reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:7. Authority to operate joint weight enforcement scales with contiguous states; joint enforcement of laws

RS 32:7 - Authority to operate joint weight enforcement scales with contiguous states; joint enforcement of laws
A. The agency of the state which exercises authority over the state's stationary weight enforcement scale facilities may enter into interstate agreements with contiguous states through appropriate officials, departments, or agencies to jointly provide for the location, construction, staffing, and operation of scale facilities for the purpose of weighing vehicles and enforcement of the laws, rules, and regulations of this state and the laws, rules, and regulations of the contiguous state, its appropriate agencies, or departments.
B. The interstate agreement may authorize employees of either state to weigh vehicles under the jurisdiction of either state, issue permits, collect fees, taxes, interests, and penalties imposed by the laws, rules, or regulations of either state, its agencies, or departments, and enforce the laws, rules, and regulations of either state.
C.(1) As part of an interstate agreement, the agency of this state may appoint employees of a contiguous state as duly authorized and empowered enforcement officers of that agency for the enforcement of tax, weight, size and load, equipment, safety, and all other state laws, rules, and regulations relating to vehicles entering into, exiting, or traveling upon the highways of this state and may allow employees of this state to accept similar positions or appointments with any contiguous state or appropriate agency or department of such state and to enforce the laws, rules, and regulations of such state, its agencies, and departments.
(2) Any employee of a contiguous state which enters into an interstate agreement pursuant to this Section shall not be considered an employee of this state, and as such, shall not be compensated by this state or entitled to any employment benefits either directly or indirectly from this state. Neither this state nor its officers, agents, or employees shall be subject to civil or criminal liability for the actions or inactions of such persons.
(3) Employees of this state who accept appointments from a contiguous state shall not be considered an employee of that state, compensated by that state, or entitled to any employment rights from that state.
D. The agency of this state shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Section in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
E. For purposes of this Section, "agency of this state" shall mean either the Department of Transportation and Development or the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, based upon the authority granted to that department by this Chapter.
F. Any interstate agreement entered into pursuant to this Section shall be subject to oversight by the Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 37, §1, eff. April 24, 1998.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:8. Final delinquent debt; office of motor vehicles

RS 32:8 - Final delinquent debt; office of motor vehicles
A. For purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Debt" means any legally collectible liquidated sum due and owed to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of motor vehicles, pursuant to R.S. 32:57.1, 863, or 863.1.
(2) "Delinquent debt" means a debt that is sixty days or more past due.
(3) "Final debt" means the amount due is no longer negotiable and that the debtor has no further right of administrative and judicial review.
(4) "Office of motor vehicles" means the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of motor vehicles.
B. The office of motor vehicles shall refer a final delinquent debt for which a debtor has not entered into an installment agreement for payment to the office of debt recovery as provided in R.S. 47:1676. Final delinquent debt referrals shall include data and information in the required format necessary to institute collection procedures. All delinquent debts shall be authenticated by the office of motor vehicles prior to being referred to the office of debt recovery. Once the delinquent debt becomes final, and prior to referral to the office of debt recovery, the office of motor vehicles shall notify the debtor in writing that failure to pay the debt in full within sixty days shall subject the debt to the maximum amount owed together with the additional fee collected by the office of debt recovery provided for in R.S. 47:1676. Such notice shall also inform the debtor that he may qualify to pay sums due by installment agreement, if eligible, and shall include instructions on how to inquire with the office of motor vehicles to determine eligibility and terms.
C. The office of motor vehicles may promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act necessary to implement the provisions of this Section, including rules for referring final delinquent debt.
Acts 2015, No. 414, §1; Acts 2016, 1st E.S., No. 11, §1, eff. March 9, 2016; Acts 2016, No. 397, §1, eff. June 8, 2016.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:21. Uniform application

RS 32:21 - Uniform application
The provisions of this Chapter and the regulations of the department adopted pursuant thereto shall govern the operation of vehicles and pedestrians upon all highways within this state and other areas specifically set forth; provided, however, that local authorities may adopt local traffic regulations in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:41, 32:42.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:22. Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles; application of part

