11 LC 34 2995

House Bill 519

By: Representatives Floyd of the 99th and Marin of the 96th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Article 11 of Chapter 6 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to miscellaneous provisions for the uniform rules of the road for motor vehicles, so as to prohibit the carrying of ladders stacked more than three high in a ladder rack; to provide for a penalty; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Article 11 of Chapter 6 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to miscellaneous provisions for the uniform rules of the road for motor vehicles, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

"40-6-254.1.

(a) In addition to the requirements contained in Code Section 40-6-254, no person shall operate any motor vehicle carrying more than two ladders unless such vehicle has an installed ladder rack or other cargo rack that is manufactured for the purpose of carrying ladders or other cargo on a vehicle and that is secured to the top of such vehicle or, in the case of a pickup truck, attached to the bed of such truck.

(b) No person shall operate any motor vehicle with ladders stacked more than three high on either side of an installed ladder rack or other cargo rack.

(c) No person shall operate any motor vehicle while carrying any cargo stacked more than 20 inches high in the space between stacked ladders in an installed ladder rack or other cargo rack.

(d) No person shall operate a motor vehicle carrying more than two ladders without properly securing such ladders with at least two ratcheting tiedown straps that are anchored in at least two points and interlaced so as to prevent the ladders from moving forward, backward, or laterally.

(e) A conviction for operating a motor vehicle in violation of this Code section shall be punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $250.00."

SECTION 2.

This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

SECTION 3.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.