Commercial cargo transportation requirements strengthened

Commercial vehicle operators are required to store cargo more securely under a bill passed by the Legislature April 29.

LB698, sponsored by Brainard Sen. Bruce Bostelman, requires commercial motor vehicle operators to ensure all cargo is secured adequately to prevent it from falling off of the vehicle.

The bill also requires that the structures, systems, parts and components used to secure the cargo be in proper working order with no damaged or weakened components that could cause cargo to fall from the vehicle.

A violation of the bill’s provisions is an infraction, subject to a $200 fine for the first offense and a $500 fine for second or subsequent offenses.

In addition to the infraction, the superintendent of law enforcement and public safety also can assess the owner of a vehicle a civil penalty of $1,000.

The bill passed on a 44-0 vote and takes effect immediately.