Less than twelve hours after AllOnGeorgia broke the story of Senator Donzella James’ plan to prohibit truckers from driving on state highways if they weren’t en route to a delivery, the bill has been withdrawn, according to the Senator herself.
She made the announcement on Facebook around 8:00 PM Thursday night.
The bill sparked outrage in the trucking community and from consumers.
From earlier:
Three Georgia lawmakers want to prohibit tractor trailers and semi-trucks from driving on state highways if trailers or semitrailers are not engaged in the pickup or delivery of persons or property.
State Senators Donzella James, Harold Jones, and Michael Rhett filed Senate Bill 23 the bill to limit the travel on Wednesday. All three are Democrats.
The bill does provide an exception for traveling to or from such pickup or delivery.
Specifically, the legislation states that “No person shall drive or move on any highway any trailer or semitrailer unless such trailer or semitrailer is engaging in the pickup or delivery of persons or property or traveling to or from such pickup or delivery.”
Opponents of the bill question how such a law would be enforced since law enforcement officials must have a reason to detain a vehicle or truck on the roadway and checking the purpose of travel would not meet that threshold.
But there’s a caveat. The code section being amended reads that, “Any vehicle suspected of being operated in violation of this article chapter may be the subject of an inspection conducted by any law enforcement officer who has reason to believe such violation is occurring, without the necessity of obtaining a warrant to permit such inspection,” which means that a trailer or semitrailer could be stopped on suspicion that it is not en route for delivery or pickup.
A violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
You can read the bill below. [If you’re reading on a mobile device or having trouble loading the PDF, click here to read the bill.]
Lawmakers have until the 28th legislative day of session to pass legislation out of their respective chambers and on to the opposite legislative body in order for the bill to have an opportunity to become law this year. The legislative calendar has not yet been set.
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Wesley
January 17, 2019 at 10:21 pm
How about we just stay completely out of Georgia? Then we’d all be happy
Jessica Szilagyi
January 18, 2019 at 11:30 am
Well, it’s state highways that was addressed in the bill, not interstates. So no problem getting to Florida.
She has withdrawn the legislation, however.
Denise
January 18, 2019 at 7:52 pm
And exactly how do you get your food, clothes, toiletries, stuff for your home, building supplies ect…
Are the Lowe’s, home depot’s, grocery stores, Walmart’s ect… located off the interstate? Ask her these kinds of “stupid” questions and then see if she tries again. Semi truck drivers have to be able to take highways, side roads, county roads ect.. to make their deliveries for the stores we all shop in. This is just plain ass stupid and you can’t fix stupid
Jeremy
January 19, 2019 at 1:56 pm
The article CLEARLY states that trucks can drive to and from deliveries. Which means your toilet paper can get to Walmart just fine. 🤨
kirkwashington87@yahoo.com
January 25, 2019 at 1:49 am
Too late the damage has already been done .Truckers are fleeing from 1000 dollar fine 1 year in prison .Just talking about it .Was enough to spark an Georgia boycott .You will see in the coming months an decline of trucks from out of state guarantee.
Damien
January 19, 2019 at 7:30 am
That’s the dumbest idea since overcoming the square wheel. What do they think tractor trailers are used for anyway? Nobody joyrides in a semi! Nobody just casually drive their semi to church, or to a bingo game!!! What are these crackheads thinking about. EVERYTHING in this country moves via trucks at some point in time. Everything!! Even the cell phone or computer that everybody is reading about this dumb bill on. Methheads…
Debbie Weathersbee
January 25, 2019 at 12:53 am
She must think’s everything is grown and made in the back of all of these stores and our trucks has nothing in them we just ride up and down the road in them..
let some of these big major COMPANIES read this one!!
Christopher
January 20, 2019 at 12:39 pm
The comment says they found away to address the problem without legislation, anyone following up with that?
Debbie
January 18, 2019 at 6:56 pm
When Georgia loses all that money from Heavy Vehicle Use Tax and all the money they make just from fuel taxes they will be broke so fast they will be crying for truck drivers to be back in their state. They are such idiots and obviously have no clue as to how much money that companies and owner operators pay out in taxes.
