Georgia House Bill HB386

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23

Caption

Motor vehicles; enforcement of operating a commercial motor vehicle upon a highway in violation of a local ordinance; provisions

Impact

If passed, the bill would allow local governing authorities to enforce trucking ordinances more effectively through automated monitoring. Local authorities could apply for permits to operate these monitoring devices, thus shifting some responsibility onto the state’s Department of Transportation. This structured enforcement could create significant changes in how local traffic laws are upheld, potentially leading to increased compliance from commercial drivers operating in restricted areas.

Summary

House Bill 386 aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, particularly concerning the enforcement of operating commercial motor vehicles in violation of local ordinances. The bill introduces provisions for the use of automated truck route monitoring devices that can capture recorded images of vehicles violating restrictions on designated local truck routes. The bill outlines procedures for the issuance of civil monetary penalties against operators found in violation of these local truck ordinances.

Contention

Notably, points of contention surrounding HB 386 arise over the implications of automated enforcement on drivers and the governance of local traffic laws. Some may argue that relying on recorded images may not adequately address the nuances of each violation, while others may be concerned about the potential for overreach in local authority. Moreover, the bill imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, including consequences for failure to pay fines that could affect vehicle registration, leading to dissatisfaction among vehicle owners and industry stakeholders.