RS 45:200.1: Findings and declaration of policy

The legislature of Louisiana, in the exercise of its police power, hereby finds and declares that the operation of public carrier vehicles (as herein defined) within this state is a business affected with the public interest; that there has been within this state a marked increase in the number of such vehicles, and use thereof, with a consequent increase in hazards to the general public; that such vehicles regularly operate across municipal and parish boundaries; that the public in general, and the users of such vehicles in particular, are not adequately protected against risks resulting from the operation of such vehicles; that uniform remedial legislation is required to correct and eliminate the conditions adversely affecting the public interest, to insure as far as practicable that the public will receive the benefits of more responsible operation of such vehicles; that the health, safety, morals and welfare of the public make it imperative that effective, uniform, reasonable and just supervision, regulation and control be exercised over the operation of such vehicles to ensure their responsibility in order that the paramount interest of the public be protected and conserved, that irresponsible operation of such vehicles detrimental to the public interest be prevented, and that this remedial legislation should be construed liberally and enforced strictly in favor of the public; and that penalties for violations should be prescribed.