CS/HB 1189 Summary

• Defines "platoon" as two truck tractor semi-trailer combinations traveling electronically coordinated at close following distances and exempts the non-lead vehicle operator from following distance requirements upon operator notification to the Department of Transportation and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

• Repeals the assistive truck platooning technology pilot project and permits platoon operators to display electronic video displays while operating with driver-assistive truck platooning technology.

• Updates intrastate commercial motor vehicle regulations to reference federal rules as they existed on December 31, 2017 and modifies electronic logging device exemptions for certain vehicle types and operations including vehicles under 26,001 pounds and pre-2000 model year vehicles.

• Modifies vehicle registration requirements by eliminating petroleum product transport exemptions, revising apportionable vehicle definitions, extending license plate replacement periods from 6 to 10 years at $28 fee, and establishing a 5-year registration period and annual cab cards for International Registration Plan vehicles beginning October 1, 2019.

• Authorizes a Fleet Vehicle Temporary Tag pilot program allowing up to three companies with at least 3,500 fleet vehicles to receive up to 50 temporary tags at a time and creates a grand theft felony offense for using devices to interfere with GPS or similar location tracking systems during cargo theft.