Ask A Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I am thinking about loading up the kayak onto the roof of my car. I know it needs to be properly secured but can you remind me what I need to do if it sticks out too far?

Answer: A load must not stick out more than three feet in front of the front wheels or bumper of any motor vehicle. If a load extends four feet or more from the rear of any vehicle, a red, yellow, or orange flag at least 16 inches square must be attached to the end of the load. At night, a red lantern or lamp, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, must be attached to the end of the load. Passenger vehicles may not carry loads that extend beyond the line of the fenders on the left side and more than six inches beyond the fender line on the right side.

Happy kayaking, have fun and be safe.

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 Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).