the extent of the load.

The measurement of 1 meter is a standard rule in many jurisdictions to ensure both the safety of the vehicle and other road users. This regulation helps in making sure that the load is clearly visible to other motorists, thus maintaining safe distances and awareness on the road.

Other options list measurements that are either too high or conditions that do not align with typical regulations governing load signaling. The choice that states only during nighttime travel refers to an additional requirement of using lights instead of flags, which may not entirely replace the need to mark overhanging loads during the day. Thus, the most relevant and widely accepted standard requires the use of a red flag when a load exceeds 1 meter from the vehicle.