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2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:104. Turning movements and required signals

RS 32:104 - Turning movements and required signals
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1963, No. 33, §2; Acts 1970, No. 538, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:105. Signals by hand and arm or signal lamps

RS 32:105 - Signals by hand and arm or signal lamps
A. 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.
B. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1970, No. 538, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:106. Methods of giving hand and arm signals

RS 32:106 - Methods of giving hand and arm signals
A. All signals herein required to be given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and such signals shall indicate as follows:
(1) Left turn--hand and arm extended horizontally, with the hand open and the back of the hand to the rear.
(2) Right turn--hand and arm extended upward at an angle of forty-five degrees from shoulder or elbow, with the hand open and the back of the hand to the rear. A bicyclist may also extend the right hand and arm horizontally with the hand open and back of the hand to the rear.
(3) Stop or decrease speed--start--hand and arm extended downward at an angle of forty-five degrees from shoulder or elbow, with the hand open and the back of the hand to the rear.
(4) Pulling from curb or side of highway--same as for left turn.
B. A bicyclist is not required to continuously give the signals required by Subsection A of this Section if the hand or arm is needed to control the bicycle.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2010, No. 618, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:121. Vehicle approaching or entering intersection

RS 32:121 - Vehicle approaching or entering intersection
A. 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.
B. The right of way rule declared in Subsection A is modified at through highways and otherwise as hereinafter stated in this part.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1972, No. 422, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:122. Vehicle turning left at intersection

RS 32:122 - Vehicle turning left at intersection
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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:124. Vehicle entering highway from private road, driveway, alley or building

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:125. Procedure on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle; passing a parked emergency vehicle

RS 32:125 - Procedure on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle; passing a parked emergency vehicle
A. 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.
B. When any vehicle making use of any visual signals as authorized by law, including the display of alternately flashing green, amber, or yellow warning lights, is parked on or near the highway, the driver of every other vehicle shall:
(1) 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.
(2) Maintain a safe speed for road conditions, if unable or unsafe to change lanes, or driving on a two-lane road or highway.
C. 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.
D. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 160, §1; Acts 2001, No. 583, §1; Acts 2008, No. 429, §1, eff. June 21, 2008; Acts 2008, No. 746, §1; Acts 2021, No. 78, §1, eff. June 4, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:126. Cattle crossings

RS 32:126 - Cattle crossings
A. All traffic on state highways shall stop and yield the right of way to cattle which are crossing the highway when all of the following apply:
(1) The cattle are crossing from one portion of property owned or leased by a person to another portion of property owned or leased by that person when such portions of the property are divided by the highway.
(2) A flagman is directing traffic.
(3) A cattle crossing sign is posted by the Department of Transportation and Development at the request of the person who owns or leases such property.
B. The Department of Transportation and Development shall adopt rules to determine where such cattle crossing signs shall be placed in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
C. The provisions of this Section are not intended and shall not be construed to impose any liability on the state of Louisiana for any actions taken by the state under the provisions of this Section.
Acts 1991, No. 364, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:127. Golf cart and all-terrain vehicle crossings

RS 32:127 - Golf cart and all-terrain vehicle crossings
A. Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, golf carts and all-terrain vehicles are authorized to cross Louisiana Highway 1 on marked or designated paths or crossings for such vehicles within the town limits of Grand Isle between sunrise and sunset.
B. A valid driver's license shall be a prerequisite for operating a golf cart or all-terrain vehicle when crossing Louisiana Highway 1 in the town of Grand Isle.
C. Crossing signs may be posted by the Department of Transportation and Development at the request of the governing authority of the town of Grand Isle.
D. The Department of Transportation and Development, with the consultation and advice of the governing authority of the town of Grand Isle, shall formulate guidelines to determine where such crossing signs shall be placed in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
E. For the purposes of this Section, the provisions of R.S. 32:53(D), R.S. 32:235(C), R.S. 32:261, and Chapter 5 of this Title shall not apply and golf carts and all-terrain vehicles shall not be considered a vehicle for purposes of defining "equipment" as referenced in Part V of Chapter 1 of this Title.
Acts 2009, No. 110, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:127.1. Golf cart crossings

