This news item expired on Thursday, August 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Did you know that June is National Secure Your Load month? Buncombe County is celebrating by launching a comprehensive education and outreach program to all County residents and customers who use our facilities about the state law and the dangers that may arise if loads are not secured.
North Carolina State Law
North Carolina State Law Section 1. G.S., 12-399 states that “when litter is scattered, spilled, or placed from a vehicle or watercraft, the operator thereof shall be presumed to have committed this offense.” It is illegal in North Carolina to haul an improperly secured load. Penalties for littering, even unintentionally, include up to a $2,000 fine, community service work, and one point on your driver’s license upon conviction.
So, what is an unsecured load?
Unsecured loads refer to any cargo being transported that is uncovered or could fall off or out of the container it is being transported in. Not only do unsecured loads have the potential to cause litter on roadways and pollution throughout the County, but they also pose an imminent danger to other drivers and vehicles. Below are some examples of vehicles with unsecured loads that have come through our facilities recently. Would you feel safe driving near these?
What can you do?
Be a Load Warrior! Solid Waste is encouraging all persons planning to drive with cargo to check for the following before traveling:
- Ensure that items are secured and cannot be dislodged or moved around if you need to brake suddenly
- Ensure your vehicle or trailer is completely covered with a tarp/bed cover and is secured tightly with a rope or tiedown
- Ensure your cover is big enough to cover the entire truck bed or trailer
County Enforcement
Solid Waste is highlighting the importance of securing your cargo by encouraging all residents to be Load Warriors and travel only with properly secured loads. Beginning July 1, 2023, Solid Waste will begin issuing warnings to residents that pass through our facilities with unsecured loads. Information and resources will be provided to each customer as part of the educational campaign. Beginning August 1, 2023, Solid Waste will begin enforcing penalties on unsecured loads:
For more information, resources, and assistance, visit buncombecounty.org/secureyourload.