43% of Maui Truck Drivers in Violation of Uncovered Cargo Law

File photo courtesy Mālama Maui Nui (Community Work Day Program) during a similar educational campaign.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Police found that 43% of truck drivers did not have their cargo loads properly covered and secured during a three hour educational effort held at the Central Maui Landfill on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014.

The effort was conducted in partnership with the Mālama Maui Nui (Community Work Day Program) to raise awareness and gather statistical information on compliance.

According to police, a total of 244 vehicles were screened during the event.  Police say only 140 of them or 57% had their loads secured and covered properly.

Police did not issue citations to those were were found in violation, but used the event as an opportunity to inform drivers about safety and keeping the roadways clean of debris.

Police Sergeant Nick Krau, with the department’s Traffic Section provided a recap of the event saying it was conducted in an attempt to gain voluntary compliance.

The maximum fine for violating the law includes: suspension of the vehicle registration, driver’s license suspension, or both, for a period of 30 days; and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

A police officer talks to a driver about laws relating to uncovered loads during a 2010 educational campaign. Courtesy file photo.

In addition to traffic safety, police say uncovered and unsecured loads of cargo contribute to the majority of unsightly trash on and along the highways.

The following is a summary of Hawaiʻi State Law relating to securing cargo and covering loads while traveling on any public roadway:

“No vehicle shall be moved on any public roadway, unless the vehicle is so constructed, covered, or loaded as to prevent any of its load (other than clear water or feathers from live birds) from dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, spilling, or otherwise escaping therefrom. No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any public roadway with any of its load not entirely covered by a cargo net, tarpaulin, canopy, or other material designed to cover the load to prevent the load from escaping from the vehicle.”