RS 32:22 - Persons riding animals or driving animal-drawn vehicles; application of part
Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Chapter, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:23. Persons and vehicles working on highways; exceptions

RS 32:23 - Persons and vehicles working on highways; exceptions
Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon a highway, but shall apply to such persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment when traveling to or from such work.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:24. Emergency vehicles; exceptions

RS 32:24 - Emergency vehicles; exceptions
A. The driver or rider of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, or when responding to, but not upon returning from, a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this Section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.
B. The driver or rider of an authorized emergency vehicle may do any of the following:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down or stopping as may be necessary for safe operation.
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property.
(4) Disregard regulations governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
C. The exceptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle or bicycle is making use of audible or visual signals, including the use of a peace officer cycle rider's whistle, sufficient to warn motorists of their approach, except that a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle.
D. The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver or rider of an authorized vehicle from the duty to drive or ride with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver or rider from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 160, §1; Acts 2011, No. 98, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:25. Rights of owners of real property

RS 32:25 - Rights of owners of real property
Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent the owner of real property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel by permission of the owner, and not as a matter of right, from prohibiting such use, or from requiring other or different or additional conditions than those specified in this Chapter, or otherwise regulating such use as may seem best to such owner.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:42. Power of local parish authorities

RS 32:42 - Power of local parish authorities
A. Local parish authorities or lake commissions shall, with respect to highways other than state maintained highways and with respect to public roads within their territorial limits, but outside corporate limits of any municipality therein, have henceforth, power to adopt ordinances regulating the matters enumerated in R.S. 32:41.
B. With respect to private roads when requested by the owner within recognized subdivisions within their territorial limits but outside the corporate limits of any municipality therein, local parish authorities shall henceforth have power to adopt ordinances regulating matters enumerated in R.S. 32:41(A)(9) and provides for stop signs at certain intersections.
C. Local parish authorities shall with respect to parking areas located outside the corporate limits of any municipality have, henceforth, the power to adopt ordinances regulating the matters enumerated in R.S. 32:41(D).
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1966, No. 217, §1; Acts 1974, No. 412, §1; Acts 1975, No. 637, §1; Acts 1978, No. 433, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:43. Automated speed enforcement devices; prohibition

RS 32:43 - Automated speed enforcement devices; prohibition
A.(1) Local municipal authorities or local parish authorities shall not install or utilize automated speed enforcement devices to regulate traffic on interstate roadways within their corporate or territorial limits.
(2) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to highway construction zones, where work is being performed by the Department of Transportation and Development or a private contractor under contract with the Department of Transportation and Development, where construction workers are present. However, the exemption provided by this Paragraph shall not apply to local municipal authorities and local parish authorities.
B. For the purposes of this Section, the term "automated speed enforcement device" means an unmanned or handheld camera or optical device installed to work in conjunction with a traffic control signal or radar speed detection equipment, or both, and designed to collect photographic evidence of alleged traffic violations for the issuance of traffic citations by recording images that depict the license plate or other identifying feature of a motor vehicle not in compliance with instruction of a traffic control signal or posted traffic sign.
C. Effective January 1, 2015, local municipal authorities or local parish authorities shall not impose or collect any civil or criminal fine, fee, or penalty as a result of an image produced by an automated speed enforcement device in violation of this Section.
Acts 2014, No. 95, §1, eff. May 16, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:44. Required notification for red light cameras

RS 32:44 - Required notification for red light cameras
A. Local municipal authorities or local parish authorities shall post signs, indicating that a red light camera is present, within five hundred feet of each red light camera, in such a manner as to be clearly visible to traffic approaching the red light camera.
B.(1) Failure of a municipal or parish authority to comply with Subsection A of this Section shall prohibit the use of any photographic or video images collected by the red light camera to impose or collect any civil or criminal fine, fee, or penalty by or on behalf of the municipal or parish authority.
(2) In any proceeding to collect a civil or criminal fine, fee, or penalty by or on behalf of a municipal or parish authority, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that signs were posted in accordance with Subsection A of this Section.
C. For the purposes of this Section, "red light camera" means a device installed at an intersection designed to collect photographic or video evidence of alleged traffic violations by recording images that depict the license plate or other identifying feature of a motor vehicle that is not operated in compliance with instruction of a traffic control signal or a posted traffic sign.
Acts 2016, No. 348, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:45. Required notification for mobile speed camera

