DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 604 Original 2020 Regular Session DeVillier
Abstract: Requires the operator of a 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or truck be issued a written
warning, in lieu of a citation, for first time violations when the citation is for minor
equipment maintenance issues.
Present law prohibits a person who drives, moves, causes or knowingly authorizes a vehicle owned
or controlled by that person to be driven or moved on any state highway in an unsafe condition that
would endanger any person or property. Present law also prohibits a person who drives, moves,
causes or knowingly authorizes a vehicle owned or controlled by that person on a state highway
which does not contain necessary parts or is not equipped with lights and other equipment in proper
condition and adjustment.
Present law requires first violations to be punished by a fine of a maximum of $175 or by
imprisonment of a maximum of 30 days, or both, unless otherwise specified.
Proposed law authorizes the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, the weight and standards police
officers, and the Bossier Parish Police Jury Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit to stop and
inspect a vehicle or combination of vehicles, such as an 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or truck, upon
reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle or combination of vehicle is unsafe, not equipped as
required by law, or that its equipment is not in proper condition.
Proposed law requires the officer give a written warning instead of a citation and requires the owner
or operator send a copy of documentation, such as an invoice detailing a mechanical repair directly
related to the written warning, to the department within three days. If the documentation is not
received within three days then proposed law requires the owner or operator be issued a citation for
the original violation.
Proposed law requires the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, the weights and standards police
officers, and the Bossier Police Jury Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit to promulgate and adopt
rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of proposed law.
(Amends R.S. 32:57(A); Adds R.S. 32:53(E))