LRS 32 Codes/Definitions

RS 32:172

ALL VEHICLES MUST STOP AT CERTAIN RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS A.(1) The department shall determine highway grade crossings of railroads on state maintained highways or roads which are of particular danger to public safety and shall erect stop signs thereat. (2) The department shall also make a preliminary determination of highway grade crossings of railroads on non-state maintained public highways or roads which are of particular danger to public safety which shall be made available to parishes and municipalities. The governing authorities of such parishes and municipalities may erect stop signs at such crossings. (3) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations, not later than December 15, 1998, which set forth criteria to determine those crossings which are particularly dangerous, to include but not be limited to crossings where multiple collisions have occurred, crossings which are high-profile crossings, and crossings with reduced sight distance or visibility. When such stop signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet, from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care. B. The opinions and final report of the department promulgated or published pursuant to this Section shall not be subject to any discovery or production nor be admissible evidence in any judicial proceeding in this state. C. A decision of the department relative to the placement of a stop sign at a crossing which possesses any other warning device shall not be considered as presumptive or conclusive evidence of fault on the part of the state or its agents or any political subdivision or its agents. D. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the railroad of its responsibility to maintain safe crossings and operate its trains and other on-track equipment in a safe manner.

RS 32:417

ALLOWING UNLICENSED PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 17 TO DRIVE 1.) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or knowingly permit a minor child under the age of seventeen to drive a motor vehicle or a power cycle upon any public road or highway in this state unless such child shall have first obtained a license to drive a motor vehicle or a power cycle. However, the provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to a minor who is participating in a driver education course or a pre - licensing training course approved and certified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, public safety services. 2.) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to rent for hire a motor vehicle to be operated by any person who does not have a current license or, in the case of a non-resident who has not been licensed to drive a motor vehicle under the laws of his resident state, if the laws of his resident state so require. 3.) It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to employ any person as a driver of a motor vehicle if said person being employed does not have a current, valid license issued by the department in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. 4.) Any person who causes or who knowingly permits an unlicensed minor under the age of seventeen to drive a motor vehicle or power cycle on a public road or highway and the owner of a vehicle who knowingly gives or furnishes a motor vehicle or power cycle to an unlicensed minor under the age of seventeen shall be jointly and severally liable for damages caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the minor driving the vehicle. 5.) The following penalties shall be imposed for a violation of this Section: 6.) The person shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars and not more than five hundred dollars for each offense, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. 7.) However, if an unlicensed minor under the age of seventeen is involved in a collision which results in the serious bodily injury or death of another person, the person shall be subject to the penalties provided for in R.S. 14:92.2(B) 8.) For purposes of this Paragraph, "serious bodily injury" means a bodily injury which involves unconsciousness, protracted and obvious disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, or a substantial risk of death.

RS 32:58

CARELESS OPERATION 1.) Any person operating a motor vehicle on the public roads of this state shall drive in a careful and prudent manner, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such a manner shall constitute careless operation. 2.) If the careless operation of the motor vehicle directly or approximately causes the death of a human being, when the operator fails to maintain control of the vehicle because of falling asleep, in addition to any penalties provided in this Title, the person shall also be ordered to serve court-approved community service for not more than two hundred fifty hours and the department may suspend the operator's license for a period of two years.

RS 32:289.1

CELLULAR TELEPHONE USE, CERTAIN DRIVERS PROHIBITED, EXCEPTIONS, PENALTIES A. Except in a driver emergency and as provided in Subsection B of this Section, any person, regardless of age, issued a first driver's license from this state shall be prohibited from using a cellular telephone for any purpose while operating a motor vehicle for a period of one year commencing from the date of issuance of his first driver's license. The date of the original issuance shall be indicated on the reverse of the license. However, this prohibition shall not apply to any person who was previously licensed to drive in another jurisdiction. B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply in any of the following circumstances: (1) A person contacting a public safety entity. (2) A person in a parked motor vehicle. (3) Emergency response personnel while in the performance of their duty, including firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and law enforcement or peace officers. (4) The use of citizens band radios, citizens band radio hybrids, commercial two-way radio communication devices, or electronic communication devices with a push-to-talk function. C. A first offense violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars or by sentence of sixteen hours of community service, or both. For each subsequent offense, the offender shall be punished by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars or by sentence of twenty-four hours of community service, or both. D. Any violation of this Section shall constitute a non-moving violation and shall be a secondary offense and a driver may be cited only if stopped for a moving violation. E. If the person is involved in an accident at the time of the violation, then the law enforcement officer investigating the accident shall indicate on the written accident report that the person was using a wireless telecommunications device and such person shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed in this Section.

RS 32:295

CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM A. Except as provided in Subsections C, D, and E of this Section, every driver in this state who transports a child or children under the age of eighteen years in a motor vehicle that is in motion and is required by federal safety standards to be equipped with a safety belt system or lower anchors and tethers for children in a passenger seating position shall have the child properly restrained according to the vehicle and child safety seat manufacturer's instructions, as follows: (1) A child who is younger than the age of two years shall be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint system that complies with all applicable federal regulations until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer. (2) A child who is at least two years of age or older and has reached the rear-facing weight or height limits of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer, shall be restrained in a forward-facing child restraint system with an internal harness until the child reaches the weight or height limit of the child restraint system set by the manufacturer. (3) A child who is at least four years of age and has outgrown the forward-facing weight or height limits of the child restraint system as set by the manufacturer shall be restrained in a belt-positioning child booster seat, secured with a vehicle lap-shoulder seat belt, according to the manufacturer's instructions. (4) A child who is at least nine years of age or has outgrown the height or weight limits of a child restraint system or belt-positioning child booster seat as set by the manufacturer shall be restrained with the motor vehicle's adult safety belt adjusted and fastened around the child's body to fit correctly. The adult safety belt fits correctly when the child sits all the way back against the vehicle seat, the child's knees bend over the edge of the vehicle seat, the belt fits snugly across the child's thighs and lower hips, and not the child's abdomen, and when the shoulder strap snugly crosses the center of the child's chest and not the child's neck. (5) A child who is younger than thirteen years of age shall be transported in the rear seat of a motor vehicle, when available, in a properly used child restraint system, belt-positioning child booster seat, or adult safety belt that complies with all applicable federal regulations. (6) A child who because of age or weight can be placed in more than one category shall be placed in the more protective category. B.(1) The term "motor vehicle" as used in this Section shall not mean the following: bicycle; farm tractor; motorcycle or motor-driven cycle; truck of manufacturer's rating carrying capacity of over two thousand pounds; ambulance or other emergency vehicle; school bus as defined in R.S. 32:1(62)(a) and (b); church bus, private bus, or recreational vehicle which has a passenger capacity of over ten persons; or commercial truck, van, or taxi. (2) The term "child restraint system" as used in this Section shall mean a lap belt, a shoulder harness, or an age- or size-appropriate child safety seat as required by this Section. (3) The term "child booster seat" as used in this Section means a child passenger restraint system that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set forth in 49 CFR 571.213 and is designed to elevate a child to properly sit in a federally approved safety belt system. C. When the vehicle is equipped with a passenger side air bag supplemental restraint system and the air bag system is activated, the driver of a vehicle transporting a child who is younger than six years of age or weighs less than sixty pounds shall transport the child in the rear seat positions in the vehicle, if rear seats are available. D. When the number of children under the age of thirteen in the motor vehicle exceeds the number of age- or size-appropriate passenger restraint systems and seat belts available in the motor vehicle, the unrestrained children shall be seated in a rear seat, if rear seats are available. E. The provisions of this Section shall not apply when one of the following conditions exists: (1) The motor vehicle is being used as an ambulance or other emergency vehicle. (2) An emergency exists which threatens the life of any person operating a motor vehicle to whom this Section otherwise would apply or the life of any child who otherwise would be required to be restrained under this Section. (3) Any child who would otherwise be required to be restrained under this Section who is physically unable because of medical reasons to use a child passenger safety system or safety belt. F. In no event shall failure to wear a child passenger safety seat system be considered as comparative negligence, nor shall such failure be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action with regard to negligence, nor shall such failure be considered a moving violation. G. Any operator of a motor vehicle stopped for a violation of this Section and against whom enforcement action has been taken shall not be guilty of a subsequent violation of this Section until after twenty-four hours have elapsed from the date and time of the violation as indicated on the traffic ticket. H. A violation of this Section involving failure to secure a child in any type of child restraint system shall be a primary offense. However, failure to secure a child in the age- or size-appropriate restraint, as specified by Subsection A of this Section, shall be a secondary offense and a driver may be cited only if stopped for a moving violation. I.(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary and except as provided by Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, any person who violates this Section shall upon conviction be fined one hundred dollars for a first offense, not less than two hundred fifty dollars and not more than five hundred dollars for a second offense, and five hundred dollars plus all costs of court for a third or subsequent offense. (2) Any person who violates this Section but whose violation is limited to failure to utilize an age- or size-appropriate child restraint system to secure an otherwise restrained child shall not be fined more than one hundred dollars including fees and court costs. J. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall initiate an educational program designed to encourage compliance with the child passenger restraint system requirements of this Section.