Nance Dugger ( retired trucker)
January 19, 2019 at 3:21 pm
This is about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard–If a truck is rolling,it is working–…Everything you touch–home or work,you got it by a truck–wither it was shipped by plane ,train, or bus–it ended up being delivered by a truck..I suggest,all these people sitting behind a desk making these laws about something they know nothing about–well,let’s put them up in a truck for about 3 months,so the next time they want to make a law about trucking–they will know something about it !!
Debbie Weathersbee
January 25, 2019 at 12:57 am
She must think’s everything is grown and made in the back of all of these stores and our trucks has nothing in them we just ride up and down the road in them..
let some of these big major COMPANIES read this one!!
Bill Manor
January 17, 2019 at 10:35 pm
The law dealing with semi-trucks and trailers being prohibited on Georgia State highways is one way to ensure that the State Of Georgia drys up and flys away. Before Truckers put up with unreasonable stops, not to mention, ” possible illegal search, without probable cause, or sworn affidavit by police officer of reason for probable cause. All Truckers company and owner operators will just stop delivering or picking up in the so-called great State Of Georgia. Remember, Gas Trucks are Semi-Trucks with Trailers, also.
Chris
January 18, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Gas truckers…. you are so screwed when your emptied. LoL
Mike
January 19, 2019 at 8:49 pm
Motor vehicles are already subject to warrantless search upon discovery of probable cause, SCOTUS ruled in Carroll v. Kentucky that exigent circumstances exist due to the mobility of said vehicle which increases the likelihood that evidence would be destroyed or transferred out of the applicable jurisdiction before a warrant could be reasonably obtained. The relevancy to your statement is that in order for the search to be lawful, the traffic stop itself must be lawful and based on probable cause. This particular bill would’ve been laughed out of both chambers and she most likely withdrew it once her colleagues pointed out the bare stupidity of it.
Debbie Weathersbee
January 25, 2019 at 12:56 am
She must think’s everything is grown and made in the back of all of these stores and our trucks has nothing in them we just ride up and down the road in them..
let some of these big major COMPANIES read this one!!
Dennis McIntyre
January 17, 2019 at 11:11 pm
I dont even have words that could be written here without cursing. These three idiots should not be let out of the house much less being allowed to write law. Every truck on the road is there because it needs to be. The price of fuel assures that truckers are not out there joy riding. I would think there is alot of things that need attention, not more regulation on an already over regulated industry. I would hope all three of these law makers understand how stupid this law would have been.
Gremlin
January 17, 2019 at 11:50 pm
Not to mention the revenue from the highway tax that we pay to travel on those roads
Moses Bradford
January 17, 2019 at 11:58 pm
Ask any one of them what the interstate system was originally designed for and I bet they all think it was for the convenience of their happy ass’s to go on holiday. But they would be dead wrong. So they need to do the research on that but I will be so kind as to educate them on the fact that it was designed for our military and commerce as in Trucking. So with that being said,the truck traffic that is so bothersome to them actually has more right to be there than they do.
Steve Schmidt
January 18, 2019 at 8:25 am
You got that right. Our transportation system is what made this country so great. Without it we would be a Mexico.
This why I call them Dum a Crats.
Same for global warning. They just change history. Millions of years ago this country was an iceberg before wevehere here. How did the Great Lakes get made if it wasn’t getting warmer then. Before we where even thought of. Lol dahhh
Trucker kris
January 18, 2019 at 9:19 am
It was going to be only state highways. Not interstates.
Louis
January 18, 2019 at 12:25 am
Well, ask Danzella how much toilet paper she has to wipe that black ass of hers. Because, when it runs out, she’ll have to use her tongue or nails to wipe it.
SENATOR Dipshit
January 18, 2019 at 1:39 am
I’m sick of truckers just cruising the mall in their huge tractor trailers. Lol
Parking behind my house with their refer trailers, who needs to smoke that much weed?
I even saw one that said “Budweiser” right on the side, i dont know what that is, but ive been told that’s a type of beer. That’s suggests drinking and driving.
William Miller
January 18, 2019 at 8:20 am
Haha.. right?? Who the hell joy rides in a Simi? It is all work related.
CHUCK
January 18, 2019 at 12:34 pm
If you don’t not what Budweiser is , your opinion here doesn’t matter to 3/4 of America. Get off your computer and go drink a 12pack of Budweiser and cheer the Fuck up…
RB
January 18, 2019 at 4:34 pm
CHUCK-Seriously!? You can’t tell he was being sarcastic?? First clue, look at the name. Fuck, you are what’s wrong with this country. Jump to conclusions because your little feeling was bothered.
