Maryland Oversize Load Signs, Flags And Lights

Which Banner Does Maryland Require On The Truck?

COMAR specifies black lettering at least 10 inches high with a 1⅝-inch stroke, on a yellow field 18 inches high and 7 feet wide. It permits wide-load or oversize-load wording and requires both front and rear displays above the width trigger.

Measure the loaded combination before applying the threshold. Do not round the width down because the commodity is nominally sold as a standard size. Include an actual check of the visible installed sign, rather than recording only the size printed on its packaging.

How Are Flags Different From The Sign Trigger?

COMAR 11.04.02.03J gives daytime fluorescent-red or fluorescent-orange flags at least 18 inches square. It addresses the widest extremities for overwidth loads and a separate rear marking layout for overlength or overlegal rear projections.

Use a sketch of the actual cargo outline. The question is where approaching traffic needs to see its extremity, not simply whether four flags were purchased. A load that is legally permitted but below the banner threshold can still need an independent flag check.

What Changes When Travel Is Authorized At Night?

COMAR 11.04.02.03K distinguishes the forward and rear edges and nonuniform-width shapes. Uniform overwidth loads use amber at the front corners and red at the rear corners; wider middle sections and overlength projections have additional instructions.

A flashing roof light does not explain those edge locations. Resolve the complete layout against the actual shape and permitted travel hours. Nighttime equipment is a condition of an authorized move, not permission to extend a daylight-only permit.

Can The Escort Use The Truck Banner Specification?

The escort provision in 11.04.04.01 specifies at least 5 feet by 12 inches with 8-inch lettering, visible to approaching traffic from a roof or front-and-rear mounting. Other escort-lighting requirements are separate.

During the Maryland briefing, name which person checks the hauling unit and which checks each escort. A sign must not conceal brake lights, turn signals or other required lamps. Changing the rear mounting after loading should trigger another visibility check.

How Can RouteAll Help Prepare This State Leg?

Import the issued Maryland permit into RouteAll, review the extracted roads against the document and share the reviewed route with the crew. Use the permit packet to check marking conditions separately. RouteAll does not inspect warning equipment or certify compliance; a route shown in the app does not approve signs, flags or lamps.

Before You Roll

Record the actual width, identify each required front and rear warning, and check whether a special condition changes the standard Maryland setup.