RS 32:127.1 - Golf cart crossings
A. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, upon final approval of the Department of Transportation and Development, golf carts are authorized to cross United States Highway 90 and Louisiana Highway 99 on marked or designated paths or crossings for such vehicles within the town limits of Welsh between sunrise and sunset. The department shall consult with the governing authority of the town of Welsh to determine which intersection or intersections of United States Highway 90 and intersection or intersections of Louisiana Highway 99 within the town limits of Welsh would provide the most convenient and safest location for golf cart crossings.
B. A valid driver's license shall be a prerequisite for operating a golf cart when crossing United States Highway 90 and Louisiana Highway 99 in the town of Welsh.
C. Crossing signs may be posted by the Department of Transportation and Development at the request of the governing authority of the town of Welsh.
D. The Department of Transportation and Development, with the consultation and advice of the governing authority of the town of Welsh, shall formulate guidelines to determine where such crossing signs shall be placed in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
E. For the purposes of this Section, the provisions of R.S. 32:53(D), 235(C), 261, and Chapter 5 of this Title shall not apply, and golf carts shall not be considered a vehicle for purposes of defining "equipment" as referenced in Part V of Chapter 1 of this Title.
Acts 2011, No. 233, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:127.2. Golf carts; Palmetto Island State Park

RS 32:127.2 - Golf carts; Palmetto Island State Park
A. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a golf cart may be operated between sunrise and sunset on the roadways within the boundaries of Palmetto Island State Park by any operator who is in possession of a valid driver's license and liability insurance.
B. For the purposes of this Section, the provisions of R.S. 32:53(D), 261, and Chapter 5 of this Title shall not apply, and golf carts shall not be considered a vehicle for purposes of defining "equipment" as referenced in Part V of Chapter 1 of this Title.
Acts 2012, No. 661, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:127.3. Golf carts; Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

RS 32:127.3 - Golf carts; Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
A. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a golf cart may be operated between sunrise and sunset on the roadways within the boundaries of Lake Fausse Pointe State Park by any operator who is in possession of a valid driver's license and liability insurance.
B. For the purposes of this Section, the provisions of R.S. 32:53(D), 261, and Chapter 5 of this Title shall not apply, and golf carts shall not be considered a vehicle for purposes of defining "equipment" as referenced in Part V of Chapter 1 of this Title.
C. For the purposes of this Section, "golf cart" means a vehicle that was originally intended for use off-road on golf courses and other green spaces and that has a maximum speed of twenty-five miles per hour.
Acts 2016, No. 260, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:141. Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts

RS 32:141 - Stopping, standing, or parking outside business or residence districts
A. Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district, no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the paved or main traveled part of the highway when it is practicable to stop, park or so leave such vehicle off such part of said highway, but in every event an unobstructed width of the highway opposite a standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of such stopped vehicles shall be available from a distance of two hundred feet in each direction upon such highway.
B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the driver of any vehicle which is disabled while on the main traveled portion of a highway so that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the vehicle in that position. However, the driver shall remove the vehicle as soon as possible, and until it is removed it is his responsibility to protect traffic.
C. The driver of any vehicle left parked, attended or unattended, on any highway, between sunset and sunrise, shall display appropriate signal lights thereon, sufficient to warn approaching traffic of its presence. If the vehicle is not removed from the highway within twenty-four hours, the provisions of R.S. 32:473.1(B) shall apply.
D. In the event of a motor vehicle accident, if the driver is not prevented by injury and the vehicle is not disabled by the accident, or the accident has not resulted in serious injury or death of any person, the driver shall remove the vehicle from the travel lane of the highway to the nearest safe shoulder. Compliance with the provisions of this Subsection shall in no way be interpreted as a violation of requirements to remain at the scene of an accident as provided for in the Highway Regulatory Act or by R.S. 32:414.*
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1133, §1; Acts 2001, No. 401, §1; Acts 2008, No. 429, §1, eff. June 21, 2008.
*As appears in enrolled bill.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:142. Officers authorized to remove illegally stopped vehicles