RS 32:191.2

CLINGING TO OTHER VEHICLES No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach himself or the motorcycle to any other vehicle (or streetcar) on a roadway.

RS 32:65

DRAG RACING & RACING ON PUBLIC ROADS & CERTAIN PROPERTY, EXEMPTIONS 1.) No person shall drive any vehicle in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record upon the public roads in this state or upon any publicly-owned or privately-owned property to which the public's access is not prohibited, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, speed competition, drag race, test of physical endurance, exhibition, or attempt to make a speed record. 2.) For the purposes of this Section, "drag race" means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same point to the same point, for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit. 3.) For the purposes of this Section, "race" means the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to out-gain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers. 4.) Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this Section shall be punished as follows: 5.) If there is no serious personal injury involved, the person shall be subject to the penalties as provided in R.S. 32:57. 6.) If, during the course of commission of the violation, a serious bodily injury or death occurs which is in any way connected to the violation, the penalty shall be a fine of not less than five hundred or more than two thousand dollars or imprisonment, with or without hard labor for not less than one year or more than five years, or both. 7.) For the purposes of this Paragraph, "serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which involves unconsciousness; protracted and obvious disfigurement; protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or a substantial risk of death. 8.) The prohibitions contained in this Section shall not apply to events sanctioned by local governing authorities.

RS 32:52

DRIVER MUST BE LICENSED No person shall drive or operate any vehicle upon any highway within this state unless and until he has been issued a license to so do as required by the laws of this state nor shall any person permit or allow any other person to drive or operate any vehicle owned or controlled by him upon highways of this state unless and until such other person has been issued a license to so do as required by the laws of this state.

RS 32:82

DRIVING ON DIVIDED HIGHWAYS 1.) Whenever any highway has been divided into two roadways by a median, physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right hand roadway and no vehicle shall be driven over, across, or within the median, barrier, or section, except through an improved opening or at a crossover or intersection established under authority of this Chapter. 2.) No vehicle, other than an authorized vehicle, shall be driven through or use an improved opening or crossover on any interstate highway. For the purposes of this Paragraph, "authorized vehicle" means "authorized emergency vehicles", as defined in R.S. 32:1, and towing and recovery vehicles operating under the direction of a law enforcement agency. 3.) No vehicle shall cross the painted continuous center line of any multiple lane highway, except for the purpose of making a turn.

RS 32:71

DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD, EXCEPTIONS 1.) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: 2.) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement, including passing lanes 3.) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair 4.) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic. 5.) Upon all multi lane highways, no vehicle shall be driven in the left-hand lane except when directed otherwise, preparing for a left turn at an intersection or private road or driveway, overtaking or passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when right-hand lanes are congested; however, no vehicle being driven in the left lane except when directed otherwise or preparing for a left turn at an intersection, private road, or driveway shall impede any other vehicle that is traveling in the same lane and behind that vehicle. 6.) Upon all multi-lane highways, no vehicle traveling in the left-hand lane shall be driven at a speed slower than any vehicle traveling to its right on the same roadway. 7.) Upon all multi-lane highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the circumstances then existing, shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic except when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or passing or overtaking a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, if passing on the left side of it. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize driving any vehicle in the left lane so as to prohibit, impede, or block passage of an overtaking vehicle in such lane and in such event the vehicle in the left lane prohibiting, impeding, or blocking passage of an overtaking vehicle shall expeditiously merge into the right lane of traffic. 8.) The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply during a declared state of emergency when contraflow has been activated. 9.) In addition to the requirement of Paragraph 1 hereof, any vehicle proceeding on a multi-lane highway at a speed slower than ten miles per hour less than the posted maximum speed limit shall be driven in the right hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. Persons in violation of this Paragraph shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both. 10.) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of motor vehicles, is directed to include a summary of this Section in any instructional publication for drivers. 11.) The Department of Transportation and Development is directed to place signs on multi-lane highways, in an effort to make motorists aware of the provisions provided for in this Section. 12.)The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and the Department of Transportation and Development are directed to cooperatively develop and engage a public awareness campaign to notify motorists of the provisions of this Section.

RS 32:79

DRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply. (1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (2) The department may erect signs directing slow moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of such signs.

RS 32:63

ESTABLISHING OF SPEED ZONES 1.) Whenever the department shall determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any maximum speed set forth in this Chapter is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist upon any highway of this state, or any part thereof, the department may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum speed limit thereat, which, when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected, shall be effective at all times or at such specific times as may be determined by the department. 2.) Whenever the department determines on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any highway of this state, or part thereof, consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the department may determine and declare a minimum speed limit thereat, below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law. Minimum speeds so determined shall become effective upon the erection of signs giving notice thereof. 3.) The department may establish a speed zone and may determine and declare a speed in excess of any maximum speed set forth in this Chapter within such speed zone on any highway of this state, whenever the department shall determine on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that such speed is reasonable and safe. The department shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.

RS 32:190.1

EYE PROTECTIVE DEVICES TO BE WORN BY MOTORCYCLIST, WINDSHIELD ON MOTORCYCLE A. No person shall operate a motorcycle or motor driven cycle unless the person is wearing an eye protective device of a type approved for such use by the secretary, except when the motorcycle or motor driven cycle is equipped with a windshield of sufficient height to afford adequate eye protection that meets the requirements of R.S. 32:358. B. The secretary shall approve only goggles, face shields, or safety glasses which will meet performance specifications established by him. C. Eye protective devices used at night shall not be tinted. D. This Section shall not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab.

RS 32:234

FLASHING SIGNALS A. Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (1) FLASHING RED (STOP SIGNAL)--When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. (2) FLASHING YELLOW OR AMBER (CAUTION SIGNAL)--When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through or past such signal only with caution. B. This Section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossing shall be governed by the rules set forth in R.S. 32:171 through 32:174.

RS 32:286

FOLLOWING AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES PROHIBITED The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any authorized emergency vehicle traveling in response to an official call of duty closer than five hundred feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where such vehicle has stopped in answer to an official call.

RS 32:81

FOLLOWING VEHICLES, EXCEPTIONS 1.) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. 2.) The driver of a motor truck, when traveling upon a highway outside a business or residential area, shall not follow another motor truck within four hundred feet, but this shall not be so construed as to prevent one motor truck from overtaking and passing another. 3.) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential area in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to a funeral procession. 4.) A platoon may be operated pursuant to this Section if the platoon operator has an operational plan approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of state police, and the Department of Transportation and Development. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of state police, and the Department of Transportation and Development may promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this Subsection. 5.)The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the operation of a non-lead motor vehicle in a platoon. 6.)The operation of a platoon shall not be authorized on a two-lane highway.

RS 32:76

FURTHER LIMITATIONS ON PASSING ON THE LEFT 1.) No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the highway under the following conditions: 2.) when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway, where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction 3.) when approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing 4.) when the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. 5.) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway or a multiple lane highway nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

RS 32:281

LIMITATIONS ON BACKING A. The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic. B. The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same upon any shoulder or roadway of any controlled-access highway except as a result of an emergency caused by an accident or breakdown of a motor vehicle.

