Gravel transport trucks

Trucks hauling gravel on the interstate often have stickers that say things like “Not responsible for broken windshields” or “Stay 200 ft back.”

Is there any truth to this?

It seems more like a way to minimize complaints or avoid responsibility for damage to other vehicles. In reality, they would be responsible for repairs if their load damages another car.

If a gravel truck causes a broken windshield, are they actually exempt from liability?

It’s unrealistic to expect drivers to stay 200 feet back at a stoplight- so why should we be required to do so on the highway? Sure, it’s more feasible on the interstate, but where do you draw the line? What about a two-lane road? A busy street? You can see the issue.

The truck should always be responsible for securing its load, and if they want to warn others that debris may fall, that’s fine. But implying they’re exempt from responsibility when they’re not is misleading.

The problem is that someone might take the sticker at face value and never file a claim. They may assume the company truly isn’t responsible and simply absorb the cost of a broken windshield. That’s unacceptable. Transport companies are free to warn drivers, but misleading them is not. It’s dishonest and infuriating.

And frankly, it’s unfair. If I labeled my own vehicle with statements that were untrue or suggested I was exempt from the law, I’d be pulled over immediately.

So, are they responsible for broken windshields?