California · Vehicle Code

VEH §24002: (a) It is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in an unsafe condition, or which is not safely loaded, and which presents an immediate safety hazard.

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

Operating an unsafe vehicle, improperly loaded vehicle, or unequipped vehicle is unlawful. Commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers must ensure cargo is properly secured and comply with federal regulations.

Read the full statutory text
(a) It is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in an unsafe condition, or which is not safely loaded, and which presents an immediate safety hazard. (b) It is unlawful to operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is not equipped as provided in this code. (c) A motor carrier shall not require a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle unless the driver can, by reason of experience, training, or both, determine whether the cargo being transported, including baggage in a passenger-carrying commercial vehicle, has been properly located, distributed, and secured in or on the commercial motor vehicle operated by the driver. (d) A driver shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the driver can, by reason of experience, training, or both, demonstrate familiarity with the methods and procedures for securing cargo in or on the commercial motor vehicle operated by the driver. (e) Drivers and motor carriers of commercial motor vehicles shall comply with Section 392.9 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (f) For purposes of this section, “commercial motor vehicle” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and also includes any vehicle listed in Section 34500.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.