California Car / Permit practice question · Traffic Laws

California law limits how far cargo may extend past your vehicle's fenders. Beyond the right fenders, cargo may extend no more than:

Answer choices

• 6 inches— Correct answer
• 6 inches on either side equally
• 2 feet
• There is no limit as long as it is secured

Why this is the answer

A load may not extend past the fenders on the left side at all, and no more than 6 inches past the fenders on the right side. Cargo sticking out more than 4 feet from the rear bumper must display a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange flag. Securing the load does not remove these limits on how far it can stick out.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Vehicle Loads

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026