Private carriers excepted from application of article; safety rules authorized; certificates or permits not required

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, this article shall not apply to private carriers engaged exclusively in the Page: 608 Job Path: @mfgmic/west/stcodes/ga/repl/qj04040.63 Date: 06/30/04 Time: 20:58:37 0000 42051-21 (QS) GA 04 RV34 -- 3rd RUN PUBLIC UTILITIES, ETC. transportation of goods belonging to the individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association owning, controlling, operating, or managing the motor vehicle in private transportation over any public highway in this state. (b) The commissioner shall have the authority to promulgate rules designed to promote safety of private carriers. Every motor vehicle of a private carrier and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe condition at all times; and the carrier’s equipment shall meet such safety requirements as the commissioner shall from time to time promulgate. (c) Private carriers are not required to hold certificates or permits issued by the commissioner. (Code 1981, § 46-7-37, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 950, § 3; Ga. L. 2000, p. 951, § 9-4; Ga. L. 2004, p. 366, § 15.) The 2004 amendment, effective July 1, 2004, substituted ‘‘or permits’’ for ‘‘of public convenience and necessity or registration permits’’ near the middle of subsection (c).