Enforcement of chapter

(a) The commissioner is authorized to employ such persons as may be necessary, in the discretion of the commissioner, for the proper enforcement of this chapter, the salaries for such employees to be fixed by the commissioner. (b) The commissioner is vested with police powers and authority to designate, deputize, and delegate to employees of the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety the necessary authority to enforce this chapter, including the power to stop and inspect all motor vehicles using the public highways for purposes of determining whether such vehicles have complied with and are complying with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws regulating the use of the public highways by motor vehicles, and to arrest all persons found in violation thereof. (Ga. L. 1979, p. 789, § 5; Code 1981, § 32-6-225; Code 1981, § 46-11-6, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 469, § 2; Code 1981, § 46-11-6, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 1499, § 2; Ga. L. 2000, p. 951, § 10-1.) Editor’s notes. — Ga. L. 2000, p. 951, § 13-1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the 2000 Act which amended this Code section becomes fully effective July 1, 2001, but authorizes administrative action commencing April 28, 2000, for purposes of appointing certain officials, adopting rules and regulations, employing personnel, and preparing for and phasing in full implementation; provided, however, that the Governor may by executive order extend the date for full implementation of the Act to no later than July 1, 2003. In accordance with an executive order issued June 29, 2001, by the Governor, the amendment of this Code section by Ga. L. 2000, p. 951, became fully effective July 1, 2001. 901