Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 570 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 570-31 - PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS INSPECTION
Rule 570-31-.03 - Powers and Procedures for Enforcement of Fuel Tax and License Tag Laws

(1) A Department employee designated as a law enforcement officer under the provisions of the Rules of the Department of Public Safety has the authority to stop and inspect a load or vehicle, the operator of which he has reason to believe is violating fuel tax or license tag laws or provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 32, O.C.G.A.

(2) If such operator refuses to stop when so ordered by such a Department employee to stop, weigh, measure, or inspect the vehicle or its load, the operator shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $200.00. The operator shall have the right to post an appropriate bond, which shall not exceed $400.00, when any law enforcement officer or employee of the Department of Public Safety authorized to enforce this article apprehends said operator for any violation of this article.

(3) When a vehicle or load stops pursuant to the Department employee's order as provided in paragraph (1) of this Rule, such employee shall record any violation and report it to the State Department of Revenue, unless the violation is the absence of a license tag.

(4) If the vehicle or load does not have a license tag, the operator shall be held and released to an appropriate law enforcement official; provided that the vehicle or load shall first be taken to the nearest maintenance barn, police impoundment yard, or other relatively secure place approved by the Department if, in the Department employee's discretion, this is necessary for the safety of the vehicle or load.