A 3-minute lesson from the New Hampshire course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Anything that can fly off your vehicle is a hazard to everyone behind you. NH has specific laws on securing loads, equipping trailers and clearing snow and ice, and snow removal is a law unique to this state.
Know the rule
Driving with an unsecured load is against the law and extremely dangerous; if it causes a crash you may face a costly fine.
NH law requiring drivers to clear snow and ice from their vehicles, passed after Jessica Smith was killed when ice from a tractor-trailer hit her vehicle.
After a storm you clear the windshield but leave a slab of snow on the roof. On the highway it slides off onto the car behind you. Under RSA 265:79-b that can mean a $250 to $500 fine for a first offense. Clear the whole vehicle.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
A load is considered securely fastened only when it meets what condition?
It weighs less than 500 pounds
It doesn't block the rearview mirror
It is covered with any type of tarp
Nothing can slide, shift, or fall off
Answer: Nothing can slide, shift, or fall off
A load is secure only when nothing can slide, shift, fall, sift, or become airborne.