Cargo loading and securement - Maryland

In Maryland, a vehicle with any type of load may not be driven on any highway unless:

• The vehicle is constructed or loaded to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping; and

• The load and any covering on it are fastened securely to prevent it from becoming loose or detached or from endangering other highway users.

This requirement does not apply to:

• Dropping sand, abrasives, chemicals, or other materials to improve traction;
• Spreading water or other substances to construct, clean or maintain a highway; or
• Dropping asphalt or other materials for highway, bridge, storm drain, or utility construction or repair.

In addition, the vehicle load requirements do not apply to agricultural products in their natural state or residue developed from processing vegetable agricultural products that can be used as feed for animals and transported to a farm.

The bed of any vehicle carrying a load of loose material must be fully enclosed:

• On both sides, by sideboards or side panels;
• On the front, by a board or panel or by the cab of the vehicle; and
• On the rear, by a tailgate, board, or panel.

These enclosures must be constructed to prevent any part of the load from blowing, falling, or spilling out of the vehicle.

No part of the load touching any of these enclosures may be within six inches of the top of the enclosure, unless the load is covered with a firmly secured canvas or similar type covering.