Section 35402 Of Chapter 4. Length From California Vehicle Code >> Division 15. >> Chapter 4.
35402
. (a) Any extension or device, including any adjustable axle
added to the front or rear of a vehicle, used to increase the
carrying capacity of a vehicle shall be included in measuring the
length of a vehicle, except that a drawbar shall not be included in
measuring the length of a vehicle but shall be included in measuring
the overall length of a combination of vehicles.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), extensions of not more than
18 inches in length on each end of a vehicle or combination of
vehicles used exclusively to transport vehicles shall not be included
in measuring the length of a vehicle or combination of vehicles when
the vehicles are loaded.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), an extension of not more than
18 inches in length on the last trailer in a combination of vehicles
transporting loads shall not be included in measuring the length of
a vehicle or combination of vehicles when the vehicles are loaded.
Additionally, an extension of not more than 18 inches in length on
the front of the first trailer in a combination of vehicles
transporting loads shall not be included in measuring the length of a
vehicle or combination of vehicles when the vehicles are loaded and
on highways, other than those highways designated by the United
States Department of Transportation as national network routes.
(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any extension or device which
is not used to carry any load and which does not exceed three feet
in length, added to the rear of a vehicle, and is used exclusively
for pushing the vehicle or a combination of vehicles, which vehicle
or combination of vehicles is designed and used exclusively to
transport earth, sand, gravel, and similar materials, shall be
included in measuring the length of the vehicle but shall not be
included in measuring the overall length of the combination of
vehicles.
(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a truck semitrailer
combination, but not a truck tractor and semitrailer combination, may
use a sliding fifth wheel, or a truck tractor, semitrailer, trailer,
and a truck-trailer combination may use a sliding drawbar, to extend
the length of the combination by not more than 2 feet 6 inches while
traveling 35 miles per hour or less on any highway, except a
freeway. These provisions shall apply, however, to freeway onramps
and offramps and freeway connectors. The sliding fifth wheel or
drawbar when extended shall not be included in measuring the overall
length of the combination of vehicles if the pivot point of the
semitrailer connection is more than two feet to the rear of the
center of the rearmost axle of the motortruck or if the distance from
the pivot point to the center of the rearmost axle of the
semitrailer does not exceed 34 feet.
Combinations of vehicles permitted by this subdivision shall be in
compliance with the weight limits provided in Article 1 (commencing
with Section 35550) of Chapter 5 whenever any drawbar or sliding
fifth wheel is extended, contracted, or in any intermediate position
as provided for by this subdivision.