Hawaiʻi Island Police remind public about penalties for uncovered truck loads

The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that while transporting cargo on any public roadway or highway, the load must be covered.

Most of the litter on or near Hawaiʻi’s roadways is blown out of open-bed pickup trucks. This can lead to a road hazard or traffic collision.

Anytime a person travels with a loaded truck bed, trailer or roof rack, they should make sure to properly secure the load by:

• Tying down the load with rope or straps.
• Tying large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.
• Covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp (which is then tied down) or netting.

The police department recommends double-checking to make sure that nothing can slide, fall or shift out of the vehicle after tying down a load and referencing the carʻs manual to make sure the vehicle isn’t being overloaded.

According to Hawai‘i Revised Statute, the penalties for first-time violators of the law can expect a fine of $250 to $500.

A second violation, if cited within a year after the first, delivers a fine of between $500 and $750, plus suspension of the vehicle registration and/or license of the driver for at least five working days.