RS 32:75

LIMITATIONS ON PASSING ON THE LEFT No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the highway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

RS 32:61

MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT 1.) No person shall operate a vehicle on any highway of this state in excess of fifty-five miles per hour, unless a lower maximum speed is posted on the highway, except as follows: 2.) No person shall operate a vehicle on any interstate or controlled access highway of this state in excess of seventy miles per hour. 3.) No person shall operate a vehicle on any multi-lane divided highway of this state which has partial or no control of access in excess of sixty-five miles per hour. 4.) A person may operate a vehicle in excess of any maximum speed set forth in this Chapter within a speed zone established by the department as provided in R.S. 32:63(C). 5.) The Department of Transportation and Development shall develop criteria to determine which portions of a highway warrant a speed limit lower than the speed limits established by this Section. The criteria shall be based on an engineering study which shall consider, but not necessarily be limited to, the design speed of the road, the road geometry, the use of land surrounding the road, and the accident history of the road.

RS 32:171

MOTOR VEHICLES APPROACHING RAILROAD CROSSINGS, REPORTING VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES A. Whenever any person driving a motor vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this Section, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when: (1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment. (2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment. (3) A railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching within approximately nine hundred feet of the highway crossing emits a signal in accordance with R.S. 32:168, and such railroad train or other on-track equipment, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard. (4) An approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing. (5) A stop sign is erected at the approach to a railroad grade crossing. 6.) No person shall stop a motor vehicle upon any railroad crossing. 7.) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed when an approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing. 8.) No person shall drive any vehicle across any railroad crossing while the signal devices are flashing when an approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing. 9.) At any railroad grade crossing provided with railroad cross buck signs, without automatic, electric, or mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a human flagman giving a signal of the approach or passage of a train or other on-track equipment, the driver of a vehicle shall in obedience to the railroad cross buck sign, yield the right of way and slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall stop, if required for safety, at a clearly marked stopped line or, if no line, within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. If a driver is involved in a collision at a railroad crossing or interferes with the movement of a train or other on-track equipment after driving past the railroad cross buck sign, the collision or interference is prima facie evidence of the driver's failure to yield the right of way. F. Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall be fined as follows: (1) On first offense the fine shall be not more than two hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both. In addition, the person in violation shall be required to attend an Operation Lifesaver Course to be given by a certified Operation Lifesaver presenter within one hundred eighty days after adjudication of the citation. It shall be the responsibility of the violator to notify the appropriate court of the successful completion of the Operation Lifesaver Course. Twenty-five dollars of each fine imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall be collected by the court and shall immediately be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the state treasury. (2) On second and each subsequent offense, the fine shall not be more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment for not more than ninety days, or both. In addition, the person in violation shall be required to attend a one-day safe driver's course designed by Operation Lifesaver within one hundred eighty days after adjudication of the citation. It shall be the responsibility of the violator to notify the appropriate court of the successful completion of the Operation Lifesaver Course. Twenty-five dollars of each fine imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall be collected by the court and shall immediately be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the state treasury. (3) Any person who violates any provision of this Section by racing a train or other on-track equipment to a railroad crossing and thereby causes immediate danger to any railroad crew member, the general public, or damage to any property in the immediate vicinity of the crossing shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars. In addition, the person in violation shall be required to attend a one-day safe driver's course designed by Operation Lifesaver within one hundred eighty days after the adjudication of the citation. It shall be the responsibility of the violator to notify the appropriate court of jurisdiction of the successful completion of the Operation Lifesaver Program. (4) If a violator fails to attend any safe driving courses pursuant to this Subsection, the department shall suspend such violator's driving privileges for a period of thirty days. G. The governing authority of a municipality may enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement authorizing certified railroad law enforcement officers to assist in the enforcement of state laws and local ordinances pertaining to railroad grade crossings within its municipal limits. H. The operator, engineer, or conductor of any train or other on-track equipment is authorized to notify the appropriate law enforcement authority of any railroad grade crossing violation within thirty-six hours of the violation. The operator, engineer, or conductor shall report such violations by affidavit which shall contain the color, license number, and any other identifiable information from the vehicle involved in the violation. In addition to the affidavit, the law enforcement officer may rely upon other evidence of a grade crossing violation including photographic or video evidence. A law enforcement officer may issue a citation to the owner or driver of the vehicle, or in the case of a leased vehicle, the lessee or driver of the leased vehicle, on the basis of the information contained in the affidavit or photographic or video evidence. The owner or lessee shall not be cited if the vehicle had been stolen.

RS 32:103

MOVING PARKED VEHICLES No person shall move a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

RS 32:77

NO PASSING ZONES 1.) The Department is hereby authorized to determine those portions of any highway where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the roadway would be especially hazardous, and shall by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones, and when such signs and markings are in place and are clearly visible to an ordinary observant person, every driver shall obey the directions thereof. 2.) Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in paragraph A, no driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such zone, or on the left side of any pavement striping, designated to mark such no-passing zone, throughout its length.

RS 32:56

OBEDIENCE TO POLICE OFFICERS, WEIGHTS AND STANDARDS POLICE OFFICERS, & TRAFFIC SIGNS 1.) No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer or weights and standards police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. 2.) No person shall fail or refuse to comply with the instruction or direction of any traffic control device which has been erected under authority of this Chapter or other law of this state.

RS 32:142

OFFICERS AUTHORIZED TO REMOVE ILLEGALLY STOPPED VEHICLES 1.) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of any of the provisions of R.S. 32:141, he is hereby authorized to move such vehicle, or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it to a position off the paved or main traveled part of the highway. 2.) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any bridge or causeway or in any tunnel where such vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, the officer is hereby authorized to provide for the removal of the vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety. 3.) Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any portion of the Crescent City Connection, whether on the traffic lane or shoulder, the officer is hereby authorized to provide for the immediate removal of the vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety.

RS 32:78

ONE - WAY ROADWAYS & ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS 1.) The Department may designate any highway or any separate roadway for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof. 2.) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated, and a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single line of traffic and shall not be moved from such line of traffic until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. 3.) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island.

RS 32:661

OPERATING A VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE, OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE, IMPLIED CONSENT TO CHEMICAL TESTS, ADMINISTERING OF TEST, & PRESUMPTIONS 1.) Any person, regardless of age, who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state shall be deemed to have given consent, subject to the provisions of R.S. 32:662, to a chemical test or tests of his blood, breath, urine, or other bodily substance for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his blood, and the presence of any abused substance or controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:964 in his blood if arrested for any offense arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while the person was driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while believed to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any abused substance or controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:964. 2.) The test or tests shall be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person, regardless of age, to have been driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state while under the influence of either alcoholic beverages or any abused substance or controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:964. The law enforcement agency by which such officer is employed shall designate in writing and under what conditions which of the aforesaid tests shall be administered. 3.) In the case of all traffic fatalities, the coroner, or his designee, shall perform or cause to be performed a toxicology screen on the victim or victims of all traffic fatalities for determining evidence of any alcoholic content of the blood and the presence of any abused substance or controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:964 which shall include the extracting of all bodily substance samples necessary for such toxicology screen. The coroner, or his designee, shall be responsible for ensuring the body is not removed from his custody until such time as the bodily substance samples are extracted. The coroner's report shall be made available to the investigating law enforcement agency and may be admissible in any court of competent jurisdiction as evidence of the alcoholic content of the blood and the presence of any abused substance or controlled dangerous substance as set forth in R.S. 40:964 at the time of the fatality. The coroner, or his designee, shall determine, by the most current and accepted scientific method available, whether the presence of alcoholic content in the blood of the deceased is the result of pre-death ingestion of alcoholic beverages or the postmortem synthesis of ethanol. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the authority of the investigating law enforcement agency from conducting an investigation of the accident scene concurrently with the coroner or his designee. 4.) If the person is under twenty-one years of age, the test or tests shall be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state after having consumed alcoholic beverages. The law enforcement agency by which the officer is employed shall designate in writing and under what conditions which of the tests shall be administered. 5.) Any person who is dead, unconscious or otherwise in a condition rendering him incapable of refusal shall be deemed not to have withdrawn the consent provided by Subsection A of this section, and the test or tests may be administered subject to the provisions of R.S. 32:662. 6.) When a law enforcement officer requests that a person submit to a chemical test as provided for above, he shall first read to the person a standardized form approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The department is authorized to use such language in the form as it, in its sole discretion, deems proper, provided that the form does inform the person of the following: 7.) His constitutional rights under Miranda v. Arizona. 8.) That his driving privileges can be suspended for refusing to submit to the chemical test. 9.) That his driving privileges can be suspended if he submits to the chemical test and such test results show a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or above or, if he is under the age of twenty-one years, a blood alcohol level of 0.02 percent or above. 10.) That his driving privileges can be suspended if he submits to the chemical test and the test results show a positive reading indicating the presence of any controlled dangerous substance listed in R.S. 40:964. The department may exclude this warning from the form required by this Paragraph until such time as a suspension for a test result shows a positive reading indicating the presence of any controlled dangerous substance listed in R.S. 40:964 is enacted by the legislature. 11.) That refusal to submit to a chemical test after an arrest for an offense of driving while intoxicated if he has refused to submit to such test on two previous and separate occasions of any previous such violation is a crime under the provisions of R.S. 14:98.7 and the penalties for such crime are the same as the penalties for first conviction of driving while intoxicated. 12.) Repealed by Acts 2020, No. 40, §3, eff. June 4, 2020. 13.) In addition, the arresting officer shall, after reading said form, request the arrested person to sign the form. If the person is unable or unwilling to sign, the officer shall certify that the ares-tee was advised of the information contained in the form and that the person was unable to sign or refused to sign. 14.) The notice issued to the person tested pursuant to R.S. 32:667 shall include the name and employing agency of all law enforcement officers actively participating in the stop, detention, investigation, or arrest of the person.

