State Laws For Truck Tarping

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2025 Truck Tarping Laws in the US

Truck tarping laws are designed to promote a safer and cleaner transportation system. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of all road users. Proper tarping prevents loose material from falling off trucks, which can cause accidents and injuries.  Tarping helps secure the load, preventing it from shifting during transit, which can lead to vehicle instability and accidents.

By properly tarping a load, drivers are also ensuring they are delivering a load that is expected to be clean and not damaged from the elements. Furthermore, proper tarping helps protect public health by containing potentially hazardous materials.

Laws are put in place to ensure that companies comply with both state and federal regulations to avoid fines and legal liabilities.

In the United States, truck tarping laws vary by state, but they generally aim to ensure road safety and prevent environmental damage. Here are some important things to remember:

  1. State-Specific Regulations: Each state has its own set of rules regarding truck tarping. Some states require all trucks carrying loose materials like sand, gravel, or debris to be covered with tarps to prevent spillage and accidents.
  2. Federal Regulations: In addition to state laws, there are federal regulations that mandate proper cargo securement to ensure that loads do not shift or fall off during transit
  3. Exemptions: Some states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Delaware, do not have specific tarping laws, but drivers are still responsible for ensuring that their loads are secure and do not pose a hazard.
  4. Safety and Environmental Concerns: Tarping helps prevent road accidents caused by falling debris and reduces environmental damage by containing waste materials.

2025 Policy Updates

In 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is introducing several new regulations that impact truck tarping and other aspects of trucking safety. New laws will require more stringent tarping practices for trucks carrying loose materials. This aims to reduce road debris and improve safety.

The FMCSA is also considering mandating Automatic Emergency Braking Systems in new heavy trucks to prevent collisions. They are also planning to enforce stricter regulations related to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, including revoking commercial driver’s licenses for violations.

Overall, the FMCSA also plans to implement updates on Safety Measurement Systems (SMS) to improve safety and compliance monitoring.

ACT Regulations

The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Regulation is a significant initiative aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles. According to the California Resources Board, ACT will require manufacturers of class 2b to class 8 vehicles to sell zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) progressively increasing in percentage annually. This allows companies to choose which models to electrify.

The ACT rule was created to guarantee a seamless transition to ZEVs while maintaining the availability of diesel-powered automobiles for sale. Recently, the legislation was modified to provide for greater flexibility in response to manufacturers’ requests. Just 7–11% of car sales in 2025 need to be emission-free.

It is also important to note that the ACT regulation does not prohibit or restrict the types of diesel-powered vehicles that can be registered and operated in California. The main purpose of this regulation is to increase sales and, ultimately, the use of ZEVs for a cleaner air and environment. It is recognized that ZEVs are initially more expensive, but it is projected that costs will decrease as better technology becomes available.

AEB systems in new heavy trucks.

In 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are moving forward with a mandate for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in new heavy trucks. According to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the AEB is in its Final Rule Stage. Here are the key details:

  1. Scope: The mandate will apply to new heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.
  2. Implementation Timeline:
    1. Class 7 and 8 vehicles (weighing more than 26,000 pounds) must comply within three years after the rule takes effect.
    2. Class 3 to 6 vehicles (weighing 10,001 to 26,000 pounds) have four years to comply. 
  3. Performance Standards: The rule will establish specific performance standards and maintenance requirements for AEB systems, including test procedures to measure their effectiveness. 
  4. Cost and Training: Installing AEB systems can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per vehicle. Fleet managers need to budget for these costs and ensure that operators are trained to handle vehicles equipped with AEB systems. 
  5. Safety Benefits: AEB systems are designed to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end collisions by automatically applying the brakes if a potential collision is detected and the driver does not respond in time

FMCSA proposes requiring speed limiters on heavy trucks

In 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are moving forward with a mandate for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in new heavy trucks. According to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the AEB is in its Final Rule Stage. Here are the key details:

The FMCSA is indeed moving forward with a proposal to require speed limiters on heavy trucks. Here are some important details:

  1. Scope: The rule would apply to commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
  2. Speed Limiter Setting: The proposed rule initially suggested a maximum speed of 68 mph, but this specific limit was later removed from the proposal. The final speed limit is still under consideration.
  3. Implementation Timeline: The rule is expected to be finalized and implemented by May 2025.
  4. Safety and Compliance: The goal of the speed limiter mandate is to enhance road safety by reducing the risk of high-speed collisions involving heavy trucks 

The proposal has received mixed reactions, with some industry stakeholders supporting it for safety reasons, while others argue it could lead to increased road congestion and safety issues due to speed differentials between trucks and other vehicles.

