WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 606

HIGHWAYS: Modifies regulations pertaining to personal delivery devices

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bourriaque

HB 606 regulates personal delivery devices as traffic-friendly pedestrians in some areas, sets safety rules, and lets local governments regulate their use for public safety.

Effective date: 05/29/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 606

Summary: HB 606 (Louisiana, 2026) – Highways: Modifies regulations pertaining to personal delivery devices

Purpose and intent

HB 606 aims to clarify definitions, regulate, and provide local oversight for personal delivery devices (PDDs) operating in Louisiana. The bill treats PDDs similarly to pedestrians or bicyclists for certain rights and duties and authorizes local governments to regulate or restrict PDDs in the interest of public safety, so long as regulations are not inconsistent with the Subpart and applicable law.

Key definitions (new and clarified)

  • Nonpedestrian area: Includes bicycle lanes, shoulders, or sides of roadways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
  • Pedestrian area: Includes sidewalks, crosswalks, school zones, parking lots, and similar areas.
  • Personal delivery device: A powered device that travels at up to 20 mph, weighs less than 500 pounds (excluding cargo), designed to transport cargo in pedestrian or nonpedestrian or supplementary areas, and equipped with automated driving technology operated under remote human supervision.

Main provisions and changes

  • Status and rights (R.S. 32:210 intro para. and 210.1(C)): A PDD has the same legal rights and duties as a pedestrian or bicyclist in comparable circumstances, with exceptions only for duties that cannot apply or would unduly burden operation.
  • Operation rules (R.S. 32:210.3):
    • A business entity may operate a PDD in any pedestrian or nonpedestrian area, provided the device:
    • Complies with applicable traffic-pedestrian provisions.
    • Yields to or does not obstruct right-of-way for all lawful traffic, including pedestrians.
    • Does not unreasonably interfere with other traffic or pedestrians.
    • Uses lights at night as required by state law.
    • Complies with local regulations, as long as they do not conflict with this Subpart.
    • Does not transport hazardous materials requiring placards under federal Hazardous Materials rules.
    • Is monitored or controlled by a business agent meeting specified requirements (R.S. 32:210.2(A)).
  • Area of operation and speed (R.S. 32:210.4(2)):
    • In nonpedestrian areas, PDDs may operate at speeds up to 20 mph.
    • PDDs must not cross a divided highway, or a roadway/street at an intersection if the adjacent highway has a posted speed greater than 35 mph.
  • Local regulation authority (R.S. 32:210.6(A)(1)):
    • Local governments may prohibit or regulate PDDs via resolutions or ordinances if the action promotes public safety and does not conflict with this Subpart.

Who is affected

  • Businesses operating PDDs: Entities that deploy PDDs for last-mile or cargo-delivery services within Louisiana.
  • Local governments: Authorities empowered to enact regulations or prohibitions governing PDD operations, subject to consistency with state law.
  • Public and pedestrians/personal traffic: Potentially impacted users of sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and other pedestrian or nonpedestrian areas where PDDs may operate.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective date: The act becomes effective upon the governor’s signature or the lapse of the constitutional time for gubernatorial action (standard in Louisiana bills; Senate amendments indicate an effective date provision was added).
  • Enactment process: Amends multiple sections of R.S. 32 and adds new introductory language (definitions) to codify PDD rules.

Summary

HB 606 establishes a framework where personal delivery devices are regulated as legitimate participants in both pedestrian and certain nonpedestrian spaces, requires adherence to traffic norms, safety, and local regulations, and provides local governments with tools to manage PDD presence in their jurisdictions. It removes a blanket prohibition stance in favor of a regulated approach aligned with safety and existing traffic laws.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.