HB 606: HIGHWAYS: Modifies regulations pertaining to personal delivery devices - Louisiana

HB606 Original → HB606 Act 437 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates the legal definition of 'personal delivery devices' to include automated cargo transporters that operate under human supervision. It clarifies that these devices have the same rights and duties as pedestrians or bicyclists, allowing businesses to operate them on public roads while requiring them to yield to other traffic and comply with local safety rules.

Scope change

The scope expanded from general personal delivery devices to specifically include automated cargo transporters, and the applicability was broadened to allow operation in both pedestrian and nonpedestrian areas under specific conditions.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'personal delivery device' was changed to explicitly include powered devices designed for transporting cargo and goods, provided they travel at 20 mph or less, weigh under 500 pounds, and use automated driving technology supervised by a human.

REQUIREMENT

New operational requirements were added, including a mandate that devices must not transport hazardous materials regulated by federal law and must be monitored or controlled by an agent of the business entity.

The rules for device operation were modified to allow businesses to operate these devices in both pedestrian and nonpedestrian areas, provided they comply with traffic laws applicable to pedestrians and yield to all other lawful traffic.

A new provision was added allowing local governments to regulate or prohibit these devices through resolutions or ordinances if they determine it is necessary for public safety.

HB606 Enrolled → HB606 Original · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill removes the requirement for a local government vote to prohibit personal delivery devices, allowing local authorities to regulate them based on safety needs without a specific prohibition vote. It also clarifies the definition of a personal delivery device and adjusts the operational rules to ensure consistency with pedestrian and bicyclist rights.

Scope change

The bill expands the ability of local governments to regulate personal delivery devices by removing the specific requirement that a prohibition must be determined to be in the interest of public safety via a resolution, streamlining the regulatory process.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the text requiring local governments to determine that a prohibition is in the interest of public safety before regulating personal delivery devices.

Adjusted the operational rules for personal delivery devices to align the numbering and phrasing of rights and duties with those of pedestrians and bicyclists.

DEFINITION

Reordered and slightly modified the definition of 'personal delivery device' to ensure clarity regarding speed, weight, and automated driving technology.

TIMELINE

Removed the section specifying the effective date of the act upon signature or expiration of the legislative session.

HB606 Engrossed → HB606 Enrolled · 5 edits · May 25, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates the legal definition of 'personal delivery devices' from small, lightweight motorized scooters to larger, automated cargo vehicles that require human supervision. It clarifies that these new devices have the same rights and duties as pedestrians and bicyclists, while adding specific safety requirements such as yielding to traffic, displaying lights at night, and prohibiting the transport of hazardous materials. The bill also grants local governments the authority to regulate or prohibit these devices based on public safety concerns.

Scope change

The scope of the bill significantly expanded to include larger, automated cargo-carrying vehicles (up to 500 pounds) rather than just small personal mobility devices, and it explicitly allows for local government regulation of these new vehicles.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'personal delivery device' was changed to include powered devices up to 500 pounds designed for transporting cargo with automated driving technology and human supervision.

REQUIREMENT

New operational rules were added requiring devices to yield to all traffic, display lights at night, and prohibiting the transport of hazardous materials regulated by federal law.

A new requirement mandates that these devices must be monitored or controlled by an agent of the business entity operating them.

ENFORCEMENT

Local governments were granted the authority to adopt resolutions or ordinances to prohibit or regulate the use of personal delivery devices if deemed necessary for public safety.

TIMELINE

An effective date provision was added, stating the law becomes effective upon the governor's signature or upon expiration of the signing period if vetoed.

HIGHWAYS: Modifies regulations pertaining to personal delivery devices

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