RS 32:142 - Officers authorized to remove illegally stopped vehicles
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1997, No. 209, §1, eff. June 16, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:143. Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places

RS 32:143 - Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified 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.
B. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2012, No. 811, §9, eff. July 1, 2012.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:143.1. Blocking of private driveways, highways and department rights of way, penalties

RS 32:143.1 - Blocking of private driveways, highways and department rights of way, penalties
A. No person shall park any vehicle along a highway or department right of way in any residential area so as to block private driveways.
B. Whenever any law enforcement officer finds such an unlawfully parked vehicle as described in Subsection A above, he may move the vehicle, or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move it to a legally permissible position away from the private driveway.
C.(1) The owner or operator of any vehicle parked in violation of Subsection A above may, within twenty days after the date when a ticket giving notice of such violation was attached to such vehicle, pay to the chief of police, sheriff, or other chief law enforcement officer, in full satisfaction of such violation, the sum of one dollar plus any towing charges for moving the vehicle.
(2) The owner or operator of any vehicle parked in violation of Subsection A above, who fails to pay the chief of police, sheriff or other chief law enforcement officer the sum of one dollar plus towing charges, as provided herein, shall upon conviction thereof, be fined, according to the discretion of the court, not less than two dollars and fifty cents nor more than twenty dollars plus any towing charges.
Added by Acts 1974, No. 138, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 113, §1, eff. June 22, 1977.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:143.2. Private driveways, highways, and public rights-of-way; sporting activities; penalties

RS 32:143.2 - Private driveways, highways, and public rights-of-way; sporting activities; penalties
A. No person, unless properly permitted, shall block any private driveway, state or local highway, or public right-of-way while in the course of participating in any sporting activity when such activity obstructs the flow of traffic or is a hazard to public safety.
B. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section, or if the offender is a minor, any parent, guardian, or person with legal responsibility for such minor, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars, including all costs of court.
C. Repealed by Acts 2005, No. 361, §1, eff. July 1, 2005.
Acts 2004, No. 818, §1; Acts 2005, No. 361, §1, eff. July 1, 2005.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:144. Additional parking regulations

RS 32:144 - Additional parking regulations
A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, every vehicle standing or parked on a highway where there are adjacent curbs shall be so standing or parked with the right-hand wheels of such vehicle parallel to and within eighteen inches of the right-hand curb.
B. The department may place signs prohibiting or restricting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles on any highway where in its opinion such stopping, standing or parking is dangerous to those using the highway, or where such would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic thereon. Such signs shall be official signs, and no person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on such signs.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:145. Unattended motor vehicles

RS 32:145 - Unattended motor vehicles
No person driving or in charge of any motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the motor, locking the ignition, removing the key, and effectively setting the brake thereon, and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:146. Prohibited parking; leased or rented motor vehicles