RS 32:45 - Required notification for mobile speed camera
A. Local municipal authorities or local parish authorities shall post signs indicating that a mobile speed camera is present. The sign shall be posted no less than two hundred fifty feet and no more than five hundred feet of the location of each mobile speed camera in such a manner as to be clearly visible, not obstructed by any barrier, equipment, vegetation, or other object, and shall be easily viewable by drivers approaching the speed camera. The sign shall comply with the current manual and specifications adopted by the Department of Transportation and Development pursuant to R.S. 32:235.
B.(1) Failure of a municipal or parish authority to comply with Subsection A of this Section shall prohibit the use of any photographic or video images collected by the speed camera to impose or collect any civil or criminal fine, fee, or penalty by or on behalf of the municipal or parish authority.
(2) In any proceeding to collect a civil or criminal fine, fee, or penalty by or on behalf of a municipal or parish authority, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that signs were posted in accordance with Subsection A of this Section.
C. For the purposes of this Section, "mobile speed camera" means a device designed to collect photographic or video evidence of an alleged violation of a posted speed limit by recording images that depict the license plate or other identifying feature of a motor vehicle that is not operated in compliance with a posted speed limit sign.
Acts 2017, No. 247, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:51. Vehicle license required

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:52. Driver must be licensed

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:54. Size, weight and load of vehicles limited

RS 32:54 - Size, weight and load of vehicles limited
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:55. Exclusion of vehicles from highways; notice required

RS 32:55 - Exclusion of vehicles from highways; notice required
No person shall operate, or knowingly permit to be operated, a motor vehicle over any highway of this state from which it is by proper authority excluded, provided notice of such exclusion is conspicuously posted at the entrance to such highway.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:56. Obedience to police officers, weights and standards police officers, and traffic signs

RS 32:56 - Obedience to police officers, weights and standards police officers, and traffic signs
A. 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.
B. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 113, §1, eff. June 22, 1977.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:57.2. Fee for expenses incurred for renewal or reissuance of suspended operator's license; office of the prosecuting authority

RS 32:57.2 - Fee for expenses incurred for renewal or reissuance of suspended operator's license; office of the prosecuting authority
Each person seeking renewal or reissuance of a suspended driver's license, as provided in R.S. 32:57.1, shall pay to the office of the prosecuting authority an additional fee of twenty-five dollars to defray the administrative costs incurred by the office of the prosecuting authority in handling such renewal or reissuance of the suspended driver's license.
Acts 2003, No. 966, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:57.3. Failure to respond to an HOV violation

RS 32:57.3 - Failure to respond to an HOV violation
A.(1) When the office of motor vehicles receives notice from the Department of Transportation and Development to not renew or reissue the driver’s license or vehicle registration of a frequent violator as provided in R.S. 47:820.5.9(J)(2), the office of motor vehicles shall issue a notice to the violator at the address listed on the violator’s driver’s license, unless a more current address is on file, that shall identify the vehicle or vehicles subject to HOV violations by vehicle identification number and the assigned license plate number. The notice shall also advise the registered owner that his registration privileges and driver’s license will be blocked against renewal or reissuance, including any request for a duplicate registration or driver’s license. The office of motor vehicles shall obtain a certificate of mailing at the time the notice is mailed to the frequent violator.
(2) The notice shall also state that the person shall pay a reinstatement fee to the office of motor vehicles in addition to providing proof of compliance from the Department of Transportation and Development to remove the block against renewal or reissuance, including any request for a duplicate registration or driver’s license.
(3) The reinstatement fee due under this Section shall be one hundred dollars.
B. The Department of Transportation and Development shall provide the complete record on all violations of the frequent violator including all notices, evidence, or other records used in determining the violation or conducting any hearing or appeal.
Acts 2021, No. 357, §1, eff. June 14, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:58. Careless operation