Marcel Larouche
January 18, 2019 at 1:04 pm
LoL
John Romanowicz
January 18, 2019 at 4:35 am
I’m sure if that were to happen to a trucking company and it caused a company to loose a load because of the officer trying to get the warrant it could cause lawsuits against the state of Georgia and not to mention it would also cause trucking companies not to come into the state of Georgia and when that happens everyone in the state of Georgia will suffer because without trucks everything stops
Soldier
January 18, 2019 at 4:37 am
I thought I heard it all until now,a mind is a terrible thing to waste,dumb as a rock
Jacob
January 18, 2019 at 7:51 am
The fact that this bill was even thought of is just asinine.
Will Hall
January 18, 2019 at 8:20 am
Well if they do it to us truckers they ought to do it to the 4 wheelers to “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”
Roscoe
January 18, 2019 at 8:42 am
You know what’s going to happen..no truckers going to want to deliver to Georgia…or there going to be a shortage of drivers because who want to go to jail for a year and a fine fuck that job
Scott Owens
January 18, 2019 at 9:26 am
Starting to sound as dumb as California lawmakers.
ConnIe
January 18, 2019 at 9:36 am
Leave it to the dummycrats!
bill
January 18, 2019 at 11:21 am
how are you supposed to deliver to florida? drive around the entire state of georgia?
Ivan Vrabel
January 18, 2019 at 12:54 pm
What else you can expect from people like this
California Dream
January 18, 2019 at 1:00 pm
What a stupid bitch. I live off of a state hwy. My truck is my only form of transportation. It’s payment is more than my house payment. She needs to go get her hands a bit dirty and put in some real work to understand. I say fuck her and fuck the state of Georgia. I WONT EVER DELIVER ANOTHER LIAD OF ANYTHING TO YOUR FUCKED UP STATE. UNLESS IT A TRUCK LOAD OF DOG SHIT AND ITS COMING TO GER HOYSE. RIGHT ON THE LAWN IS WHERE IT WILL GO. WE ALREADY STOPED DON’T LUVERYS TO THE FUCKED UP STATE OF CALIFORNIA. STEP OFF OF MY JOB. YOU ARE PATHETIC. A FUCKING DEMO. BRAIN DEAD I SAY, BRAIN DEAD.
Kristen
January 19, 2019 at 7:53 pm
She doesn’t want ass wipers. Not sure what she’s going to use and to be honest I don’t think I want to shake her hand.
Rebecca Teague
January 18, 2019 at 1:52 pm
I still do not see this passing even without legislation, we live in a rural county in GA and there is only state highways, no interstate near us, how are we supposed to leave without being in violation or subject to a fine and jail?
Dear Senator James:
I am writing you in regards to Senate Bill 23: “ to prohibit the movement of trailers or semitrailers on any highway unless such trailers or semitrailers are engaged in the pickup or delivery of persons or property or traveling to or from such pickup or delivery; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes”.
As a woman-owned business and resident of Georgia, I feel that this bill will cause an undue financial hardship on my business. First of all, how can you determine whether or not a semi on the road is on their way to pick-up or deliver a load? There are times in this business where the load is actually the movement of an empty trailer, and therefore, the drivers would not have a bill of lading to provide as proof of delivering a load. Secondly, there are times where a driver has to deadhead one hundred miles or more in order to move their truck into a freight moving zone. Thirdly, there are times that a truck is still drivable and needs to be taken to the shop for minor repairs, and in this capacity, is not under a load, and is still safe to operate without endangering others. According to your bill, in all three of these scenarios, the driver /company would be in violation, and therefore, could be stopped and fined, and possibly put in jail.
The passing of this bill without taking into consideration all the factors that the transportation industry faces is preposterous. I do not know of any company or driver that allows their trucks to be on the road without either going to pick up or deliver a load, or take the truck to be repaired. While some drivers are living out of their trucks, when they are not on duty, they have to use the truck as their own means of transportation to go shopping, pay bills, etc., and the passing of Senate Bill 23 will not allow that driver to leave a truck stop or rest area with that truck.
There are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings of what all factors are involved in the movement of freight worldwide. If you would like to discuss these factors and take them into consideration in Bill 23, please contact me
Brian Lamb
January 18, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Trailer(trailor)is spelled funny there.Maybe they forgot if they have it,somewhere it was on a truck.I have never understood someone telling me how to do my job when they don’t know how.