RS 32:146 - Prohibited parking; leased or rented motor vehicles
A. Whenever a leased or rented motor vehicle, identified as provided in Subsection B of this Section, is parked in violation of any state law, local ordinance, or regulation, and a citation is issued at a time when the driver is not present to receive the citation, prior to any proceedings on the citation, the governing authority under whose jurisdiction the citation is issued shall request an affidavit from the registered owner attesting to the name, address, and driver's license number of the person to whom the vehicle was leased or rented at the time the citation was issued.
B. The owner of each leased or rented motor vehicle may place an identification tag attached to the inside of the bottom right side of the windshield of such vehicle. The identification tag shall state that the vehicle is rented or leased and shall list the name and address of the registered owner. All such information shall be clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle. The Department of Public Safety shall approve the forms for the identification tags.
C. Upon the request to furnish the affidavit pursuant to Subsection (A) of this Section, the owner shall within seven days after the receipt of the request, mail or deliver to the requesting authority an affidavit attesting to the name, address, and driver's license number of the person to whom the vehicle was rented or leased. The affidavit shall create the presumption that the person to whom the vehicle was leased or rented was the driver who parked the vehicle in violation of the law, ordinance or regulation, and the requesting authority shall notify the driver of his responsibility for the violation.
D. Whenever a leased or rented motor vehicle is not identified as provided in Subsection B of this Section or when the requested owner of a properly identified leased or rented vehicle fails to furnish the affidavit, the presumption created under Subsection C of this Section shall not apply and the citation shall be treated as any other regular parking citation.
E. This Section shall supercede any conflicting provisions of R.S. 32:41 and 32:42 and any local ordinance or regulation adopted pursuant thereto or pursuant to any other authority.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 102, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:151. Open roads agreement

RS 32:151 - Open roads agreement
A. The Department of Transportation and Development, in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of state police, shall develop and adopt an open roads agreement which requires only that portion of any state roadway which is necessary for the safe management and clearance of a traffic incident shall be closed. The agreement shall set forth performance standards for the response and clearance of traffic incidents and include a post-action review process to ensure that long delays in opening all lanes will be evaluated, reported, and used to improve the delivery of traffic incident management services.
B. Each agency responding to the incident shall implement training and policy enhancements to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable about the open roads agreement adopted pursuant to this Section.
C. The agreement shall be provided to each parish and municipal governing authority which may, at its discretion, adopt such agreement for the management of any incident on a local roadway. Each governing authority shall be encouraged to adopt such agreement to ensure safe and consistent management of incidents on local and state roadways throughout the state.
D. The open roads agreement required by this Section shall be completed and implemented no later than January 1, 2009.
Acts 2008, No. 429, §1, eff. June 21, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:152. Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course for Traffic Incident Management

RS 32:152 - Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course for Traffic Incident Management
A. Every law enforcement officer in the state shall be trained in a traffic incident management POST-certified course to be taught at a POST-certified academy. Any training shall include the basic process to follow for Unified Command as contained in The National Incident Management System Law of 2004. The training shall also include a summary of the open roads agreement and Louisiana laws pertaining to traffic incident management. Such training program shall be developed by January 1, 2009, and be offered as a course of training to all classes after January 1, 2009.
B. The training program shall also be offered to all other entities that respond to emergencies on Louisiana roadways.
Acts 2008, No. 429, §1, eff. June 21, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:154. Removal of bodies

RS 32:154 - Removal of bodies
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, particularly but not limited to R.S. 13:5712(B) or 5713(B)(3) when a death occurs in which a moving conveyance is involved, the body of the deceased person shall not be disturbed from the position in which it is found by any person without authorization from the coroner, or his designee, except the investigating law enforcement agency may disturb the body in order to obtain the identification of the deceased, preserve the body from loss or destruction, or maintain the flow of traffic on a highway or railroad.
Acts 2009, No. 408, §1; Acts 2010, No. 885, §1, eff. July 2, 2010.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:155. Authority to remove vehicles and cargo

RS 32:155 - Authority to remove vehicles and cargo
A. As a result of a motor vehicle crash or incident, any police officer or any person acting at the officer's direction or request may, without the consent of the owner, immediately remove or have removed any vehicle, cargo, or other movable property that has been damaged or spilled upon the roadway or shoulder of the roadway which constitutes a hazard or obstructs traffic when such removal will improve public health or safety and reduce crash- or incident-related traffic congestion and delay.
B. When a motor vehicle crash or traffic incident occurs during peak traffic hours, any police officer or any person acting at the officer's direction or request shall take immediate action and give priority to opening all roadway lanes to traffic so as to relieve traffic congestion and minimize delay to the motoring public provided such action does not impair the protection of public safety. For purposes of this Section, peak traffic hours shall be considered 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays.
C. No liability shall attach to any police officer or to any person acting under the officer's direction or request for damages to a vehicle, cargo, or other movable property, that may result from the exercise or failure to exercise any authority granted under this Section in the absence of gross negligence.
D. The provisions of this Section apply only to roadways in this state included in the state and federal highway system.
Acts 2014, No. 781, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:168. Equipment of locomotive with bell and whistle or horn, sounding of signals