RS 32:191.1

OPERATING MOTORCYCLES ON A ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC A. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This Subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane. B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. C. No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. D. Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. E. Subsections (B) and (C) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.

RS 32:415

OPERATING VEHICLE WHILE LICENSE IS SUSPENDED, OFFENSES IN OTHER STATES, RECORD OF OFFENSES GIVEN OTHER STATES 1.) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway of this state during the period of suspension, revocation or cancellation of any license which may have been issued to him by this state or by any other state. 2.) Any period of suspension or revocation shall automatically be extended for a period of one year from the date the licensee would otherwise have been entitled to apply for a new license upon his conviction for any offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle committed during such period. No driver shall use a license issued to him in another state or the privilege of a nonresident to drive a motor vehicle in this state, upon receiving notice of his conviction, or of the entry of a plea of guilty and sentence thereupon, or of the forfeiture of bail in another state of federal jurisdiction for any offense, which if committed in this state, would be grounds for suspension or revocation of the license. 3.) The court may order a licensee who violates the provisions of Subsection A of this Section to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle in which the licensee operates when the license was suspended, revoked, or canceled pursuant to the implied consent law in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:661 et seq. or for a violation of any of the following: (a) R.S. 14:98. (b) R.S. 14:32.1. (c) R.S. 14:39.1. (d) R.S. 14:39.2. (e) A parish or municipal ordinance that prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 4.) If the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection are ordered by a court, the court shall order that the ignition interlock device remain installed for a period of time not less than the remaining period of suspension, revocation, or cancellation. 5.) (1) A person with a Class "D" or Class "E" driver's license who violates the provisions of Subsection A of this Section may be fined up to five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both and may be subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand two hundred fifty dollars. 6.) A person with a Class "A", "B", or "C" driver's license who violates the provisions of Subsection A of this Section may be fined up to five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months or both and may be subject to a civil penalty of up to two thousand five hundred dollars. 7.) If the court finds that the defendant violated Subsection A at the time of conduct resulting in a conviction for a second or subsequent offense violation of R.S. 14:98, the offender shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars and imprisoned for not less than seven days nor more than six months. At least seven days of such imprisonment shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and shall be consecutive to any sentence imposed for the violation of R.S. 14:98. In addition the person may be subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand two hundred fifty dollars. 9.) If the person is operating a Group "A", "B", or "C" vehicle, and the court finds that the defendant violated Subsection A of this Section, at the time of conduct resulting in a conviction for a second or subsequent offense in violation of R.S. 14:98, the offender shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned for not less than seven days nor more than six months. At least seven days of such imprisonment shall be without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence and shall be consecutive to any sentence imposed for the violation of R.S. 14:98. In addition, the person may be subject to a civil fine of up to two thousand five hundred dollars.

RS 32:80

OVERTAKING & PASSING SCHOOL BUSES 1) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway meeting or overtaking from any direction any school bus that has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the vehicle not less than thirty feet from the school bus before reaching such school bus when there are in operation on said school bus visual signals as required by R.S. 32:318, and said driver shall not proceed until such bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated. 2.) The driver of any school bus is authorized to notify the appropriate law enforcement authority of any violation of this Subsection within twenty-four hours of the violation. This notification shall be in writing on a form provided to the bus driver by the school board, shall be signed by the school bus driver, under penalty of criminal prosecution, in the presence of two witnesses, and it shall include the license plate number and color of the vehicle. The notice may be sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency by mail, fax, or electronically. If mailed, the notice shall be deemed timely if postmarked the day after the violation. 3.) The appropriate authority may issue a citation to the owner or, in the case of a leased vehicle, the lessee of the vehicle involved, on the basis of this information. The owner or lessee shall not be cited if the vehicle is stolen, or if another driver is cited for the violation. 4.) Any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of the provisions of this Subsection shall be subject to the following penalties: 5.) If the violation does not result in the injury, serious bodily injury, or death of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both, in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:398.2 and shall have his driver's license suspended in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:414(A)(2). 6.) If the violation results in the injury of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars and may be subjected to a driver's license suspension for a period up to ninety days, or both. 7.) If the violation results in the serious bodily injury of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and may be subjected to a driver's license suspension of a period up to one hundred eighty days, or both. 8.) If the violation results in the death of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and may be subjected to a driver's license suspension for the greater of a period up to three hundred sixty days or as provided in R.S. 32:414(A)(2), or both. 9.) In addition to the fines and penalties set forth in Items (a)(ii), (iii), and (iv) of this Paragraph, whoever is responsible for these violations shall be subject to the following penalties: 10.) If the violation results in the injury of another person, the offender may be imprisoned for not more than six months. 11.) If the violation results in serious bodily injury of another person as defined in Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph, the offender may be subjected to imprisonment up to six months. 12.) If the violation results in the death of another person, the offender may be subject to imprisonment up to twelve months. 13.) For purposes of this Paragraph, "serious bodily injury" shall mean a bodily injury which involves unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted and obvious disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, or a substantial risk of death. 14.) Every school bus used for the transportation of school children shall bear upon the front and rear thereof the words "SCHOOL BUS" in black letters not less than eight inches in height placed as high as possible without impairment of visibility, and no other lettering shall be visible from the front or rear except the words "emergency exit" shall be painted in black letters at least two inches in height and approximately located near such exit. 15.) In addition, every school bus shall be equipped with visual signs and signals as required in R.S. 32:318. Such signs and signals shall be activated by the driver of said school bus under and only under one of the following conditions: 16.) Such vehicle is stopped or is about to stop on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children. 17.) Though not receiving or discharging school children, the bus is stopped or is about to stop because it meets or is following another bus that has such signs and signals activated. 18.) The driver of any school bus equipped only with signal lamps as provided in R.S. 32:318 19.) shall activate such lamps at least one hundred feet, but not more than five hundred feet, before every stop for which activation is required and upon stopping shall exhibit the semaphore sign or signs provided for in R.S. 32:318 20.) upon resuming motion shall deactivate both the lamps and the semaphore sign or signs. The driver of any school bus equipped with signal lamps as provided in R.S. 32:318 21.) shall activate the yellow (amber) lights at least one hundred feet, but not more than five hundred feet, before every stop for which activation is required, shall deactivate these lamps upon stopping, shall exhibit the red flashing lamps and semaphore sign or signs while stopped, and upon resuming motion shall deactivate both the lamps and the semaphore sign or signs. 22.) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway. 23.) A highway with one lane in each direction and with a dedicated two-way left-turn lane shall not be considered a divided highway with separate roadways for purposes of this Section. 24.) When, if, and on the date that the Department of Transportation and Development develops, adopts, and promulgates guidelines to establish school bus loading zones pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9 of the 1983 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the requirements of Subsection A of this Section regarding a vehicle stopping on a highway when meeting or overtaking a school bus and regarding the driver of a school bus activating the visual signs and signals shall be effective when a school bus stops on the shoulder of a highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children as provided in the guidelines.