Arthur Pickens
January 18, 2019 at 3:57 pm
Just so you know, the state of georgia has a history of making stupid decisions with regards to the trucking industry. When 53′ trailers first came into being they were pulling them around and behind the scales and not allowed to until they were cut down to 48′. Other states tried to prohibit trucks from State routes in the past and these plans were unworkable and unmanageable and led to many lawsuits against those states. These are just a bunch of low level state legislators trying to show that they have some worth to their constituents much like the fools that gave us our current hours of service rules. They said we were unsafe driving 10 hrs in a 15 hr day but that we are a lot safer doing 11 hrs in the shorter 14 hr day.
Emily
January 18, 2019 at 5:14 pm
Does the new non-legislative way mean that Georgia will pay to relocate all truck stops and company shops, so that tractor-trailers can get serviced and refuel, to interstate access only locations? What exactly is the “problem” with using highways?
Jarid Sigsbee
January 18, 2019 at 5:57 pm
There is this to think about.
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=49
This is a Law that has been passed long before cars and Trucks were even thought of.
The Interstate Commerce Act. it is a clear Federal Violation if this does go through without consideration and you also have to deal with the Drivers that Live in the State of Georgia!
Scott Haynes
January 18, 2019 at 8:21 pm
I sent this to all three of them.
While I understand the bill has been pulled I want to thank you for the laugh because I am absolutely laughing my rear end off at how stupid you Democrats could be. If you have it, a truck hauled it.
With best regards
a constitutional conservative independent voter and truck driver that’s thankful I don’t live in your district.
Csmith
January 19, 2019 at 7:15 pm
I would like to know how much tractor/trailer business is actually not enroute to or from a delivery. Do folks in Georgia just take semi’s out for date night or cruisin the gut or what?
Jed Allen Shoemaker
January 19, 2019 at 7:23 pm
How??? HOW??? Does an absolute moron like this relate to other individuals to the extent they would garner enough support to be elected a U.S. Senator??? “Found alternative ways to address the issue”… Yeah stop purchasing… EVERYTHING!!! What an idiot!!! Lol
Kristen
January 19, 2019 at 7:54 pm
I would love to see how long she goes without toilet paper. Just saying.
Doopie Schmidt
January 20, 2019 at 4:23 am
Just think about the jabbering as the three lawmakers were conspiring this ridiculous scenario. “I have this really impressive idea” Another “What’s that?” Original “Let’s put a bill together that any trucker traveling in our state can only do so if picking up and delivering in our state.” The other “That’s a great idea.” Original idiot “Yeah, I think so too. Let’s show them that peons must bow to our demands and that we are superior to them. That they are helpless idiots and we know what is best for them.” Second idiot “Sure. That will make them feel hopeless. You are so smart.” And folks that is the perfect representation of politicians in our country.
Bing
January 20, 2019 at 10:12 am
Well I would suggest that we the drivers refuse to deliver any goods to the state of Georgia. Time to start striking back the fuel tax,license tax they receive from these units traveling in an three there state stopped would hurt these idiots but we can stave them out first
Jc
January 21, 2019 at 9:25 am
The real problem here is the ignorant and or stupid politicans who are elected.
We to vet or potential elected officials prior to putting them in office. What is coming out of the mouths of some of the elected is just plain stupid. I question where their loyalties lie.
Rob Wayson
January 22, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Understood that this was a statewide initiative to limit access, but the 20 county Atlanta region voted and passed a truck access plan with investment strategies that would “attract”, versus “restrict”, truck access. This strategy targets the reduction of enforcement and the cost associated with that effort, while facilitating access that promotes safety, efficiency, and the focused investment of funds to build a commercial future for those counties. https://atlantaregional.org/transportation-mobility/freight/atlanta-strategic-truck-route-master-plan-astromap/
PHILIP L FRANK
January 24, 2019 at 11:44 am
Someone is, Out of touch with reality! Things that make you go “Hmmmmm?”
smr
April 29, 2019 at 11:44 am
I live on a state highway and truckers, who are NOT making deliveries, but going to a depot nearby better served by 285, are hurting my and my neighbors’ standard of living. Get on 285 where your dumbasses are supposed to be instead of cutting through residential areas just because they have state highways through them.