RS 32:58 - Careless operation
A. 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.
B. If the careless operation of the motor vehicle directly or proximately 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.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 567, §1; Acts 1992, No. 364, §1; Acts 2014, No. 650, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:58.1. Careless operation during flood conditions

RS 32:58.1 - Careless operation during flood conditions
A. Any person operating a motor vehicle on the public roads of this state during flood conditions shall drive in a careful and prudent manner, so as not to create a wake that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such a manner shall constitute careless operation during flood conditions.
B. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the following persons were operating a motor vehicle in a careful and prudent manner during flood conditions:
(1) Any person operating a vehicle owned or operated by a public utility, whether publicly or privately owned, while acting in the course and scope of his employment or agency relating to the operation, repair, or maintenance of a facility, servitude, or any property owned by the utility.
(2) Any person operating a military, law enforcement, or emergency services vehicle while acting in the course and scope of his employment or official duties.
Acts 2018, No. 403, §1, eff. May 23, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:61. Maximum speed limit

RS 32:61 - Maximum speed limit
A. 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:
(1) No person shall operate a vehicle on any interstate or controlled access highway of this state in excess of seventy miles per hour.
(2) 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.
(3) 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).
B. 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.
Amended by Acts 1964, No. 369, §1; Acts 1974, No. 521, §1; Acts 1977, No. 113, §1, eff. June 22, 1977; Acts 1982, No. 191, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; Acts 1997, No. 1204, §1; Acts 2010, No. 81, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:63. Establishing of speed zones

RS 32:63 - Establishing of speed zones
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2010, No. 81, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:64. General speed law

RS 32:64 - General speed law
A. No person shall drive a vehicle on the highway within this state at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and potential hazards then existing, having due regard for the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and the condition of the weather, and in no event at a speed in excess of the maximum speeds established by this Chapter or regulation of the department made pursuant thereto.
B. Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with paragraph A of this section, no person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
C. Rolling roadblocks shall be prohibited from operating on all Interstate highways in the state.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 191, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:65. Drag racing and racing on public roads and certain property; exemptions

RS 32:65 - Drag racing and racing on public roads and certain property; exemptions
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. For the purposes of this Section, "race" means the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers.
D. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this Section shall be punished as follows:
(1) If there is no serious personal injury involved, the person shall be subject to the penalties as provided in R.S. 32:57.
(2)(a) 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.
(b) 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.
E. The prohibitions contained in this Section shall not apply to events sanctioned by local governing authorities.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 247, §1. Acts 1987, No. 419, §1; Acts 2007, No. 128, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:72. Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions

RS 32:72 - Passing vehicles proceeding in opposite directions
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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:73. Passing a vehicle on the left

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:73.1. Rolling roadblocks prohibited on certain multiple-lane highways; definitions; penalties

RS 32:73.1 - Rolling roadblocks prohibited on certain multiple-lane highways; definitions; penalties
A. For purposes of this Section, the term "multiple-lane highway" shall have the meaning provided in R.S. 32:1(42), but shall only include a multiple-lane highway outside the city limits with a posted speed limit of fifty-five miles per hour or more.
B. A vehicle which remains in the passing lane of a multiple-lane highway as defined in Subsection A of this Section traveling at the same speed as the vehicle in the right lane and impedes the flow of traffic shall be deemed a "rolling roadblock" which shall be prohibited. The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to vehicles stopped at a traffic signal or traveling at a slower rate due to traffic congestion as long as the vehicle is not causing traffic congestion.
C. Violations of this Section shall be punishable as provided in R.S. 32:57.
Acts 2004, No. 467, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:74. When passing on the right is permitted

RS 32:74 - When passing on the right is permitted
A. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2) 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;
(3) Upon multiple-lane highways.
B. 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.
C. This Section does not prohibit the use of a bicycle in a bicycle lane or on a shoulder.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2011, No. 244, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:75. Limitations on passing on the left