RS 32:73

PASSING A VEHICLE ON THE LEFT The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated: 1.) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. (2.) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal, and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

RS 32:72

PASSING VEHICLES PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.

RS 32:300

POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN MOTOR VEHICLES 1.) It shall be unlawful for the operator of a motor vehicle or the passenger in or on a motor vehicle, while the motor vehicle is operated on a public highway or right-of-way, to possess an open alcoholic beverage container, or to consume an alcoholic beverage, in the passenger area of a motor vehicle. 2.) For purposes of this Section, the following words have the following meanings ascribed to them: 3.) "Alcoholic beverage" means any of the following: 4.) Beer, ale, porter, stout, and other similar fermented beverages, including sake or similar products, of any name or description containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, brewed or produced from malt, wholly or in part, or from any substitute therefor. 5.) Wine of not less than one-half of one percent of alcohol by volume. 6.) Distilled spirits which is that substance known as ethyl alcohol, ethanol, or spirits of wine in any form, including all dilutions and mixtures thereof from whatever source or by whatever process produced. 7.) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public highways, but does not include a vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails. 8.) "Open alcoholic beverage container" means any bottle, can, or other receptacle that contains any amount of alcoholic beverage and to which any of the following is applicable: 9.) It is open or has a broken seal. 10.) Its contents have been partially removed. 11.) "Open alcoholic beverage container" shall not mean any bottle, can, or other receptacle that contains a frozen alcoholic beverage unless the lid is removed, a straw protrudes therefrom, or the contents of the receptacle have been partially removed. 12.) "Passenger area" means the area designed to seat the driver and passengers while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to the driver or a passenger while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment. It shall not mean a locked glove compartment or behind the last upright seat, or any area not normally occupied by the driver or a passenger in a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk. 13.) "Public highway or right-of-way" means the entire width between and immediately adjacent to the boundary lines of publicly maintained highways or roads when any part thereof is open to the use of the public. 14.) Notwithstanding R.S. 32:391 and 411, whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall not be taken into custody by the arresting officer, but instead shall be required either to deposit his driver's license with the arresting officer or give his written promise to appear. Furthermore, a violation of the provisions of this Section shall not be included in the records kept by the commissioner required in R.S. 32:393.1. 15.) Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars. Court costs shall be assessed in addition to the fine authorized by this Subsection. 16.) For purposes of enforcement, the observance of a glass, cup, or other container that, on its face, does not indicate that the container contains an alcoholic beverage, shall not, absent other circumstances, constitute probable cause for a law enforcement officer to stop and question a person. 17.) This Section shall preempt the authority of a municipal or parish governing authority to enact any code or ordinance regulating the possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles. However, the local governing authority of a local governmental subdivision with a population of over fifty thousand as of the most recent federal decennial census may enact a code or ordinance that does not conflict with the substantive provisions of this Section, and such local code or ordinance may provide for the imposition and collection of fines and court costs for violations thereof for amounts in excess of the amounts provided in this Section. The preemption contained in this Subsection is solely for the purpose of providing for a uniform open container prohibition in motor vehicles throughout the state, and nothing in this Section shall be construed to further preempt the authority of a local government to provide for any other type of alcohol beverage regulation within its jurisdiction. 18.) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the following persons or in the following areas: 19.) Any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle who, as a condition of his employment and while acting in the course and scope of such employment, is required to carry open alcoholic beverage containers, provided that the operator or passenger does not consume the alcoholic beverages. 20.) Any paid fare passenger on a common or contract carrier vehicle, as defined in R.S. 45:162. 21.) Any paid fare passenger on a public carrier vehicle, as defined in R.S. 45:200.2. 22.) Any passenger in a courtesy vehicle which is operated as a courtesy vehicle. 23.) Any passenger of a self-contained motor home which is in excess of twenty-one feet in length. 24.) Possession of an open container of alcoholic beverage in the trunk of a motor vehicle. 25.) If the motor vehicle is not equipped with a trunk, possession of an open container or alcoholic beverages in any of the following areas: 26.) In a locked glove or utility compartment. 27.) In an area of the vehicle not normally occupied by, and not readily accessible, to the driver or passengers. 28) Passengers and krewe members riding on a parade float. 29) Any passenger in a privately owned limousine the driver of which possesses a Class D commercial driver's license.

RS 32:125

PROCEDURE ON APPROACH OF AN AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE, PASSING A PARKED EMERGENCY VEHICLE 1.) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. 2.) When any vehicle making use of any visual signals as authorized by law, including the display of alternately flashing amber or yellow warning lights, is parked on or near the highway, the driver of every other vehicle shall: 3.) When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the parked vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions. If a lane change is not possible, the driver shall slow to a reasonably safe speed. 3.) Maintain a safe speed for road conditions, if unable or unsafe to change lanes, or driving on a two-lane road or highway. 4.) This Section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. 5.) Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars.

RS 32:53

PROPER EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ON VEHICLE, DISPLAY OF PLATE 1.) No person shall drive or move, nor cause or knowingly permit any vehicle owned or controlled by him to be driven or moved, on any highway of this state, at any time, any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property, or which does not contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with such lamps and other equipment, in proper condition and adjustment, as required in this Chapter, or which is constructed or equipped in any manner in violation of this Chapter, and no person shall do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this Chapter. 2.) The permanent registration license plate assigned to a trailer, semitrailer, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle shall be attached to the rear thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the permanent registration license plate assigned to any truck having a gross vehicle weight in excess of ten thousand pounds or to any dump truck may be attached to either the front or rear thereof. For the purposes of this Section, dump truck means any truck with a bed that raises to dump a load. The permanent registration license plate shall be so displayed during the current registration year, except as otherwise provided herein. 3.) Every permanent registration license plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, so as to prevent the plate from swinging, and at a height not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible. Unless authorized by the commissioner, a person shall not apply a covering or any substance to the license plate or use an electronic device or electrochromatic film that obscures from any angle the numbers, characters, year registration sticker, or name of the jurisdiction issuing the plate. 4.) The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to prohibit placing a permanent registration license plate on a rear fender as long as it is facing to the rear of the vehicle. 5.) Nothing contained in this Chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter. 6.) The provisions of this Chapter with respect to equipment on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, nor to vehicles used solely in building highways when they are temporarily upon the highways, except as herein made applicable. These exceptions shall not exclude any vehicle or combination of vehicles not used primarily for this purpose, or ordinary commercial vehicles upon which are placed removable machinery for such purposes, or vehicles designed for the purpose of evading the limitations of this Chapter. 7.) No person shall drive a vehicle upon highways within this state, or permit or allow any vehicle owned by him or under his control to be driven on said highways, unless and until such vehicle bears an inspection tag showing it to have been inspected and approved as required by the provisions of R.S. 32:1301 through 1310, if such vehicle is required to be so inspected.

RS 32:101 Required position and method of turning at intersections

REQUIRED POSITION & METHOD OF TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS 1.) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall proceed as follows: 2.) Right turns. Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. 3.) Left turns on two-way roadways. At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection. 4.) Left turns on other than two-way roadways. At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in the safest lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. 5.)The department may modify the foregoing methods of turning at intersections on highways of the state by signs directing the course to be followed by vehicles at those intersections, and no driver shall fail to follow such directions. 6.) No person shall drive any vehicle through or over private property, including, but not limited to, any corner parking or driveway facility, from a highway solely for the purposes of entering another highway.

