Safety Checklist for Floats

This checklist covers construction and operation of a parade float on a trailer towed by a commercially available vehicle.  Vehicle requirements listed here also apply to entries of vehicles not pulling a trailer. 

Please specify in the registration form if you are entering a self-propelled float using a non-commercially available vehicle. 

Float Riders

  • Each float rider has a sturdy support, hand holds, belt restraint or other means to prevent a fall from the unit.   No person should be wired or tied to the float.
  • No one shall be located where they could fall under the moving float.  Riders are barred from dangling legs, arms, feet of edge of float.
  • Riders under 12 years old must be seated and directly supervised by adults.
  • Riders are barred from climbing on or off the float while it is moving.
  • Alcohol, drug consumption and smoking or vaping on the float is prohibited.

Drivers

  • Drivers of all vehicles entered in the parade, including towing vehicles, must have a valid driver’s license and be competent drivers.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or intoxicants is prohibited.
  • Drivers must maintain an unobstructed view to the front, sides, and back at all times.  
  • A person with a key who can drive any vehicle entered in the parade must always be present in staging area.

Speed/Distance

  • Drivers must maintain a steady parade speed of 2-3 miles per hour.   The parade speed is set by the pace of parade walkers and maintained by the Police Car leading the parade. 
  • A minimum distance of 30 feet between parade entries (50 feet if you are following an entry with children under 12-year-old) needs to be maintained. 
  • Maintaining minimum distances is very important, however, large gaps beyond the minimum distance are undesirable. 

Insurance

  • All vehicles entered in the parade licensed for highway use must have adequate automobile insurance as required by the State of Texas. 
  • A card showing current proof of automobile insurance must be in the vehicle

Fire Prevention and General Hazards

Fire Suppression

  • All floats must have a fully charged ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher (minimum 5 lb.) in a location easily accessible to the driver and riders.

Open Flames Prohibited 

  • No pyrotechnics, fireworks, open flames, or smoking/vaping are allowed on or near the floats.

Fuel Containers Prohibited

  • No spare containers of gasoline, diesel or other flammables or combustibles are allowed on the float or bed of the towing vehicle.

Flame Resistant Decorations

  • All decorative material should be fire retardant or sprayed with flame retardant (crepe paper, hay, floral sheeting, etc.).   

Portable Generators

  • Any generators used must be securely mounted to the float in a safe location, with exhaust pipes directed out and away from riders and decorations, to not cause a fire or possibly burn someone.

Electrical Wiring Used on Float

  • Must be a type approved for the use for which it is being employed,
  • Must have sufficient capacity,
  • Must be secured to prevent damage,
  • Must have all connections secured via approved devices (or electrical boxes ) and
  • Must be properly fused.

Mechanical Requirements

Parade speed

  • Vehicles should be capable of maintaining parade speed of 2-3 miles per hour without overheating

Vehicle Maintenance

  • Fluid systems of all vehicles must be fully serviced for fuel, oil, water, and brakes prior to entering the staging area.All vehicles must arrive with adequate fuel to complete the parade route. 
  • The engine and all braking (including emergency brake), clutch and transmission equipment shall be in good operating condition.
  • Wheels and tires must be in good condition and, if towing a trailer, the vehicle brakes must be sufficient to stop the float when loaded.

Towing Gear

  • Adequate primary (tow hitch, tow bar) and secondary (chains, cable, etc.) connections shall be made between the towing vehicle and trailer float. Hitches must be factory-receiver or frame-welded, not unsecured bolt-on hitches.  
  • Secondary connections shall be capable of supporting the full load should the primary connection fail

Towed Float Foundation

  • The foundation for a towed float is typically a sturdy flat trailer bed with pneumatic tires.  Other foundations are acceptable if they are sturdy.
  • All load supporting areas on the float should be wood, steel or other structurally competent material (not cardboard) in good condition.
  • Float and tow vehicle, supporting structure, wheels, tires and brakes are in good condition and sufficient to support total load to safely handle float with riders on board.