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:76. Further limitations on passing on the left

RS 32:76 - Further limitations on passing on the left
A. No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the highway under the following conditions:
(1) 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;
(2) when approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing;
(3) when the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
B. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Amended by Acts 1972, No. 163, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:76.1. Limitations on passing bicycles

RS 32:76.1 - Limitations on passing bicycles
A. This Section shall be known as the Colin Goodier Protection Act.
B. The operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall exercise due care while the motor vehicle is passing the bicycle and shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle. An operator of a motor vehicle may pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so.
C. 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.
D. The Department of Transportation and Development is directed to place signs in areas frequently used by bicyclists in an effort to make motorists aware of the need to share the road with bicyclists.
E. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is directed to engage in a public awareness campaign to notify motorists and bicyclists of the provisions of this Section.
F. Any person who violates this Section shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars.
Acts 2009, No. 147, §1; Acts 2010, No. 618, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:77. No passing zones

RS 32:77 - No passing zones
A. 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.
B. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:77.1. School zones; no passing zones

RS 32:77.1 - School zones; no passing zones
A. The driver of a vehicle upon a two-lane highway or street shall not overtake and pass another vehicle during posted hours within a school zone.
B. Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) Upon conviction for a first offense, the person shall be issued a written warning.
(2) Upon conviction for a second offense, the person shall be fined one hundred dollars.
(3) Upon conviction for a third offense, the person shall be fined two hundred fifty dollars.
Acts 2008, No. 757, §1, eff. June 1, 2009; Acts 2009, No. 224, §7, eff. June 1, 2009.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:78. One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands

RS 32:78 - One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands
A. The Department may designate any highway or any separate roadway for one-way traffic and shall erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.
B. 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.
C. A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:79. Driving on roadway laned for traffic

RS 32:79 - Driving on roadway 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:81. Following vehicles; exceptions

RS 32:81 - Following vehicles; exceptions
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. 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.
E. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the operation of a non-lead motor vehicle in a platoon.
F. The operation of a platoon shall not be authorized on a two-lane highway.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 2018, No. 310, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2019.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:82. Driving on divided highways

RS 32:82 - Driving on divided highways
A.(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.
B. No vehicle shall cross the painted continuous centerline of any multiple lane highway, except for the purpose of making a turn.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1997, No. 186, §1; Acts 2015, No. 115, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:83. Driving on highways with two-way left-turn lanes and dedicated left-turn lanes

RS 32:83 - Driving on highways with two-way left-turn lanes and dedicated left-turn lanes
A.(1) The department may designate two-way left-turn lanes along segments of highways and may designate dedicated left-turn lanes on highways at intersections.
(2) A highway with two or more lanes in each direction and with a designated two-way left-turn lane shall be considered a divided highway with separate roadways.
(3) A two-way left-turn lane is a lane near the center of the highway for use by vehicles making left turns in both directions to and from connections on both sides of the highway. At an intersection, the department may designate the two-way left-turn lane as a dedicated left-turn lane.
B.(1) A vehicle shall not be driven in a two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet while making a left turn from a highway or when making a u-turn.
(2) A vehicle shall not be driven in a two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet while making a left turn onto a highway and merging into the adjacent lanes of travel.
(3) A vehicle shall not be driven in a two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet to reach a dedicated left-turn lane at an intersection.
C. A vehicle in a dedicated left-turn lane at an intersection shall turn at the intersection only as designated by posted pavement marking, signing, or traffic signal indication.
D. Vehicles shall not be driven across dedicated left-turn lanes at intersections or across areas delineated with pavement markings consisting of solid lines and filled in with diagonal striping. A vehicle may be driven across a two-way left-turn lane.
Acts 2012, No. 520, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:101. Required position and method of turning at intersections

RS 32:101 - Required position and method of turning at intersections
A. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall proceed as follows:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1. Acts 1985, No. 953, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation › §32:102. Turning on curve or crest of grade prohibited

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.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1.