SIGNS & FLAGS

Signs & Flags For Commercial Trucks

Regulatory signs, flags, and safety markers are required equipment for Peterbilt trucks operating in specific load configurations, and failure to display them correctly can result in permit violations or roadside citations. Wide load and oversize load signs, red flags for protruding cargo, and slow-moving vehicle markers are among the most commonly required items for vocational and specialized hauling operations. We carry DOT-compliant signs, flags, and safety marking equipment for Peterbilt operators in transportation, construction, and specialized hauling.

Frequently asked questions about signs & flags

When is a wide load or oversize load sign required on a Peterbilt?

Requirements for "Wide Load" or "Oversize Load" signs vary by state, but generally apply when the load or vehicle width exceeds 8'6" (102 inches). Most states require a sign displayed on both the front and rear of the load when operating under an oversize permit. Sign dimensions, color specifications (typically black text on yellow background), and letter height are often specified in the oversize permit conditions. Operators should review the permit requirements for each state they transit, as sign specifications and escort requirements can vary significantly across state lines.

What flag requirements apply to loads with overhanging cargo?

FMCSA 49 CFR 393.87 requires a red flag or red light at the extreme rear of any load that overhangs the rear of the vehicle by more than 4 feet. The flag must be at least 12 inches square and visible from at least 500 feet to the rear. Additional flags at the side extremities of wide overhanging loads may be required by state permit. Protruding loads that extend beyond the vehicle's side profile may also require flags or markers at the outer extremity. Check your specific permit conditions and state regulations before moving any oversize or overhanging load.

Are slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblems required on commercial trucks?

Slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblems — the reflective orange triangle — are required on vehicles designed to operate at speeds under 25 mph, including many construction and agricultural vehicles. They are not universally required on over-the-road Peterbilt trucks, but may be required for trucks operating construction site duty cycles or traveling on public roads at reduced speeds. Some states have specific SMV requirements for trucks in work zones or roadway maintenance operations. Check applicable state and local regulations for your specific operational context.

Other parts you might need

Shop Peterbilt safety & DOT supplies