Driving a pick up with tailgate down and canopy up.

[Kev78]

I need to collect some 6x4 panels.

Is it legal to drive a pick up with the tailgate open and deck cover up?

I can’t see any reason not, if they are secured?

It is only a short journey.

Thanks

[Pericoloso]

As long as lights and number plates are in full view ,can't see a problem.

[KelWedge]

I am sure there is some rule about how far they can stick out but cant remember the figure.
But as long as lights and number plate can be seen, I would not worry about that size panel
in the rear of my Hi Lux (Double Cab)

[vonhosen]

There are generally two separate considerations.

1) In respect of load the rules are in relation to rear overhang of the load beyond the vehicle.

2) In respect of the vehicle itself there are limits to how much the rear of the vehicle projects beyond the rear axle.


Con & Use Regs.

[InitialDave]

I don't think you'll meet the requirement for it to be necessary, but you could put one of the projecting load warning triangles out the back.
Your lights should be visible with the tailgate down, but what about your numberplate?

I've done the same thing in my Landie a couple of times without issue. You'd probably need a copper suffering a significant sense of humour failure to catch any trouble over it.

[Dogwatch]

Traditionally you should hang a piece of old rag - the older and dirtier the better, from observation - at the back of the load to inform following traffic that there is a projection.

[Haltamer]

Dogwatch said:

Traditionally you should hang a piece of old rag - the older and dirtier the better, from observation - at the back of the load to inform following traffic that there is a projection.

Followed (For a very short distance to be fair) a 7.5 ton truck with a full size portakabin balanced on the back. I'm amazed it didn't tip, there was a projection on every side!

Needless to say, the wide / dangerous load escort consisted of a tatty hi-vis dangling from a pipe on the portakabin

[Ransoman]

Do you have roof rails?

I borrowed my works pickup (Nissan Navara with rear deck cab) to get some 4'by8' sheets and just tied it to the roof. The cab and the rear deck cab both had roof rails so it was easy.