Ask a Trooper

 Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: Are trailer hitch load extenders legal? Occasionally I haul some lumber that sticks out beyond my tailgate and would like to know if I can use this.

Answer: Yes you can. Note that when the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle there are some requirements. At the extreme rear end of such load a red, yellow or orange flag or cloth not less than 16 inches square shall be displayed.
At the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear shall be in addition to the rear light required upon every vehicle.
Another good reminder is to always make sure any and all items you are transporting are properly secured.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on X @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).