States with no Truck Tarping laws

Several states in the U.S. do not have specific laws requiring trucks to use tarps to cover their loads. These states include:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • New Jersey
  • Oregon
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Even in these states, truck drivers must ensure that their loads are secure and do not pose a hazard to other road users. Regardless of not having specific tarping laws, these states are mandated to adhere to Federal Regulations for Load Security, Permits, and Safety Requirements.

Update on the Illinois Truck Tarping Law in 2025

Illinois used to be in the above list; however, they have implemented 625 ILCS 5/15-109 at the start of 2025. Under this law, trucks carrying certain materials must use covers or tarpaulins to prevent any part of the load from escaping. Here are the essential points of the law.

  1.     Load Security: Vehicles must be constructed or loaded to prevent any part of the load from dropping, shifting, leaking, or escaping.
  2.     Covering Loads: Loads and any coverings must be securely fastened to prevent them from becoming loose or detached.
  3.     Specific Materials: Vehicles carrying dirt, aggregate, garbage, refuse, or similar materials must use covers or tarpaulins if any portion of the load is falling, sifting, blowing, dropping, or escaping.
  4.     Tailgate Requirements: Vehicles with a gross weight rating of 8,000 pounds or more must have the load secured in the cargo area, and the tailgate must be in good repair to prevent material from escaping.
  5.     Exemptions: Highway maintenance vehicles removing snow and ice, and farm vehicles transporting agricultural products to or from the original place of production are exempt.
  6.     Penalties: Violations are considered petty offenses, punishable by fines.

More on the California Trucking Law in 2025

In 2025, California has introduced all of the aforementioned trucking laws to enhance safety, reduce emissions, and streamline operations. In addition to speed limiters, ACT, and AEB regulations, California will also implement ELD expansion, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and revisions on the Safety Measurement System (SMS).

ELD Expansion

California has expanded its Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements to enhance compliance and safety for both interstate and intrastate motor carriers. Since January 1, 2024, all intrastate motor carriers and drivers in California are required to use ELDs to record a driver’s record of duty status (RODS). This aligns state regulations with federal ELD requirements.

However, certain exemptions apply, such as for drivers operating vehicles manufactured before the year 2000, those in driveaway-towaway operations, and drivers who need to complete RODS for no more than eight days within any 30-day period.

Furthermore, the FMCSA proposes revisions to address issues like ELD malfunctions, technical specifications, and applicability to pre-2000 engines.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Regulations.

The State of California continues to align with FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse regulations. Here are some important updates.

  1. Starting November 18, 2024, drivers with a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse will have their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) revoked or denied until they complete the return-to-duty (RTD) process. 
  2. To regain their CDL or CLP, drivers must undergo an evaluation by a substance abuse professional, complete any recommended treatment, and pass follow-up testing. 
  3. These agencies are responsible for downgrading the commercial driving privileges of drivers with unresolved violations in the Clearinghouse. 
  4. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the use of oral fluid samples for drug testing, which must be directly observed. 

Updates on Safety Measurement System (SMS)

By the end of 2024, the FMCSA was considering updates on SMS to enhance carrier safety ratings and compliance. Here are the key changes:

  1. Single-Tier Rating System: The FMCSA is transitioning from a three-tier rating system to a single-tier “Unfit” classification. This change aims to simplify the rating process and make it easier to identify carriers that do not meet safety standards. 
  2. Behavioral Violations: The weight of behavioral violations, such as “Unsafe Driving,” has been increased. This means that violations in these categories will have a more significant impact on a carrier’s safety rating.
  3. Data Utilization: Roadside inspection data and Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) SMS scores will be used as the basis for new safety ratings. This approach ensures that the most current and relevant data is considered in evaluating carrier safety.

The trucking industry will keep changing, focusing more on safety, new technology, and being eco-friendly. It is important to be prepared for new trucking laws.

The key is to always stay informed by monitoring updates and changes. Always monitor updates by following the FMCSA announcements and news, as well as reading our blog.

And of course, contact us today to make sure your tarping is as safe as possible!