§ 1453. Baled products

(a)(1) An individual shall not operate a motor vehicle loaded with baled hay or straw or other baled products with any portion of the load extending beyond the front end of the vehicle bed; with the exception that a load extension is permitted beyond the front end of a truck bed, over the driver’s compartment or sleeping berth, provided this portion of the load is supported by permanent and substantial steel frame construction. Loads of baled hay, straw, or other baled products shall be solidly packed while in transit.

(2) Such loads, unless supported by substantially constructed sideboards or rack type bodies, shall be fastened securely to the vehicle by not less than two longitudinal binders and by a cross binder for each tier of baled hay or straw or other baled products, such binders to be of sufficient strength to hold such load in place. Such loads may be transported without sideboards and the binders specified in this subdivision if fastened by any commercial binding device equal or superior to the provisions set forth in this section. Such commercial binding device shall be approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a farmer engaged in farming operations where such transportation requires that he or she use the public highways; provided, however, that the farmer loads and transports the loads in a reasonably safe manner.

(c) Any enforcement officer may stop and inspect vehicles in respect to compliance with the provisions of this section, and if it is found that the load is being transported in violation of this section, the enforcement officer may arrest without warrant and shall prohibit the operator of such vehicle from continuing en route until the load has been made to comply with this section. (Amended 1971, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 32; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 207.)