This bill makes several changes to the regulation of motor carriers, including limiting the ability of counties and cities to perform regulatory compliance inspections except as authorized by the state. It further alters a number of definitions. Please let ACCG know if you have any issues with this bill.

HB 114 provides that the fee for filing affidavits relating to the lien foreclosures on abandoned motor vehicles will be $10, as is provided in current statute, and no additional fees, such as the judicial operations fund, and other surcharges will be added.  Also adds a new section defining the contents of that can be retrieved from an impounded motor vehicle.

HB 224 would require off-road vehicles to be registered and licensed by the State.  Vehicles owned by local government or used exclusively for agricultural or construction are exempted from this requirement.

This bill was amended in committee to prohibit driver clinics from being taught by any entity except the private sector.  Language was added at the request of GMA and ACCG to exempt from that prohibition any courses offered for insurance premium reduction purposes.

This bill creates a new class of personal transportation vehicles that go no faster than 20 mph. The vehicles are required to meet minimum equipment standards and obey certain traffic laws as defined in the bill. Counties may adopt additional traffic regulations and require drivers to register with the county as long as doing so does not conflict with any state law. Vehicles currently registered with a county are grandfathered in and do not have to meet the minimum standards.

HB 695 lowers the disability threshold for disabled veterans to be able to receive a free motor vehicle license plate and revalidation decal plate from a 100% disability to a 60% disability.

This bill would allow firefighters to have free special license plates.

HB 795 changes the definition of "all-terrain vehicles."

This is enabling legislation allowing cameras to be placed on school buses to record drivers who illegally pass school buses.  The first offense is a fine of $300, the second offense is a fine of $750, and $1,000 fine for subsequent offenses.  The local school board will enter into Local Governmental Agreement for the implementation and operation of the enforcement tool.

When renewing a vehicle tag, an applicant would be required to swear that he or she has a valid Georgia driver's license or identification card, including the license or card number.  Tag agents will be required to include this affirmation in the renewal notice form.  Any online renewal would be required to have a place where the applicant can include their driver's license number or identification card number.

This bill creates a new class of personal transportation vehicles that go no faster than 20 mph and weigh less than 1,375 pounds. The vehicles are required to meet minimum equipment standards as defined in the bill.

This bill requires tag offices to offer vehicle owners a free decal with the county name or a decal with "In God We Trust" for their license plates.