I. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 266:11, it shall be lawful to drive on the ways of this state:
(a) A vehicle or a combination of vehicles that exceeds the length limits in RSA 266:11 if such vehicle or combination is transporting poles, logs, timbers, or metal in a case in which the load is not readily divisible and such overhang does not interfere with steering the vehicle.
(b) A conventional automobile transporter combination not in excess of 65 feet exclusive of a 3-foot front overhang and a 4-foot rear overhang.
(c) Saddlemount plus fullmount combinations not in excess of 65 feet.
(d) A stinger-steered automobile transporter combination not in excess of 75 feet exclusive of a 3-foot front and 4-foot rear overhang.
(e) An emergency fire fighting vehicle.
II. (a) The following shall be excluded from the measured length of commercial motor vehicles, as applicable:
(1) All non-property-carrying devices, or components thereof:
(A) At the front of a semi-trailer or trailer; or
(B) That do not extend more than 3 inches beyond the rear of the vehicle; or
(C) That do not extend more than 24 inches beyond the rear of the vehicle and are needed for loading or unloading.
(2) Resilient bumpers that do not extend more than 6 inches beyond the front or rear of the vehicle.
(3) Aerodynamic devices that extend a maximum of 5 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle, provided such devices have neither the strength, rigidity, nor mass to damage a vehicle, or injure a passenger in a vehicle, that strikes a trailer so equipped from the rear, and provided also that they do not obscure tail lamps, turn signals, marker lamps, identification lamps, or other required safety devices, such as hazardous materials placards or conspicuity markings.
(b) Measurements shall be made from a point on one end of a commercial motor vehicle to the same point on the opposite end of the vehicle. Non-property-carrying devices or aerodynamic devices shall not be mounted or configured in a manner that obscures the registration plate or other evidence of applicable certifications or permits required by law or regulation.
Source. 1983, 434:11. 1985, 81:1. 1989, 115:2, eff. July 7, 1989. 2016, 223:1, eff. Aug. 8, 2016.