{"id":373683,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2023-12-05T18:24:46","modified_gmt":"2023-12-05T23:24:46","slug":"louisiana-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Louisiana Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Louisiana drivers must learn the many rules of the road in extreme detail to get their license. While driving has become second nature for many people, the laws of the road are still complex.<\/p>\r\n

Becoming more familiar with the law is the first step to following it and avoiding a costly ticket in the process. Learn more about Louisiana’s road regulations<\/a> and the penalties for driving offenses.<\/p>\r\n

Read Louisiana Motor Vehicle Statutes<\/h2>\r\n

Title 32 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes<\/a> (LRS) focuses on the operation of a motor vehicle. Find links to some fundamental laws you should know in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking and Driving Violations<\/th>\r\nOperating a vehicle under the influence<\/a> (LRS 32:661)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without a License \/ With a Suspended License<\/th>\r\nDriver must be licensed<\/a> (LRS 32:52)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Insurance \/ With Insufficient Insurance<\/th>\r\nSecurity required<\/a> (LRS 32:861)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving Without Registration \/ With Expired Registration<\/th>\r\nVehicle license required<\/a> (LRS 32:51)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Illegal U-Turn<\/th>\r\nTurning movements and required signals<\/a> (LRS 32:104)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the Scene of an Accident \/ Hit & Run<\/th>\r\nAccident reports<\/a> (LRS 32:398)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical Violations and Unlawful Vehicle Modifications<\/th>\r\nMotor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation: Equipment<\/a> (LRS <\/i>32:301 to 32:369)Low rider vehicles<\/a> (LRS 32:297)Proper equipment required on vehicles<\/a> (LRS 32:53)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless Driving<\/th>\r\nCareless operation<\/a> (LRS 32:58)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a Red Light \/ Stop Sign<\/th>\r\nObedience to and required traffic control devices<\/a> (LRS 32:231)Traffic control signals<\/a> (LRS 32:232)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat Belt \/ Child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\nSafety belt use<\/a> (LRS 32:295.1)Child passenger restraint system<\/a> (LRS 32:295)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\nMaximum speed limit<\/a> (LRS 32:61)General speed law<\/a> (LRS 32:64)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Stopping for School Buses<\/th>\r\nOvertaking and passing certain school buses<\/a> (LRS 32:80)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to make sure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Louisiana’s Traffic Law Enforcement<\/h2>\r\n

As in every state, police officers patrol public roads to catch and correct drivers who break the law. A Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections officer could pull you over<\/a> to give you a ticket or arrest you. Knowing your rights and the potential penalties can help you avoid additional problems.<\/p>\r\n

Most Louisiana traffic tickets lead to fines or jail time<\/a> that can increase based on a few factors, such as:<\/p>\r\n