LAC 33:V.10305. Applicability of Regulations

A. For the purpose of this Chapter, the federal regulations, as adopted or amended herein, shall govern all carriers, drivers, persons or vehicles: 1. to which the federal regulations apply; 2. engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials within this state; 3. designed or used to transport 16 or more people, including the driver. B. For the purpose of this Chapter, the federal motor carrier safety regulations, as adopted or amended herein, shall also govern all carriers, drivers, persons or vehicles not subject to the federal regulations, if the operated vehicle has a single or combined gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating, greater than 26,000 pounds and is used in commerce or industry. C. The adopted federal regulations applicable to all carriers, drivers, persons or vehicles set forth in Subsections A and B of this Section shall be amended as follows. 1. For the adopted regulations governing all carriers, drivers or vehicles as specified in Subsection B, substitute “26,000 pounds” for all references made to “10,000 pounds.” 2. Part 391.11(b)(1) shall read, “is at least 21 years old, or is at least 18 years old and lawfully possesses an appropriately classified driver’s license secured from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.” 3.a. If a driver has been regularly employed by a motor carrier for a continuous period of no less than three years immediately prior to January 20, 1988, such driver is exempt from complying with Parts 391.21, 391.23, and 391.33. b. If a driver has been employed as a commercial motor vehicle operator for a minimum of 24 months prior to March 31, 1992, such driver is exempt from complying with Parts 391.41(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (10), and (11). c. However, such a driver may remain qualified only as long as an examining physician determines, during the biennial medical examination required in 49 CFR Part 391.45, that the existing medical or physical condition that would otherwise render a driver unqualified has not significantly worsened or that another disqualifying medical or physical condition has not manifested. The medical examiner’s certificate must display upon its face the inscription medically unqualified outside louisiana when a driver is qualified in accordance with the provisions stated herein. 4. When applicable, the words “Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections” and/or “Office of State Police” shall be substituted where “U.S. Department of Transportation,” “Federal Highway Administration,” “Federal Highway Administrator,” “Director,” “Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety” or “Office of Motor Carrier Safety” appear. 5. Where special U.S. Department of Transportation forms or procedures are specified or required, substitute the compatible Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections forms or procedures if such are required by the state.