Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol. Question: Isn’t there a state law that requires trucks hauling loose loads, such as gravel and granite pieces, to have their loads covered?  

I have lived at my current address for 40 years and rarely see these kinds of loads covered. The winds combined with the high speeds that some of these trucks travel can make it dangerous for walkers and vehicle occupants along and on a highway.  

 

Answer: No vehicle shall be moved on a roadway unless the load is securely covered to prevent any leaking, blowing, shifting or dropping. There are some exceptions; trucks that distribute sand or salt on the roadway for traction and farmers that may lose grains and such, in small amounts, that would not cause damage to the roadway or vehicles. The Minnesota state statue that covers this is 169.81 Subd. 5.

If you encounter a vehicle that has an unsecured load, safely attempt to obtain a license plate number along with a description of the vehicle and call law enforcement. We will attempt to stop and inspect the vehicle.

When traveling behind a vehicle with an unsecure load, give yourself plenty of room to avoid any obstacles that may fall. Pass the vehicle only when it is safe to do so.

Working together we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

The Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths program brings area law enforcement, public health educators, engineers and emergency medical and trauma services together to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and severe injuries to zero in southeast Minnesota.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848. Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.