How must a load projecting more than 1 m beyond the rear reflectors of the vehicle be marked in darkness?

When a load projects more than 1 meter beyond the rear reflectors of a vehicle, it is important to ensure that it is properly marked in darkness for safety reasons. According to German traffic regulations, the load must be visible to other road users to prevent accidents.

The correct marking includes using both a red light and a red rear reflector. The red light helps to illuminate the load, making it visible at night, while the red rear reflector enhances visibility by reflecting the light from other vehicles. This combination is crucial as it provides clear signals to other drivers about the extended load, especially in low visibility conditions.

Using only an orange warning plate or switching the fog tail lamp on is insufficient because these methods do not meet the specific visibility requirements for loads that extend significantly beyond the vehicle's dimensions. Ensuring proper marking is a legal requirement and significantly contributes to road safety for all users.