RS 32:191

RIDING ON MOTORCYCLES A. A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto. Such operator shall not carry any other person or child nor shall any other person or child ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side on the motorcycle. B. A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with not more than one leg on each side of the motorcycle. C. No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars. D. No operator shall carry any person or child nor shall any person or child ride in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator. E. No operator shall carry or transport an infant or child on a motorcycle who is required to be restrained in a rear-facing child safety seat or a forward-facing child safety seat according to the provisions of R.S. 32:295. A child at least five years of age or older is only authorized to be a passenger on a motorcycle if such child is properly seated on the motorcycle and such child is wearing a safety helmet in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:190.

RS 32:295.1

SAFETY BELT USE, TAGS INDICATING EXCEPTION 1.) Each driver of a passenger car, van, sports utility vehicle, or truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or less in this state shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to those cars, vans, sports utility vehicles, or pickups manufactured prior to January 1, 1981. 2.) A person operating or riding in an auto-cycle shall wear seat belts while in forward motion. 3.) Each driver of a passenger car, van, sports utility vehicle, or truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or less shall not transport more persons than there are safety belts available in the vehicle. 4.) Except as provided by R.S. 32:295 for children under the age of thirteen or as otherwise provided by law, each occupant of a passenger car, van, sports utility vehicle, or truck having a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or less in this state shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion. 5.) This Section shall not apply to the following: 6.) A motor vehicle operated by a rural letter carrier of the United States Postal Service while performing his or her duties as a rural letter carrier, to a farm vehicle being operated within five miles of the place of its principal use, to a motor vehicle being operated by a newspaper delivery person while he or she is engaged in the distribution of regularly published newspapers. 7.) A motor vehicle operated by a utility worker, including any water, gas, or electric meter reader, in the course of his employment which requires the person to emerge from and re-enter a passenger vehicle at frequent intervals. However, while engaged in such work, such utility worker shall not drive or travel in such vehicle at a speed exceeding 20 miles per hour. 8.) This Section shall not apply to an occupant of a passenger car or operator with a physically or mentally disabling condition whose physical or mental disability would prevent appropriate restraint in the safety belt; however, the condition shall be duly certified by a physician who shall state the nature of the disability, as well as the reason such restraint is inappropriate. 9.) On the application of any person with a mental or physical disability whose impairment is permanent and prevents use of a seat belt, the commissioner shall issue a special tag for the benefit of the applicant which indicates such condition. The fee for the tag shall be five dollars. In lieu of issuance of the special tag, the commissioner shall indicate on the face of the applicant's driver's license, as provided in R.S. 32:403.2 and 410, that the applicant is not required to use a seat belt. 10.) Each application shall be accompanied by a physician's statement certifying that the applicant is permanently disabled and that such disability prevents the applicant's use of a seat belt. 11.) On application of any person with a mental or physical disability whose impairment prevents use of a seat belt, but is not permanent, the commissioner shall issue a special temporary tag for the benefit of the applicant which indicates such condition. The fee for the temporary tag shall be five dollars. 12.) Each application for a temporary tag shall be accompanied by a physician's statement certifying that the applicant is temporarily disabled and certifying a period of time for which the disability will prevent the applicant's use of a seat belt. 13.) Any individual who has been issued a temporary tag under the provisions of this Section and who desires to extend the time period for which the tag is valid shall provide to the office of motor vehicles a physician's statement certifying that the applicant continues to have a disability which prevents the applicant's use of a seat belt and certifying a period of time for which the tag should be renewed. Failure to provide re-certification statements shall result in the suspension of such privilege. 14) No individual to whom a tag has been issued shall do any of the following: 15.) Display or permit the display of the tag on any motor vehicle in which he is not a passenger. 16.) Refuse to return or surrender the tag when required. 17.) If a tag is lost, destroyed, or mutilated, the individual to whom the card was issued may obtain a duplicate by doing all of the following: 18.) Furnish suitable proof of the loss, destruction, or mutilation to the secretary. 19.) Complete an application as required by this Section for the issuance of an original tag. 20.) Pay a fee of five dollars for re-issuance. 21.) Any individual who loses a tag and, after obtaining a duplicate, finds the original, shall immediately surrender the original tag to the commissioner or to any field office of the office of motor vehicles and shall not display the original tag on any vehicle. 22.) Any individual who is not impaired as provided in this Section and who willfully and falsely represents himself as having the conditions to obtain a special tag authorized by this Section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars, or shall be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both, and on subsequent offenses, shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or shall be imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both. 23.) Any individual who utilizes a tag authorized by this Section which was not legally issued to him and who is not transporting the individual to whom the tag was issued shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars or shall be imprisoned for not more than thirty days, or both, and on second and subsequent offenses, shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or shall be imprisoned for not more than sixty days, or both. 24.) Any individual to whom a tag is issued under the provisions of this Section and who allows his tag to be used by an individual not entitled to the use of such tag shall have his tag suspended for six months and shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars, or shall be imprisoned for not more than thirty days for the first offense, or both. On the second and subsequent offenses, said suspension shall be for one year, and the individual shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, in addition to suspension of said privileges, or shall be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both. 25.) Any physician who willfully and falsely certifies that an individual is impaired in order to allow that person to obtain the special tag authorized in this Section shall be fined one thousand dollars, or shall be imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both. 26.) The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act for the implementation of the provisions of this Section. The commissioner shall determine the design, color, and placement of the tag issued under the provisions of this Section, provided that such design, color, and placement is easily discernible to law enforcement officers as designating individuals who are exempted from seat belt usage and provided that the tag includes a photograph of the person entitled to the tag. NOTE: Subsection E effective until Jan. 1, 2021. See Acts 2020, 1st Ex. Sess, No. 36 and No. 37. 27.) In any action to recover damages arising out of the ownership, common maintenance, or operation of a motor vehicle, failure to wear a safety belt in violation of this Section shall not be considered evidence of comparative negligence. Failure to wear a safety belt in violation of this Section shall not be admitted to mitigate damages. NOTE: §295.1(E) repealed Jan. 1, 2021. See Acts 2020, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 36 and No. 37. E. Repealed by Acts 2020, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 36, §1, and No. 37, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 2021. 29.) Probable cause for violation of this Section shall be based solely upon a law enforcement officer's clear and unobstructed view of a person not restrained as required by this Section. A law enforcement officer may not search or inspect a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver, or a passenger solely because of a violation of this Section. 30.) Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to the following penalties: 31.) Upon conviction of a first offense, the fine shall be fifty dollars which shall include all costs of court. 32.) Upon conviction of a second offense, the fine shall be seventy-five dollars which shall include all costs of court. 33.) Upon conviction of a third offense and any subsequent offense, the fine shall be seventy-five dollars plus all costs of court. 34.) Any person who violates the provisions of this Section in Orleans Parish shall have an additional twenty dollar penalty assessed for each violation. The funds collected pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall be deposited in the indigent defender fund pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 15:571.11. 35.) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, no other cost or fee shall be assessed against any person for a violation of this Section. 36.) The Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall initiate an educational program designed to encourage compliance with the safety belt usage requirements of this Section.

RS 32:190

SAFETY HELMETS A. No person shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle unless the person is equipped with and is wearing on the head a safety helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles, which shall be secured properly with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion. All such safety helmets shall consist of lining, padding, visor, and chin strap and shall meet such other specifications as shall be established by the commissioner. B. It shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, or distribute any protective helmet for use by the operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized bicycle, or for use by the passenger thereon, unless such protective helmet is of a type and specification approved by the commissioner who shall publish a notice of such approval. C. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, the police authorities of a village, town, city, or parish may issue a permit exempting members of organizations sponsoring, conducting, or participating in parades or other public exhibitions from the provisions of this Section while such members are actually participating in a parade or other public exhibition. D. This Section does not apply to a person operating or riding in an autocycle if the vehicle is equipped with supports that meet or exceed the standards for a safety helmet or a rollbar or roll cage. As used in this Subsection, "rollbar" or "roll cage" shall mean supports that will bear the vehicle's weight and are so designed as to protect the occupants when the vehicle is resting on the supports. E. It shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, or distribute any protective helmet for use by the operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized bicycle, or for use by the passenger thereon, unless the manufacturer of the protective helmet obtains and maintains liability insurance of not less than one hundred thousand dollars for each occurrence of liability of the manufacturer for fault in the design, materials, or workmanship of the protective helmet. In addition to any other penalty provided in this Section, the commissioner may prohibit the movement, sale, or distribution of any protective helmet if the manufacturer is not covered by insurance as required by this Subsection. F. Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall upon conviction be fined fifty dollars which shall include all costs of court. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, no other cost or fee shall be assessed against any person for a violation of this Section

RS 32:105

SIGNALS BY HAND & ARM OR SIGNAL LAMPS 1.) Any stop or turn signal when required herein shall be given either by means of the hand and arm as provided in R.S. 32:106 or by signal lamps, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph B. 2.) Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and the required signal shall be given by, signal lamps when the vehicle is so constructed, loaded or operated as to prevent the hand and arm signal from being visible, both to the front and to the rear.

