The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that while transporting cargo on any highway, your load must be covered. Most of the litter on or near our roadways is not intentionally thrown but, rather, blown out of open-bed pickup trucks causing a road hazard or a traffic accident. Anytime you travel with a loaded truck bed, trailer, or roof rack make sure to properly secure your load by:

1. Tying down the load with rope or straps.
2. Tying large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer.
3. Covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp (which is then tied down) or netting.
   After tying down a load double check to make sure that nothing can slide, fall, or shift out of your vehicle. Check your car manual to make sure you aren’t overloading your vehicle.
   Penalties: (§291C-131) 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.