Section 31.25. Loading and transporting

(a) A motor vehicle shall not be driven and the motor carrier shall not permit or require any motor vehicle to be driven if it is so loaded, or if the load is so improperly distributed or so inadequately secured, as to prevent its safe operation.

(b) The driver shall not operate a motor vehicle when any object obscures his view ahead, or to the right or left sides, or to the rear, or interferes with the free movement of his arms or legs, or prevents his free and ready access to the accessories required for emergencies, or prevents the free and ready exit of any person from the compartment of the cab or driver.

(c) A vehicle transporting persons and property shall not be driven unless such property is stowed in a manner which assures the following:

(1) Unrestricted freedom of motion to the driver for proper operation of the vehicle.

(2) Unobstructed passage to all exits by any person.

(3) Adequate protection to passengers and others from injury as a result of the displacement or falling of such articles.

(d) A motor vehicle shall not be driven if the total number of passengers exceeds the seating capacity which will be permitted on seats. All passengers carried on such vehicle shall remain seated while the motor vehicle is in motion.

(e) Workers may be transported only in or on a bus, a truck with no trailer attached, or a semitrailer attached to a truck-tractor only if no other trailer is attached to the semitrailer. Closed vans without windows or means to assure ventilation shall not be used.