Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2455

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires dirt, sand, rocks, or gravel with a risk of escaping to be covered and within the freeboard of the bed during transport.

Background:

Any vehicle operating on a paved public highway with a load of dirt, sand or gravel susceptible to being dropped, spilled, leaked, or otherwise escaping must have the load covered to prevent spillage. Covering such loads is not required if six inches of freeboard is maintained within the bed.

A person is guilty of failure to secure a load in the first degree if the person with criminal negligence, fails to secure a load and causes substantial harm to another. Failure to secure a load in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor. A person who fails to secure a load or part of a load is guilty of an infraction if such failure does not cause harm to another.

Summary of Bill:

Any vehicle operating on a paved public highway with a load of dirt, sand, rocks, or gravel susceptible to being dropped, spilled, leaked, or otherwise escaping must be covered to prevent spillage. These loads must not exceed the freeboard within the bed.