Sec. 647.017.  OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  A person may not operate a motor vehicle transporting migrant agricultural workers that is loaded or that has a load that is distributed or secured in a manner that prevents the vehicle's safe operation.
(b)  A person may not operate a motor vehicle if:
(1)  a tailgate, tailboard, tarpaulin, door, fastening device, or equipment or rigging is not securely in place;
(2)  an object:
(A)  obscures the operator's view in any direction;
(B)  interferes with the free movement of the operator's arms or legs;
(C)  obstructs the operator's access to emergency accessories;  or
(D)  obstructs a person's entrance or exit from the cab or operator's compartment;  or
(3)  property on the vehicle is stowed so that it:
(A)  restricts the operator's freedom of motion in properly operating the vehicle;
(B)  obstructs a person's exit from the vehicle;  or
(C)  does not provide adequate protection to passengers and others from injury resulting from a falling or displaced article.
(c)  An operator who leaves a motor vehicle unattended shall securely set the parking brake, chock the wheels, and take all reasonable precautions to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 17.34(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.