Louisiana lawmakers are considering two bills that would restrict passing and lane usage for heavy-trucks.

HB241 would restrict heavy trucks, weighing at least 5,000 pounds, from passing any motor vehicle on an elevated thoroughfare or on a street or highway within a municipality. The penalty for a violation is a $500 fine.

HB1478 authorizes city governments to adopt ordinances restricting heavy trucks, weighing at least 5,000 pounds, to the right lane on all city streets, roads and highways and provides for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to post signs.

Current law does not prevent cities from adopting these ordinances, but the proposed law specifically authorizes the ordinances. Additionally, the proposal requires signs be posted before such ordinances could become effective.

Both bills were referred March 31 to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

--by Rene Tankersley, feature editor

Rene Tankersley can be reached at renet@landlinemag.com.