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 116 Original 2021 Regular Session DeVillier
Abstract: Requires a reasonable belief that is based on visible indicators that the vehicle is in
violation of permissible weight requirements for a police officer to stop an 18-wheeler,
tractor trailer, or truck to check for compliance with weight requirements.
Present law authorizes a police officer to stop a vehicle or combination of vehicles to inspect or
measure the vehicle, or require the vehicle to drive to the nearest available location equipped with
facilities to inspect or measure the vehicle if the police officer has reason to believe that the vehicle
is in violation in terms of the length, width, or weight.
Proposed law requires a police officer have a reasonable belief that a vehicle or combination of
vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or truck is overweight. Proposed law specifies that
reasonable belief must be based on visible indicators. Further specifies that if indicators are
indicative of a violation then the vehicle may be examined to determine if there is a weight violation.
Provides an illustrative list of indicators; such as, bulging tires, excessive smoke or exhaust, or
difficulty accelerating up to road speed.
(Amends R.S. 32:389(B))