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Officials debate enforcement and outreach on covered-load rules as county seeks to reduce roadside trash
Summary
Silver Bow County commissioners and Sheriff Lester discussed enforcement of covered-load requirements, community outreach and possible year-round alley-rally efforts; the committee voted to reconvene after the meeting and pursue further action on the matter.
Butte-Silver Bow Public Works Committee on June 25 considered communication number 2025-297 from Commissioner Russell Larry (District 5) about roadside trash and enforcement of covered-load requirements.
The discussion matters because residents reported loose loads and litter along county roads and interstates; committee members explored whether increased law-enforcement stops, public education or community clean-up programs would reduce roadside trash.
Sheriff Lester told the committee a state vehicle code permits officers to stop vehicles with unsecured loads: "I think if it was an uncovered load, they could pull them over to say you should cover that." He added his deputies generally use discretion and issue warnings unless a load presents an obvious risk of material coming out: "I wouldn't have our officers pulling anybody over unless it looked like there was something precarious that was gonna come out of the truck." Commissioner O'Leary read a provision from the state vehicle code, saying a driver must "secure the load sufficiently to prevent littering or create an obstruction dangerous to the public traveling on the highway." Sheriff Lester said officers could increase targeted stops and suggested using public information and media outreach to warn residents before heightened enforcement; he offered to contact media and communicate enforcement focus. Sheriff Lester also said judges and prosecutors have seldom received citations for these offenses in the past, based on local recollection.
Commissioners and members of the public described problem locations such as Iron Street, Continental Drive and Second Street, where unsecured loads and trailers have resulted in litter. Commissioner Healy described personal litter-collection efforts; resident Mrs. Douglas urged broader outreach rather than primarily relying on fines: "I think that fines and and punishing people might not be very effective in this particular issue because it's so pervasive and it's and it's has kind of a community flavor." Mrs. Douglas also proposed expanding alley-rally clean-up events; Public Works Director Neri said Community Cleanup/CCCS currently manages most alley-rally efforts and Mike Thatcher funds crew help, and that the county contributes some funding.
On procedure, Commissioner O'Leary moved to hold communication 2025-297 in advance for two weeks so the committee could further address specific items; Chairman Mankins offered a substitute motion to hold the item and reconvene after the meeting. The substitute motion to reconvene after the meeting passed on a 4-2 vote. The committee did not adopt new ordinance language or new penalty schedules; Sheriff Lester indicated enforcement could proceed under existing state vehicle code and that deputies would aim to use discretion and public education alongside enforcement.