RS 32:168 - Equipment of locomotive with bell and whistle or horn, sounding of signals
A. Every railroad company or person owning and operating a railroad in this state shall equip each locomotive engine with a bell and a whistle or horn which, under normal conditions, can be heard at a distance of not less than one quarter of a mile.
B. Except as specifically exempted by law, any person controlling the motion of an engine on any railroad shall commence sounding the audible signal when such engine is approaching and not less than one quarter of a mile from the place where such railroad crosses any highway. Such sounding shall be prolonged either continuously or by blasts of the whistle or horn to be sounded in the manner provided by the Uniform Code of Railroad Operating Rules until the engine has crossed the roadway, unless the distance from that crossing to the start of the movement or the distance between the crossings is less than one quarter of a mile, in which event such warning signals shall be so sounded for the lesser distance. In cases of emergency said whistles or horn may be sounded in repeated short blasts.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the Kansas City Southern railroad line which runs parallel to Perkins Road in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 669, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 83, §1, eff. March 1, 1999; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 121, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:170. Exemptions; Old Metairie railroad corridor; elimination of railroad liability

RS 32:170 - Exemptions; Old Metairie railroad corridor; elimination of railroad liability
A. The provisions of R.S. 32:168 and R.S. 32:169 shall not apply to crossings of public roads by house tracks, switch tracks, industry tracks, and plantation tracks, since the intention is that such provisions apply only to tracks over which trains are operated at high speed; also such provisions do not modify or repeal any parochial or municipal ordinance relating to signs or signals at public railroad crossings.
B.(1) The provisions of R.S. 32:168 requiring the sounding of a bell, whistle, or horn by a locomotive engine when it approaches a street or highway crossing shall not apply to crossings in the Old Metairie railroad corridor in Jefferson Parish between Airline Highway and the 17th Street Canal when train activated flashing light signals and gates are installed and operating at those crossings, and such soundings in the corridor are hereby prohibited except in cases of emergency.
(2) After train activated flashing light signals and gates are installed and operating at crossings in the Old Metairie railroad corridor in Jefferson Parish between Airline Highway and the 17th Street Canal, a railroad company or its employees shall not be liable to any person or other entity for civil damages for injury or death of persons or damage to property which occur due to failure of an oncoming train to sound an audible warning approaching or at such crossings.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 669, §1; Acts 1990, No. 983, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:172. All vehicles must stop at certain railroad grade crossings

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 121, §1; Acts 2017, No. 410, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:173.1. Railroad grade crossings; stopping required

RS 32:173.1 - Railroad grade crossings; stopping required
A. All buses transporting passengers and all commercial motor vehicles who are required to abide by 49 CFR Part 392.10, as amended, relative to methods by which a commercial motor vehicle carrying certain materials and buses transporting passengers, shall stop at railroad grade crossings within fifty feet of, and not closer than fifteen feet to, the tracks; thereafter, the driver shall listen and look in each direction along the tracks for an approaching train and ascertain that no train is approaching. When it is safe to do so, the driver may drive the commercial motor vehicle or bus across the tracks in a gear that permits the commercial motor vehicle to complete the crossing without a change of gears.
B. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus whether carrying any school child or not, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop such vehicle within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet, from the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as hereinafter provided, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. After stopping as required herein and upon proceeding, when it is safe to do so, the driver of any said vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing such crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
C. The driver of any school bus, in addition to the requirements of Subsection B of this Section, after coming to a complete stop, shall open the door of the school bus and shall leave it open while ascertaining that no train or other vehicle is approaching on the railroad track from either side and until immediately prior to proceeding over the railroad crossing.
Acts 2008, No. 614, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:174. Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings

