6/21/05-Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill June 18 closing the loophole in Texas state law that prevents police from cracking down on tarping laws.
The new law, previously HB754, allows police to ticket anyone not covering their load with a tarp, whether it’s in the process of spilling something or not.
It also allows judges to increase fines for violations.
Existing Texas rules require truck drivers to cover loose loads with a tarp. However, for any trucker to be found in violation, an officer is required to actually see something, such as sand, gravel or dirt, fall out of a truck.
A truck driver can haul a load legally without being tarped or covered, as long as it’s not blowing or spilling. Once a truck’s load starts falling out, that is a violation.
The new rule takes effect Sept. 1.

5/31/05-House lawmakers gave their final approval May 27 to a bill that would close a loophole in state law that prevents law enforcement from cracking down on tarping laws.
HB754, which previously passed the Senate, now moves to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature.
Current Texas law requires truck drivers to cover loose loads with a tarp. However, for any trucker to be found in violation of the rule, an officer is required to actually see something, such as sand, gravel or dirt, fall out of a truck.
The way the law is written, a truck driver can haul a load legally without being tarped or covered, as long as it’s not blowing or spilling. Once a trucks load starts falling out, that is a violation.
The bill would allow police to ticket anyone not covering their load with a tarp, whether it’s in the process of spilling something or not.
It would also allow judges to increase fines for violations. If signed into law, it would take effect Sept. 1, 2005.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.