RS 32:54

SIZE, WEIGHT, & LOAD OF VEHICLES LIMITED 1.) No person shall drive or move any vehicle, nor cause or knowingly permit any vehicle owned or controlled by him to be driven or moved, on any highway of this state when such vehicle is of a size or weight exceeding the limitations stated in this Chapter or otherwise in violation of this Chapter, and the maximum size and weight of vehicles herein specified shall be lawful throughout the state. 2.) The provisions of this Chapter governing size, weight and load shall not apply to fire apparatus, vehicles and machinery used solely in the building of highways while actually temporarily engaged in work upon a highway, to implements of husbandry, including farm tractors temporarily moved upon a highway, or to a vehicle operated under the terms of a special permit issued as herein provided, or to trolley coaches or motor buses operated under a franchise or indeterminate permit wholly within the corporate limits of a municipality having a population of one hundred thousand or more inhabitants. 3.)These exceptions shall not include any vehicle or combinations of vehicles not used primarily for such purposes, nor ordinary commercial vehicles upon which are placed removable machinery for such purposes, nor vehicles designed for the purpose of evading the limitations of this Part.

RS 32:123

STOP SIGNS & YIELD SIGNS, PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS Preferential right of way at an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs. 1.) Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, every driver and operator of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles which have entered the intersection from another highway or which are approaching so closely on said highway as to constitute an immediate hazard. 2.) At a four-way stop intersection, the driver of the first vehicle to stop at the intersection shall be the first to proceed. If two or more vehicles reach the four-way stop intersection at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. 3.) The driver or operator of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions, or shall stop if necessary, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. Having slowed or stopped in this manner, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian legally crossing the roadway on which he is driving, and to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard. 4.) Any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a violation of the provisions of this Section shall be subject to the following penalties: 5.) If the violation results in the injury of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars and may be subjected to a driver's license suspension for a period up to ninety days, or both. 6.) If the violation results in the serious bodily injury of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and may be subjected to a driver's license suspension for a period up to one hundred eighty days, or both. 7.) If the violation results in the death of another person, the offender shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars and may be subjected to a driver's license suspension for a period up to three hundred sixty days, or both. 8.) In addition to the fines and penalties set forth in Subparagraph (a), (b), and (c) of this Paragraph, whoever is responsible for these violations shall be subject to the following penalties: 9.) If the violation results in serious bodily injury of another person as defined in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the offender may be subjected to imprisonment up to six months. 10.) If the violation results in the death of another person, the offender may be subject to imprisonment up to twelve months. 11.) For purposes of this Section, "serious bodily injury" shall mean a bodily injury which involves unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted and obvious disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, or a substantial risk of death.

RS 32:296

STOPPING, PARKING, OR STANDING UPON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER, DRIVING UPON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER 1.) No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any unattended vehicle on any state highway shoulder, unless such stopping, parking, or standing is made necessary by an emergency, except: 2.) In those areas designated as parking areas by the Department of Transportation and Development 3.) By any public utility personnel or public utility equipment engaged in the operation of the utility business, public vehicles owned by public bodies which are engaged in the conduct of official business, or privately owned vehicles which are engaged in services authorized by the local governing authority. 4.) Persons riding bicycles shall be allowed to operate on the shoulder of a roadway. 5.)In case of an emergency, the driver of a vehicle may lawfully operate the vehicle on any state highway shoulder in accordance with the normal standards of prudent conduct to protect himself and others from harm. When the emergency ends, the vehicle shall not be operated on the state highway shoulder. 6.) If the vehicle is not removed from the highway within twenty-four hours, the provisions of R.S. 32:473.1 (A) shall apply.

RS 32:143

STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING PROHIBITED IN SPECIFIC PLACES A. No person shall stand, or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic control device, in any of the following places: (1) On a sidewalk; (2) In front of a public or private driveway; (3) Within an intersection; (4) Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant; (5) On a crosswalk; (6) Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; (7) Within twenty feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway; (8) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb, or within twenty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone; (9) Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing; (10) Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station, and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet of said entrance, when properly posted; (11) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic; (12) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street; (13) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel; (14) At any place where official signs prohibit such; (15) Any place where parking will obscure or obstruct visibility of any traffic control device. 16.) No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his control into any such prohibited area or away from a curb such a distance as is unlawful.

RS 32:300.5

USE OF CERTAIN WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR TEXT MESSAGING & SOCIAL NETWORKING PROHIBITED 1.) Except as provided in Subsection B of this Section, no person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication. For purposes of this Section, a person shall not be deemed to be writing, reading, or sending a text message if the person reads, selects, or enters a telephone number or name in a wireless telecommunications device for the purpose of making a telephone call. (2) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to access, read, or post to a social networking site. (3) "Wireless telecommunications device" means a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand alone computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is readily removable from the vehicle and is used to write, send, or read text or data through manual input. A "wireless telecommunications device" shall not include any device or component that is permanently affixed to a motor vehicle. It does not include citizens band radios, citizens band radio hybrids, commercial two-way radio communication devices, two-way radio transmitters or receivers used by licensees of the Federal Communication Commission in the Amateur Radio Service, or electronic communication devices with a push-to-talk function. 4.) "Write, send, or read a text-based communication" means using a wireless telecommunications device to manually communicate with any person by using a text-based communication referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail. 5.) "Access, read, or post to a social networking site" means using a wireless telecommunications device to access, read, or post on such device to any web-based service that allows individuals to construct a profile within a bounded system, articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and communicate with other members of the site. 6.)The provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section shall not apply to the following: 7.) Any law enforcement officer, firefighter, or operator of an authorized emergency vehicle while engaged in the actual performance of his official duties. 8.) An operator of a moving motor vehicle using a wireless telecommunications device to: 9.) Report illegal activity. 10.) Summon medical or other emergency help. 11.) Prevent injury to a person or property. 12.) Relay information between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to the vehicle. 13.) Navigate using a global positioning system. 14.) A physician or other health care provider using a wireless telecommunications device to communicate with a hospital, health clinic or the office of the physician, or to otherwise provide for the health care of an individual or medical emergency through a text-based communication. 15.) The first violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. 16.) Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. 17.) If the person is involved in a crash at the time of violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed in this Subsection and the law enforcement officer investigating the crash shall indicate on the written accident form that the person was using a wireless telecommunications device at the time of the crash. 18.) Any violation of this Section shall constitute a moving violation.

