Chickamauga, GA – The grace period for unsecured or uncovered vehicle loads in Walker County has officially ended. As of May 1, drivers who fail to properly secure their loads will no longer receive warnings—they will now be cited and required to appear in Walker County Magistrate Court.
The enforcement follows Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-248.1), which prohibits any vehicle from being operated on public roads unless it is constructed, loaded, or covered in a way that prevents materials from dropping, escaping, or shifting. Violations that pose a safety hazard or result in roadside litter are subject to legal consequences.
Walker County officials began issuing warnings on April 7 as part of a public education effort. That warning period is now over. Code Enforcement officers will now issue citations carrying fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, and offenders may face up to 60 days in the Walker County Detention Center. Penalties will increase for repeat violations.
The move is part of a broader initiative to combat roadside trash and maintain cleaner, safer public roads.