Senate Bill No. 133, introduced by Senator Cloud, amends several provisions related to the oversight of commercial vehicle parking by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The bill expands the regulations concerning vehicles on highway shoulders by including both attended and unattended vehicles, changing the terminology from "state highway shoulders" to simply "highway shoulders." This adjustment aims to enhance safety and compliance on Louisiana's roadways.
Additionally, the bill transfers jurisdiction over autonomous commercial motor vehicles and automated driving systems from the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, specifically the office of state police. It requires that a written statement certifying compliance with operational requirements for both autonomous and teleoperated commercial vehicles be submitted to the new overseeing agency, ensuring that all vehicles meet the necessary safety standards before operation. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: SB133 Original: 32:296(A), 32:2(B), 32:3(C), 32:7(B)