5/3/05-Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a bill into law May 13 to increase the penalty in the state for driving with an unsecured load.
The new law, previously HB1478, calls for offenders to face a fine up to $5,000 and/or jail time up to one year if debris falling from a vehicle – personal or commercial – injures another person; previous violators could only be given a $250 citation. Drivers with loose loads that injure property would face a $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.

4/22/05-A bill before Gov. Christine Gregoire would increase the penalty in the state for driving with an unsecured load.
The House and Senate approved HB1478, which would make it a gross misdemeanor if debris falling from a vehicle – personal or commercial – injures another person.
State law now imposes a fine of up to $250.
Sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Lake Forest, the bill calls for a fine of up to $5,000 and/or jail time of up to one year for falling debris. Drivers with loose loads that injure property would face a $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.