Fee for Uncovered Load

The fine for transporting an unsecured load is $216.

Driving with an unsecured load is against Washington state law. If an item falls off a vehicle and causes bodily harm, the driver faces gross misdemeanor charges and penalties of up to $5,000 and/or up to a year in prison. You will be charged an additional fee for uncovered or unsecured loads at all Transfer Stations.

How do I secure a load?

  • Cover your load. Covering your load with a tarp and then securely fastening the tarp to the vehicle is good way to ensure that your load is secure.
  • Tie down your load using rope, netting, straps, or chains. Tie large items directly to your vehicle. Make sure that any covering is securely tied down.
  • Put lighter items lower and place heavier items on top to help keep them in place and secure the heavy items to your vehicle.
  • Don't overload your vehicle.
  • Double-check that your load is secure.

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.