California has detailed laws governing the size and dimensions of vehicles that operate on public highways. One of the key provisions is California Vehicle Code § 35400, which addresses vehicle length and establishes a general maximum length of 40 feet for a vehicle, subject to numerous exceptions and related rules.
A citation involving excessive vehicle length can raise questions about how a vehicle was measured, whether an exception applies, what type of vehicle is involved, and whether another California Vehicle Code provision governs the situation.
This guide explains California Vehicle Code § 35400, commonly referred to as California’s excessive vehicle length law. It also discusses exceptions, recreational vehicles, semitrailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, vehicle combinations, potential consequences, and frequently asked questions.
What Is California Vehicle Code § 35400?
California Vehicle Code § 35400 is part of the California Vehicle Code provisions governing vehicle size, weight, and load requirements.
The basic rule is that a vehicle generally cannot be more than 40 feet long.
However, that does not mean every vehicle longer than 40 feet automatically violates California law. Section 35400 contains several exceptions for particular vehicles and equipment. Other sections of the Vehicle Code also establish different length requirements for certain vehicle combinations and specialized vehicles.
Consequently, determining whether a vehicle violates § 35400 requires more than simply measuring the vehicle and comparing the result with 40 feet.
The analysis may depend on:
- The type of vehicle.
- Whether a trailer or semitrailer is involved.
- How the vehicle’s length is measured.
- Whether equipment contributes to the vehicle’s overall length.
- The vehicle’s axle configuration.
- The highway or route being used.
- Whether a statutory exception applies.
- Whether another Vehicle Code section governs the vehicle instead.
What Is the 40-Foot Rule in California?
The starting point under Vehicle Code § 35400 is the 40-foot maximum.
For an ordinary vehicle subject to the general rule, exceeding 40 feet can create an excessive-length violation.
But California’s vehicle-length laws are more complicated than a simple 40-foot cutoff. The law specifically excludes or provides different treatment for certain equipment and vehicles.
For example, California recognizes special rules involving articulated buses, semitrailers, safety bumpers, schoolbus equipment, wheelchair lifts, bicycle racks, and certain recreational vehicles.
This is why it is important to determine whether the particular vehicle falls within one of the statutory exceptions before concluding that it is unlawfully long.
Why Does California Limit Vehicle Length?
Vehicle-length restrictions are intended to address practical and safety concerns associated with large vehicles.
Long vehicles generally require more room to:
- Turn at intersections.
- Maneuver through narrow areas.
- Enter and leave roadways.
- Navigate curves.
- Stop safely.
- Operate around other vehicles.
- Use certain roads and facilities.
Length restrictions can also help transportation authorities manage roadway capacity and protect infrastructure.
California therefore establishes different rules for different types of vehicles rather than relying on one universal measurement for every truck, bus, recreational vehicle, and trailer.
What Vehicles Are Subject to the 40-Foot Rule?
The general 40-foot rule applies to vehicles covered by § 35400, but the statute includes important exceptions.
Among the situations receiving special treatment are certain:
- Auxiliary vehicle parts.
- Fender and mudguard equipment.
- Articulated buses.
- Articulated trolley coaches.
- Semitrailers being towed by qualifying vehicles.
- Safety bumpers.
- Schoolbus crossing-control arms.
- Wheelchair lifts.
- Bicycle racks.
- Certain buses.
- Qualifying house cars or motorhomes.
These exceptions have their own requirements. A vehicle operator should therefore avoid assuming that any equipment or attachment automatically permits additional length.
How Does California Measure a Semitrailer?
One particularly important part of California’s vehicle-length law concerns kingpin-to-rearmost-axle distance, sometimes abbreviated as KPRA.
For certain semitrailers being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, the law uses the distance between the semitrailer’s kingpin and its rearmost axle as an important measurement.
Generally:
- A semitrailer with two or more axles is subject to a 40-foot kingpin-to-rearmost-axle limit.
- A qualifying single-axle semitrailer is subject to a 38-foot kingpin-to-rearmost-axle limit.
This illustrates why simply measuring the entire truck and trailer from front to back may not answer the legal question.
A semitrailer could have an overall physical length that appears greater than 40 feet while still complying with the applicable measurement rules.
Are Articulated Buses Allowed to Exceed 40 Feet?
Yes.
California law contains a specific exception for certain articulated buses and articulated trolley coaches.
