La. R.S. 47:818.51 — Power to stop and investigate vehicles; fine, collection, enforcement

A. The secretary or his authorized designee or any weights and standards police officer or any motor carrier safety police officer is empowered to stop any commercial motor vehicle which appears to be operating with gasoline or diesel fuel for the purpose of examining the invoices and for such other investigative purposes reasonably necessary to determine whether the taxes imposed by this Subpart have been paid or whether the vehicle is being operated in compliance with the provisions of this Subpart.
B. If, after such examination or investigation, it is determined that the tax imposed by this Subpart has not been paid with respect to the gasoline or diesel fuel being used in said vehicle, the secretary or his authorized designee or any weights and standards police officer or any motor carrier safety police officer may assess the tax due together with the applicable penalty provided in this Subpart, to the owner or driver of the vehicle.
C. The secretary or his authorized designee or any weights and standards police officer or any motor carrier safety police officer is hereby empowered to impound any vehicle found to be operating in violation of this Subpart or any vehicle for which inspection has been refused until such time as an inspection has been completed or any tax, interest, penalties, and other charges assessed as provided herein have been paid.