(a) Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of this vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times specified in Ohio R.C. 4513.03 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear. The red light or lantern required by this section is in addition to the red rear light required upon every vehicle. At any other time there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of such load a red flag or cloth not less than 16 inches square.
(ORC 4513.09)
(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.