There is hereby created in the department of public safety, division of state highway patrol, a motor carrier enforcement unit, to be administered by the superintendent of the state highway patrol. This unit shall be responsible for enforcement of commercial motor vehicle transportation safety and hazardous materials requirements.
The superintendent, with the approval of the director of public safety, may appoint and maintain necessary staff to carry out the duties assigned under this section.
Employees of the motor carrier enforcement unit shall cooperate with the public utilities commission to enforce compliance with orders and rules of the commission, applicable laws under Chapters 4905., 4921., and 4923. of the Revised Code, and any other applicable laws or rules.
Uniformed employees of the motor carrier enforcement unit may stop commercial motor vehicles for the exclusive purpose of inspecting such vehicles to enforce compliance with orders and rules of the public utilities commission as required by division (F) of section 5502.01 of the Revised Code.