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 950 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Wilder
Abstract: Provides for an exception to vehicle and axle weight limits for Louisiana licensed towing
companies engaged in a vehicle tow.
Present law provides the total gross weight of any single axle attached to any vehicle and equipped
with low pressure pneumatic tires cannot exceed 20,000 pounds.
Proposed law excepts the provisions of present law (R.S. 32:386(C)) when a La. licensed towing
company is engaged in a vehicle tow, during which the weight limitation can be 22,000 pounds while
on state-maintained highways except for the Interstate System.
Present law provides the total gross weight of any tandem axle attached to any vehicle and equipped
with low pressure pneumatic tires cannot exceed 34,000 pounds.
Proposed law excepts the provisions of present law (R.S. 32:386(D)) when a La. licensed towing
company is engaged in a vehicle tow, during which the weight limitation can be 37,000 pounds while
on state-maintained highways except for the Interstate System.
Present law provides the total gross weight of any tridum axle attached to any vehicle and equipped
with low pressure pneumatic tires cannot exceed 42,000 pounds.
Proposed law excepts the provisions of present law (R.S. 32:386(E)(1)) when a La. licensed towing
company is engaged in a vehicle tow, during which the weight limitation can be 45,000 pounds while
on state-maintained highways except for the Interstate System.
Present law provides the total gross weight of any quadrum axle attached to any vehicle and
equipped with low pressure pneumatic tires cannot exceed 50,000 pounds.
Proposed law excepts the provisions of present law (R.S. 32:386(E)(2)) when a La. licensed towing
company is engaged in a vehicle tow, during which the weight limitation can be 53,000 pounds while
on state-maintained highways except for the Interstate System.
Present law provides vehicles and combinations of vehicles must be loaded so that the axle
limitations set forth in present law are not exceeded, except on state-maintained highways, excluding
the Interstate System, when the axle weight exceeds by more than 2,000 pounds for present law (R.S.
32:386(C) and (F)) and 3,000 pounds for present law (R.S. 32:386(D), (E), and (G)). Proposed law excepts the provisions of present law (R.S. 32:386(C)) when a La. licensed towing
company is engaged in a vehicle tow.
(Amends R.S. 32:386(C), (D), (E), and (K))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Change provision from when a towing company is engaged in a consensual vehicle tow
with the agreement of the owner from private property to when a Louisiana licensed
towing company is engaged in a vehicle tow.
2. Add weight limitations to the exceptions in proposed law (22,000 pounds applicable to
single axle vehicles) and provide that the exceptions are applicable on state-maintained
highways except for the Interstate System.
3. Add additional provisions to allow for exceptions when a Louisiana licensed towing
company is engaged in a vehicle tow, to provide weight limitations (37,000 pounds
applicable to tandem axle vehicles; 45,000 pounds applicable to tridum axle vehicles;
and 53,000 pounds applicable to quadrum axle vehicles), and to provide for applicability
of the exceptions on state-maintained highways except for the Interstate System.
4. Make technical changes.