A qualifying articulated bus or articulated trolley coach can be up to 60 feet long under the applicable statutory provisions.
There are also special provisions concerning bicycle-transport equipment attached to certain articulated buses.
The precise vehicle configuration and applicable requirements matter, so the 60-foot figure should not be treated as a blanket authorization for every type of bus.
Can a Motorhome Be Longer Than 40 Feet?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
California law provides a specific exception for certain 45-foot house cars, commonly referred to as motorhomes or recreational motor vehicles.
The exception is tied to specified highways and approved routes. Therefore, a 45-foot motorhome is not automatically unlawful simply because it exceeds the general 40-foot rule.
Route restrictions can be particularly important.
For example, a qualifying 45-foot motorhome may be permitted on an authorized route while a different roadway may not provide the same legal authority.
Anyone operating an unusually long motorhome should therefore consider both the vehicle’s dimensions and the route being traveled.
What Is the Difference Between a House Car and a Trailer?
The distinction can be important under California law.
A house car, commonly called a motorhome, is a motor vehicle designed or permanently modified for human habitation.
A travel trailer, by contrast, is towed behind another vehicle.
Because California’s Vehicle Code contains different rules for motor vehicles, trailers, and combinations of vehicles, the legal analysis can change depending on whether someone is operating a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth-wheel trailer, or another configuration.
How Long Can a Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer Be in California?
California has a specific provision for qualifying fifth-wheel travel trailers.
Under Vehicle Code § 35400.6, the general 40-foot limitation in § 35400(a) does not apply to a qualifying fifth-wheel travel trailer that meets specified dimensional requirements.
The overall length may be as much as 48 feet, measured from the foremost point of the trailer to its rear extremity.
There is also a kingpin-to-rearmost-axle requirement:
- A single-axle fifth-wheel travel trailer generally cannot exceed 38 feet under that measurement.
- A fifth-wheel travel trailer with two or more axles generally cannot exceed 40 feet under that measurement.
This means a fifth-wheel trailer’s legality cannot be determined solely by looking at its overall length.
Can a Truck and Trailer Be More Than 40 Feet Long?
Yes.
This is one of the most important distinctions when discussing California Vehicle Code § 35400.
Section 35400 generally addresses the length of a vehicle, while California has separate provisions governing combinations of vehicles.
For example, California Vehicle Code § 35401 establishes separate rules for vehicle combinations.
Certain combinations can therefore lawfully exceed 40 feet.
The applicable maximum can depend on the configuration of the combination, the type and length of the trailers, the route being used, and whether a special statutory exception applies.
Example
Imagine a truck tractor pulling a semitrailer.
Someone unfamiliar with California’s vehicle-length laws might measure the entire combination and conclude that anything over 40 feet violates § 35400.
That conclusion could be incorrect because combination vehicles are subject to separate rules.
The important question is not simply, “Is the truck and trailer longer than 40 feet?”
The better question is, “Which California Vehicle Code provision governs this particular vehicle combination?”
What Are STAA Vehicles?
Certain commercial vehicle combinations qualify for special treatment under California law based on the federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act, commonly referred to as STAA.
California provides specified access for qualifying STAA vehicle combinations on designated highways and routes.
These rules can permit vehicle configurations that exceed ordinary California length limitations, subject to requirements involving trailer length, axle measurements, route access, and other conditions.
STAA rules can be particularly important for commercial truck operators because a vehicle may be lawful on an approved route but restricted from using other roads.
This is another reason why the roadway being used can matter when evaluating an alleged excessive-length violation.
Does Route Matter Under California’s Vehicle-Length Laws?
Yes.
Route can be extremely important.
California has designated routes and access rules for certain large vehicles. Some vehicles that qualify for special length provisions may be permitted on certain highways but not necessarily on every roadway.
For example, special rules may apply to:
- Interstate highways.
- Designated state highways.
- Approved truck routes.
- Terminal-access routes.
- Local roads.
- Roads with specific restrictions.
A vehicle’s dimensions alone may therefore not provide the complete answer.
What Equipment May Be Excluded From the 40-Foot Measurement?
California recognizes several situations where particular equipment or components receive special treatment when measuring vehicle length.
These include certain:
- Auxiliary parts.
- Required fenders and mudguards.
- Safety bumpers.
- Schoolbus crossing-control arms.
- Wheelchair lifts.
- Bicycle racks.
