House Bill No. 728, introduced by Representative Braud, seeks to regulate intrastate towing by out-of-state operators and establish uniform signage requirements for private property towing in Louisiana. The bill mandates that tow trucks operating within the state must display a Louisiana towing license plate and adhere to specific registration and authority requirements. It prohibits out-of-state tow trucks from conducting intrastate towing unless they are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and possess a valid U.S. Department of Transportation Number. Additionally, tow trucks engaged in interstate commerce must provide documentation to state police verifying their intent to transport vehicles across state lines.

The legislation also introduces new definitions and requirements for signage related to towing on private property, requiring property owners to post approved warnings about unauthorized towing. It stipulates that contracts between property owners and tow truck companies must clearly define parking rules, reasons for towing, and include expiration dates. Furthermore, the bill enhances accountability for tow truck operators by imposing stricter compliance requirements, including penalties for unlawful towing and the potential revocation of towing and storage licenses. The bill clarifies the criteria for violations and grants the office of state police the authority to adopt necessary implementation rules, ensuring transparency and adherence to uniform standards in the towing process.

Statutes affected:
HB728 Original: 32:1736(A)
HB728 Engrossed: 32:1736(A)
HB728 Reengrossed: 32:1736(A)