New York Consolidated Laws, Vehicle and Traffic Law - VAT § 380-a. Certain vehicles engaged in the transportation of loose cargo

1. It shall be unlawful to operate on any public highway any open truck or trailer being utilized for the transportation of any loose substances, unless said truck or trailer has a cover, tarpaulin or other device of a type and specification approved by the commissioner of transportation which completely closes in the opening on the said truck or trailer while said truck or trailer shall be so operated, so as to prevent the falling of any such substances therefrom.  However, if the load is arranged so that no loose substance can fall from or blow out of such truck, the covering is not necessary.

2. The commissioner of transportation is authorized to make necessary rules and regulations to carry into effect the provisions of this section, applying such provisions to specific conditions and loads and prescribing means, methods and practices to effectuate such provisions.

3. The provisions of this section shall not apply to motor vehicles, trailers and semitrailers conveying “farm products” as defined in section two of the agriculture and markets law.