The statutory requirements differ depending on the equipment.
For example, the law contains specific limits for safety bumpers and certain bicycle racks. The existence of an attachment therefore does not automatically mean that its entire length can be disregarded.
The precise type, purpose, dimensions, and placement of the equipment can matter.
What About Loads That Extend Beyond the Vehicle?
Vehicle length and load projection are related but distinct legal issues.
California has separate provisions addressing how far a load may extend from a vehicle.
For example, other sections of the Vehicle Code regulate the amount by which loads can extend beyond the front or rear of vehicles.
Consequently, a citation involving an oversized load may potentially involve statutes other than § 35400.
A person reviewing an alleged violation should identify whether the issue concerns:
- The length of the vehicle itself.
- The length of a vehicle combination.
- The length or projection of the load.
- An extension or attachment.
- A special type of vehicle.
- A route-specific restriction.
Can a Vehicle Be Stopped for Being Too Long?
Potentially, yes.
California Vehicle Code § 2803 gives traffic officers authority to require action when a vehicle’s dimensions, including its length, are unlawful.
Depending on the circumstances, an officer may require the vehicle to stop in a suitable location and take steps to bring the vehicle or load into compliance.
This means an excessive-length issue can involve more than the issuance of a citation.
A driver may potentially be required to address the dimensional problem before continuing.
What Is the Penalty for Vehicle Code § 35400?
The consequences of an alleged violation depend on the specific subsection charged and the circumstances of the case.
A citation may involve a monetary penalty and associated court assessments. The total amount can vary depending on the applicable penalty schedule and other factors.
It is therefore risky to assume that the amount printed in an older online article or example represents the current total amount due.
In addition, the practical consequences of a vehicle being considered unlawfully long can sometimes be more significant than the monetary penalty itself, particularly when a commercial vehicle is involved.
For commercial operators, a citation may also raise questions about compliance, route restrictions, equipment configuration, or other transportation requirements.
Is an Overlength Violation a Misdemeanor or Felony?
A violation of the ordinary vehicle-length restriction is generally handled as a traffic infraction rather than as a felony.
However, the exact offense and consequences depend on the specific Vehicle Code provision involved.
This distinction is important because an alleged excessive-length violation should not automatically be characterized as a criminal offense of the same seriousness as more serious traffic crimes.
The citation should be reviewed to determine exactly what section and subsection were allegedly violated.
Can an Overlength Ticket Be Challenged?
A person who receives an excessive-length citation may have legal options depending on the circumstances.
Potential issues can include:
- Whether the correct Vehicle Code section was cited.
- Whether the vehicle was measured correctly.
- Whether the measurement included equipment that should have been treated differently.
- Whether a statutory exception applies.
- Whether the vehicle qualifies under a special vehicle provision.
- Whether the vehicle was operating on an authorized route.
- Whether the vehicle was part of a combination governed by another statute.
- Whether the facts documented on the citation accurately describe the vehicle.
These issues do not guarantee that a citation will be dismissed or reduced. They simply illustrate why the specific facts and applicable law can matter.
Example: A 42-Foot Vehicle
Suppose an ordinary vehicle measures 42 feet and no exception applies.
The general 40-foot limitation could make the vehicle subject to an excessive-length violation.
The fact that the vehicle exceeds the limit by only two feet does not automatically create a grace period.
The relevant question would be whether the vehicle falls within an exception or another statutory provision allowing the additional length.
Example: A 45-Foot Motorhome
Now consider a qualifying motorhome that measures 45 feet.
A person might initially believe that it violates § 35400 because it exceeds 40 feet.
However, California provides a special provision for qualifying 45-foot house cars on approved routes.
The vehicle’s classification and route would therefore need to be considered before determining whether the length is lawful.
Example: A 48-Foot Fifth-Wheel Trailer
Consider a fifth-wheel travel trailer that is 48 feet long overall.
That does not necessarily mean it violates California’s general 40-foot rule.
Qualifying fifth-wheel travel trailers can receive an exception from § 35400(a), provided they satisfy the applicable overall-length and kingpin-to-rearmost-axle requirements.
This example demonstrates why the specific vehicle type matters.
Example: A Truck and Semitrailer
Suppose a truck tractor and semitrailer have a combined length significantly greater than 40 feet.
The combination may not be evaluated simply under the single-vehicle 40-foot rule.