RS 32:300.8

USE OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES IN A SCHOOL ZONE PROHIBITED, EXCEPTIONS 1.) As used in this Section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning: 2.) "Access, read, or post to a social networking site" means using a wireless telecommunications device to access, read, or post on such device to any web-based service that allows individuals to construct a profile within a bounded system, articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and communicate with other members of the site. 3.) "Engage in a call" means talking or listening on a wireless telecommunications device. 4.) "Wireless telecommunications device" means a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand-alone computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is readily removable from the vehicle and is used to write, send, or read text or data through manual input. A "wireless telecommunications device" shall not include any device or component that is permanently affixed to a motor vehicle. It does not include a hands-free wireless telephone, an electronic communication device used hands-free, citizens band radios, citizens band radio hybrids, commercial two-way radio communications devices, two-way radio transmitters or receivers used by licensees of the Federal Communication Commission in the Amateur Radio Service, or electronic communication devices with a push-to-talk function. 5.) "Write, send, or read a text-based communication" means using a wireless telecommunications device to manually communicate with any person by using a text-based communication including but not limited to a text message, instant message, or electronic mail. 6.) Except as provided in Subsection C of this Section, no person shall operate any wireless telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle upon any public road or highway during the posted hours within a school zone on such public road or highway. Operating a wireless telecommunications device shall include: 7.) Engaging in a call. 8.) Writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication. 9.)Accessing, reading, or posting to a social networking site. 10.) The provisions of Subsection B of this Section shall not apply to a person who uses a wireless telecommunications device and does any of the following: 11.) Reports a traffic collision, medical emergency, or serious road hazard. 12.) Reports a situation in which the person believes his personal safety is in jeopardy. 13) Reports or averts the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act against the driver or another person. 14) Operates a wireless telecommunications device while the motor vehicle is lawfully parked. 15) Uses a wireless telecommunications device in an official capacity as an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle. 16.) Any violation of this Section shall constitute a moving violation. 18.) The first violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. 19.) Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and a suspension of driver's license for a sixty-day period. 20.) If a person is involved in a collision at the time of the violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed in this Subsection and the law enforcement officer investigating the collision shall indicate on the written accident report that the person was using a wireless telecommunications device at the time of the collision. 21.) It shall be an affirmative defense against an alleged violation for the person to produce documentary or other evidence that the wireless telecommunications device that is the basis of the alleged violation was used for emergency purposes as provided in Subsection C of this Section. 22.) The provisions of this Section shall only apply within a school zone upon a public road or highway during posted hours when signs are located in a visible manner in each direction that indicate the use of a hand-held wireless communications device is prohibited while operating a motor vehicle.

RS 32:304

TAIL LAMPS 1.) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer and pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least one tail lamp mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in R.S. 32:301, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear, provided that in the case of a train of vehicles only the tail lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. Every vehicle or trailer listed in this Subsection, other than a motorcycle or motor driven cycle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1962, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, which, when lighted as herein required, shall comply with the provisions of this Section. 2.) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two inches nor less than fifteen inches measured as provided in R.S. 32:302. 3.) Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.

RS 32:232

TRAFFIC - CONTROL SIGNALS Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or colored lighted arrows, successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red, and yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word legend, and said lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows: (1) GREEN indication: (a) Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall stop and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited. (b) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or such other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the same time. Such vehicular traffic shall stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. (c) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in R.S. 32:233, pedestrians facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. (2) Steady YELLOW indication: (a) Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal alone is thereby warned that the related green signal is being terminated or that a red signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter and such vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection when the red signal is exhibited. (b) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in R.S. 32:233 a pedestrian facing a steady yellow signal is thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red signal is exhibited and no pedestrian shall then start to cross the roadway. (3) Steady RED indication: (a) Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if none, then before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown except as provided in Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph. (b) Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if none, then before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until an indication permitting the movement indicated by such red arrow is shown except as provided in Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph. (c) Except when a sign prohibits a turn, vehicular traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, or to U-turn at a signalized U-turn after stopping as required by Subparagraph (a) or Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph. Such vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. (d) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in R.S. 32:233, a pedestrian facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall not enter the roadway. (4) Flashing YELLOW indication. When a flashing yellow arrow indication is activated, vehicular traffic, on an approach to an intersection, facing a flashing yellow arrow signal indication, displayed alone or in combination with another signal indication, is permitted to cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow. In addition, vehicular traffic facing a flashing yellow arrow, turning left or making a U-turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Such vehicular traffic, including vehicles making a U-turn, shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within the associated crosswalk, and to other vehicles lawfully within the intersection. (5) In the event an official traffic-control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this Section shall be applicable except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal.

RS 32:194

TRAFFIC LAWS APPLY TO PERSONS RIDING BICYCLES Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway of this state shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Chapter, except as to special regulations in this Part, including special regulations applying to peace officers utilizing bicycles in furtherance of their official duties, and except as to those provisions of this Chapter which by their very nature can have no application.

RS 32:104

TURNING MOVEMENTS & REQUIRED SIGNALS 1.) No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in R.S. 32:101, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. 2.) Whenever a person intends to make a right or left turn which will take his vehicle from the highway it is then traveling, he shall give a signal of such intention in the manner described hereafter and such signal shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. 3.)No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal. 4.)The signals provided for in R.S. 32:105(B) shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes or start from a parked position and shall not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle, or flashed as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear.

RS 32:102

TURNING ON CURVE OR CREST OF GRADE PROHIBITED No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet.

RS 32:300.6

USE OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES BY CERTAIN DRIVERS PROHIBITED, EXCEPTIONS 1.) Except in a driver emergency and as provided in Subsection B of this Section, no person who holds a Class "E" learner's license or intermediate license shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using any wireless telecommunications device to engage in a call, unless the wireless telecommunications device is a hands-free wireless telephone. 2.) "Engage in a call" means talking or listening on a wireless telecommunications device. 3.) "Hands-free wireless telephone" means a wireless telecommunications device that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such telephone, by which a user engages in a conversation without the use of either hand, provided, however, this definition shall not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the telephone. 4.) Any violation of this Section shall constitute a moving violation. A law enforcement officer shall enforce the provisions of this Section only as a secondary action when the officer detains a driver for an alleged violation of another provision of this Chapter. 5.) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a person holding a Class "E" learner's license or intermediate license who uses a wireless telecommunications device to do any of the following: 6.) Report a traffic crash, medical emergency, or serious road hazard. 7.) Report a situation in which the person believes his or her personal safety is in jeopardy. 8.) Report or avert the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act against the driver or another person. 9.) Engage in a call while the motor vehicle is lawfully parked. 10.) A first violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. 11.) Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. 12.) If the person is involved in a crash at the time of violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed in this Subsection and the law enforcement officer investigating the crash shall indicate on the written accident form that the person was using a wireless telecommunications device at the time of the crash.

RS 32:232.1

VEHICLE APPROACHING INTERSECTIONS IN WHICH TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE IN-OPERATIVE A. Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic control signal is not functioning at an intersection, and the signal lights are completely dark, the intersection shall revert to an all-way stop and traffic shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:121(A). B. Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic control signal is flashing yellow, it shall be treated as a "caution" sign in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:234. C. Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic control signal is flashing red, it shall be treated as a stop sign in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:234.

RS 32:121

VEHICLE APPROACHING OR ENTERING INTERSECTIONS 1.) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left, shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right. 2.) The right of way rule declared in Subsection A is modified at through highways and otherwise as hereinafter stated in this part.

RS 32:124

VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD, DRIVEWAY, ALLEY, OR BUILDING The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from a private road, driveway, alley or building, shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, and shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision, and shall yield the right of way to all approaching vehicles so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

RS 32:51

VEHICLE LICENSE REQUIRED No person shall operate, or permit to be operated, any motor vehicle upon the highways of this state unless it is registered with the commissioner, the license tax is paid thereon, and it is operated in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and other laws of this state.

RS 32:122

VEHICLE TURNING LEFT AT INTERSECTIONS The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

RS 32:301

WHEN LIGHTED LAMPS ARE REQUIRED 1.) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as hereinafter respectively required for different classes of vehicles subject to exception with respect to parked vehicles at any of the following times: 2.) At any time between sunset and sunrise. 3.) When, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of five hundred feet ahead. 4.) When moisture in the air or precipitation necessitates the continuous use of windshield wipers. 5.) While driving in a tunnel. 6.) Any person found in violation of Subsection A of this Section may be fined not more than twenty-five dollars. No court costs shall be assessed in addition to the fine authorized by this Section. Violations of the provisions of this Section shall not be considered moving violations.

RS 32:74

WHEN PASSING ON THE RIGHT IS PERMITTED 1.) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: 2.) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; 3.) Upon a one-way street, or upon a highway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the highway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles; 4.) Upon multiple-lane highways. 5.) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the highway. 6.) This Section does not prohibit the use of a bicycle in a bicycle lane or on a shoulder.