In NSW, correctly securing your vehicle load isn’t just good practice but a legal requirement vital for road safety.

Objects falling or blowing from vehicles can quickly become dangerous projectiles, causing serious accidents or road hazards to other drivers and pedestrians. Not to mention the unsightly litter that accumulates along our roadsides due to objects blowing or falling out of vehicles or made worse by other vehicles running over it.

When transporting a load, the onus is on you as the driver to ensure any loose materials are adequately covered and secured.

How to secure a load correctly

Securing your load is easy and can be done with a purpose-built cover, cargo net, or tarpaulin and/or suitable restraints.

Choose a load restraint method that suits both the load and the vehicle. The two main methods are:

i) Tie-down restraint using lashings to clamp the load to the vehicle

ii) Direct restraint including:

– Containing the load within the vehicle

– Blocking the load from moving by a rigid structure e.g. a rated headboard

– Attaching the load to the vehicle

For further advice check out the Load restraint guide for light vehicles at www.ntc.gov.au/codes-and-guidelines/load-restraint-guide

In NSW, it is an offence to drive your vehicle with an unsecured or overhanging load. Uncovered loads incur an on-the-spot fine of $481 and 3 demerit points.

Let’s keep our roads and community safe and free or litter. Visit www.newaste.org.au/coveryourload