California has separate laws regulating combinations of vehicles, including special provisions for certain commercial combinations and designated routes.
The vehicle’s configuration and route would need to be examined.
What Should You Do After Receiving an Excessive-Length Citation?
If you receive a citation alleging a violation of Vehicle Code § 35400, it can be useful to carefully review the citation and the vehicle configuration.
Important information may include:
- The exact Vehicle Code section cited.
- The date and location of the alleged violation.
- The type of vehicle.
- The vehicle’s measured length.
- The method used to measure the vehicle.
- The vehicle’s axle configuration.
- Whether a trailer or semitrailer was involved.
- Whether equipment extended the vehicle’s dimensions.
- The route on which the vehicle was operating.
- Whether a permit or special authorization was involved.
- Whether another length statute applies.
Photographs, manufacturer specifications, registration information, vehicle diagrams, and other documentation may also be relevant depending on the circumstances.
Common Questions About California Vehicle Code § 35400
What is California Vehicle Code § 35400?
California Vehicle Code § 35400 is a California law governing vehicle length. It establishes a general 40-foot maximum while providing exceptions for specified vehicles and equipment.
Is a vehicle over 40 feet automatically illegal in California?
No. Certain vehicles can lawfully exceed 40 feet under statutory exceptions or separate vehicle-length provisions.
Can a motorhome be 45 feet long in California?
A qualifying 45-foot house car may be permitted on approved routes under California law. The vehicle and route must meet the applicable requirements.
Can a fifth-wheel trailer be 48 feet long?
A qualifying fifth-wheel travel trailer may be up to 48 feet overall if it satisfies the applicable requirements, including the kingpin-to-rearmost-axle limitation.
Are semitrailers subject to the 40-foot rule?
Certain semitrailers being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor are subject to special kingpin-to-rearmost-axle measurements rather than simply being evaluated under the ordinary 40-foot rule.
Does California have different rules for combination vehicles?
Yes. Vehicle combinations are governed by separate California Vehicle Code provisions, including rules that can permit combinations to exceed 40 feet.
Does the road or route matter?
Yes. Certain large vehicles have route-specific access rules and restrictions. A vehicle that is permitted on one route may not necessarily be permitted on another.
Can an officer require an overlength vehicle to stop?
California law gives traffic officers authority in appropriate circumstances to require an unlawfully sized vehicle or load to stop and be brought into compliance.
Is an excessive-length violation a felony?
An ordinary excessive-length citation under the applicable vehicle-size provisions is generally treated as a traffic infraction. The precise classification depends on the specific statute and circumstances involved.
Can an excessive-length citation be contested?
Depending on the facts, there may be legal issues involving the measurement, vehicle classification, applicable exception, route, or statute cited. Whether a particular citation can be successfully challenged depends on the circumstances.
Key Takeaways
California Vehicle Code § 35400 establishes a general 40-foot maximum vehicle length, but the law contains numerous exceptions and must be read together with other vehicle-size provisions.
The most important points to remember are:
- The general maximum is 40 feet.
- Some equipment receives special treatment when vehicle length is calculated.
- Certain articulated buses can exceed 40 feet.
- Qualifying semitrailers are subject to special axle-based measurements.
- Certain house cars or motorhomes can be up to 45 feet on approved routes.
- Qualifying fifth-wheel travel trailers can be up to 48 feet overall.
- Combination vehicles are governed by separate length provisions.
- STAA vehicles can receive special treatment on qualifying routes.
- Load projections can be governed by different statutes.
- The route being traveled can affect whether a particular vehicle configuration is lawful.
- An officer may have authority to require an unlawfully sized vehicle or load to be brought into compliance.
Ultimately, the fact that a vehicle is longer than 40 feet does not, by itself, answer whether California law has been violated. The vehicle type, configuration, measurements, equipment, route, and applicable statutory exceptions all may need to be considered.
Contact Southwest Legal
Need Help With a California Excessive-Length Citation?
A vehicle-length citation can involve technical measurements and multiple California Vehicle Code provisions. Understanding the exact statute cited and determining whether an exception or separate rule applies can be important when evaluating the situation.
If you have questions about a citation involving California Vehicle Code § 35400, Southwest Legal can help you understand the legal issues and your available options based on the circumstances of your matter.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney-client relationship is formed unless and until the firm and client enter into an agreement for legal services. Laws may change, and legal outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Consult a qualified attorney for advice regarding your situation.