MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Highways and Transportation

By: Senator(s) Hewes, Woodfield

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-83, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE COUNTY HIGHWAYS AMONG THOSE HIGHWAYS ON WHICH OPEN TOP TRUCKS CARRYING SAND, DIRT, GRAVEL OR ROCK MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A TARPAULIN SECURED OVER THE TOP OF THE LOAD; TO AMEND SECTION 63-7-89, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; TO REPEAL SECTION 63-7-85, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE USE OF SIDEBOARDS IN LIEU OF A TARPAULIN ON TRUCKS CARRYING SAND, GRAVEL, DIRT OR ROCK ON STATE OR FEDERAL HIGHWAYS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 63-7-83, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-7-83. Every truck, trailer or other carrier with an open top, while traveling upon any county, state, United States or interstate highway in the State of Mississippi and while carrying any load of sand, dirt, gravel or rock shall be equipped with a tarpaulin, canvas or other such top which shall be secured over the top of any load of sand, dirt, gravel or rock.

SECTION 2. Section 63-7-89, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

63-7-89. Any person, firm or corporation operating a truck, trailer or other carrier on any county, state, United States or interstate highway not properly covered as set forth in Section 63-7-83 * * * shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each separate and distinct violation.

SECTION 3. Section 63-7-85, Mississippi Code of 1972, which authorizes the use of sideboards in lieu of a tarpaulin on trucks carrying sand, gravel, dirt or rock on state or federal highways, is hereby repealed.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.