House Bill No. by Representative Braud seeks to regulate out-of-state tow trucks conducting intrastate towing in Louisiana and to standardize signage requirements for private property towing. The bill mandates that all tow trucks operating in the state display a Louisiana towing license plate and adhere to specific registration and authority requirements. Out-of-state tow trucks are prohibited from engaging in 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 operating in interstate commerce must provide documentation to state police to demonstrate their intent of interstate transport before entering Louisiana.

The bill also introduces new definitions and requirements for signage related to towing from private properties, requiring property owners to display approved signage warning motorists about unauthorized towing, with a focus on visibility. It removes the previous requirement for signage to include the towing company's name and contact information in large lettering. Furthermore, it establishes that written contracts between property owners and tow truck companies must outline parking rules, specify causes for nonconsensual towing, and have an annual expiration. The bill enhances accountability for vehicle owners and company representatives regarding towing and storage licenses, allowing for revocation of licenses for non-compliance. It empowers the office of state police to create rules for implementing these provisions, aiming to improve regulatory oversight in towing and storage practices.

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