RS 32:174 - Moving heavy equipment at railroad grade crossings
A. No person shall operate or move any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of ten or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than one-half inch per foot of the distance between any two adjacent axles or in any event of less than nine inches, measured above the level surface of a roadway, upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this Section.
B. Notice of any such intended crossing shall be given to a station agent of such railroad and a reasonable time be given to such railroad to provide proper protection at such crossing.
C. Before making any such crossing the person operating or moving any such vehicle or equipment shall first stop the same not less than fifteen feet nor more than fifty feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.
D. No such crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagman or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or car. If a flagman is provided by the railroad, movement over the crossing shall be under his direction.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:175. Vehicles must yield at railroad grade crossings; exceptions; penalties for violations

RS 32:175 - Vehicles must yield at railroad grade crossings; exceptions; penalties for violations
A. The driver or operator of a vehicle approaching a rail-highway grade crossing identified by the presence of a railroad cross buck 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, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting rail of such railroad where the driver or operator has a clear view of any approaching train. The driver or operator shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train. Having slowed or stopped in this manner, the driver or operator shall yield the right-of-way to any approaching train and then shall proceed only upon exercising due care and upon being sure that it is safe to proceed.
B. The driver or operator of a vehicle need not yield at any such rail-highway grade crossing where a police officer or traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
C. 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 offender to notify the appropriate court of the successful completion of the Operation Lifesaver Course.
(2) On second and subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not 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 offender to notify the appropriate court of the successful completion of the Operation Lifesaver Course.
(3) If an offender fails to attend any safe driving course as required in this Subsection, the department shall suspend such offender's driving privileges for a period of thirty days.
(4) No less than twenty-five dollars of each fine imposed pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be collected by the court and shall immediately be forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the state treasury.
D. The provisions of this Section do not relieve drivers or operators of the responsibility to comply with the provisions of R.S. 32:171 and 173.
Acts 1990, No. 143, §1; Acts 2005, No. 477, §1; Acts 2012, No. 811, §9, eff. July 1, 2012; Acts 2012, No. 834, §5, eff. July 1, 2012.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:176. Required notification of recording devices carried on railroad trains

RS 32:176 - Required notification of recording devices carried on railroad trains
Immediately following a railroad crossing accident, the engineer or a responsible member of the crew, if the engineer is unable to provide the information, shall inform the law enforcement officer investigating such accident if the train possesses an event recorder which records and preserves any information which is relevant to the accident or may be of assistance in the investigation of the accident. Upon request of the law enforcement officer, the railroad or its representative shall provide, in a timely manner, any such information contained on the event recorder whose release is not prohibited by federal law, rule, or regulation.
Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 87, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:190. Safety helmets

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.
Added by Acts 1968, No. 273, §1. Amended by Acts 1976, No. 671, §1; Acts 1977, No. 113, §1, eff. June 22, 1977; Acts 1981, No. 517, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982; Acts 1986, No. 53, §1; Acts 1986, No. 531, §1; Acts 1989, No. 278, §1; Acts 1989, No. 520, §1; Acts 1999, No. 404, §1; Acts 2004, No. 742, §1; Acts 2013, No. 81, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2014; Acts 2016, No. 326, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:190.1. Eye protective devices to be worn by motorcyclist; windshield on motorcycle

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.
Added by Acts 1970, No. 538, §3. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 113, §1, eff. June 22, 1977; Acts 1984, No. 808, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:191. Riding on motorcycles

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1968, No. 273, §2; Acts 1970, No. 538, §4; Acts 2006, No. 98, §1.