The original instrument was prepared by Michael Bell. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Sharon F.
Lyles.
DIGEST
SB 440 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Morrell
Present law provides that in any municipality in this state, when a motor vehicle is seized or
otherwise held by any policeman or other officer employed by said municipality for illegal parking,
stationing or abandoning of such motor vehicle or for the violation of any traffic ordinance or
regulation of the municipality, the owner shall be entitled to regain possession thereof upon payment
of such costs as may be fixed by the policing authority of the municipality for the violation.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law provides that no municipality in any parish having a population between 300,000 and
400,000 according to the latest decennial census shall immobilize a motor vehicle for unpaid parking
fines before the registered owner of the motor vehicle has received three or more unpaid parking
fines.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 32:472)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways, and
Public Works to the original bill
1. Removes requirements for municipalities to notify and possess proof of notice to
registered owners of motor vehicles with unpaid parking fines by certified mail,
return receipt requested, before immobilizing a motor vehicle.
2. Requires receipt of three or more unpaid parking fines by the registered owner of a
motor vehicle before a municipality in any parish having a population between
300,000 and 400,000 according to the latest decennial census may immobilize a
motor vehicle for unpaid parking fines.