Trucking Bill Allows Longer Lowboy Auto Haulers (Up to 80 Feet) and Scraps Rear Flag Requirement

The “Lowboy Auto Hauler Fairness Act of 2025” is a targeted piece of legislation aimed squarely at the commercial trucking industry, specifically those moving cars and other assembled highway vehicles. Think of this as a regulatory tune-up for the folks who deliver the new cars to the dealerships.

This bill’s main purpose is to create a specific, federally recognized exception to standard vehicle length limits for a particular type of rig: a truck tractor hooked up to a defined “lowboy trailer.” A lowboy trailer, as defined here, is essentially a trailer with a lowered center section designed to haul vehicles. The goal is to give these specialized haulers more operational flexibility without compromising safety.

The New 80-Foot Rule: More Room for the Ride

Currently, commercial vehicle combinations face strict length limits, which can be tricky when hauling large vehicles. This Act changes the game by allowing these specific truck-lowboy combinations to stretch up to 80 feet total. That extra length is crucial for efficiency, potentially allowing carriers to fit one more vehicle on a load, which translates directly to fewer trips and lower costs.

However, this isn't a free pass. To qualify for the 80-foot allowance, the rig must meet two precise overhang requirements: the front overhang (the part of the load extending over the truck) must be less than 4 feet, and the rear overhang (the part sticking out past the trailer’s rear axles) must be less than 6 feet. This keeps the overall dimensions predictable and manageable for other drivers on the road. For the auto haulers, this means they can load more efficiently, maximizing their capacity while staying compliant.

Bye-Bye, Warning Flags

In a move that reduces a small but persistent headache for drivers, the bill also exempts these specific lowboy trailers from the requirement to place warning flags on the rear overhang. Under current rules (section 393.87 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations), anything sticking out past the trailer usually needs a bright red warning flag. For drivers, this means less time spent securing and replacing flags that often get damaged or lost. It’s a small regulatory detail, but it adds up to less hassle and quicker loading times for the people moving vehicles across the country.

Real-World Impact and the Fine Print

For the average person, this bill won't change your commute. But for anyone involved in logistics, manufacturing, or vehicle sales, this is a boost to efficiency. When the cost of moving goods goes down, it often helps keep the consumer price of those goods—in this case, cars and trucks—more stable. The clarity in defining the “lowboy trailer” and the precise overhang measurements (less than 4 feet front, less than 6 feet rear) means that enforcement agencies, both state and federal, have clear metrics to follow, which should reduce roadside disputes.

While this is a benefit for auto haulers, it does create one more specific exception that enforcement officers need to remember. This exemption is highly specialized, so drivers of standard flatbeds or box trucks don't get the same length break. This bill is a win for a very specific segment of the trucking industry—the ones responsible for getting that shiny new truck from the factory floor to your local dealership.