Washington troopers to conduct multiple ’emphasis patrols’ for unsecured loads in June

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has announced increased enforcement activities for drivers hauling unsecured loads will take place in June.

In response to National Secure Your Load Day taking place June 6, WSP plans to conduct emphasis patrols across Washington for three consecutive weekends between June 9 and June 25. Troopers will focus on both passenger and commercial vehicle drivers.

WSP will hand out tickets to those whose loads are not properly secured in accordance with state law. Citations can range from $50 to $5,000, with the largest fines reserved for “lit debris” — primarily cigarettes — and items that can cause vehicle crashes.

“Our troopers and commercial enforcement officers contact more than 1,000 motorists each year for failing to properly secure their vehicle’s loads,” said Washington State Patrol (WSP) Chief John Batiste. “Collisions caused by unsecured loads are entirely preventable. Ensuring all items are properly secured enables us all to have safe roadways.”

According to the Washington Department of Ecology, debris from unsecured loads causes more than 300 traffic crashes and 30 injuries in the state each year. In 2022, that toll included five deaths attributed to debris in the roadway, officials said.

“We are calling on everyone in Washington to help save lives by securing their cargo every time they drive,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “Two out of three Washingtonians do the right thing and properly secure their loads, but the truth is that five of our fellow residents lost their lives last year due to unsecured cargo, and that is unacceptable. We all need to do our part to protect each other, and to protect our state’s environment.”