Traffic Laws In Louisiana: Who Are They Targeted At?

Traffic laws in Louisiana are governed by Title 32 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which covers various aspects of motor vehicle and traffic regulation. These laws apply to all drivers operating vehicles on Louisiana roadways and aim to ensure safe and lawful driving practices. While some standard traffic laws, such as speed limits and DUI regulations, are well-known, there are also specific rules that drivers should be aware of to avoid unintentional violations.

Driver's license requirements

Drivers License Requirements in Louisiana

The requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Louisiana vary depending on the age of the applicant. Here is a breakdown of the requirements for each age group:

Age 14

At age 14, individuals are only eligible for classroom instruction. Students must be in at least the eighth grade and within 90 days of their 15th birthday to participate.

Age 15

At age 15, individuals are eligible to obtain a learner's permit, which allows them to practice driving under supervision. To obtain a learner's permit, applicants must first enrol in a driver's education course and obtain a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP). They must then complete a 38-hour driver's education course, pass a knowledge test, and have a licensed parent, guardian, or adult aged 21 or older (or a licensed sibling aged 18 or older) accompany them during supervised driving. No cell phone usage, including hands-free, is allowed for this age group. Additionally, they must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 15 of those hours at night.

Age 16

At age 16, individuals can obtain an intermediate license, which allows them to drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions. To obtain an intermediate license, applicants must have held a learner's permit for a minimum of 180 days, completed 50 hours of supervised driving (including 15 hours at night), and passed a road skills test. A parent or legal guardian must provide a signed statement confirming that the applicant has met the pre-licensing requirements, including no at-fault crashes, no moving violations, and no seat belt, curfew, drug, or alcohol law violations. Intermediate license holders are restricted from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older or a licensed sibling aged 18 or older. They are also restricted from transporting more than one passenger under the age of 21 between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.

Age 17 and Above

At age 17 and above, individuals are eligible for a full (adult) license without the need for a learner's permit. However, they must complete a driver's education course or a pre-licensing course, which can be either 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction or 6 hours of pre-licensing classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. They must also pass a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road skills test. To apply for a license, applicants need to provide proof of identification, verification of their Social Security number, and proof of residency. Non-immigrant resident aliens must present their current passport and documentation from Homeland Security indicating their status in the United States.

When a license is not required

In Louisiana, traffic laws apply to all drivers, regardless of age or licence type. These laws cover a range of topics, from cell phone use and alcohol consumption to child passenger safety and motorcycle helmet requirements.

Now, when it comes to being exempt from needing a license, there are a few scenarios to consider:

Age Requirements:

In Louisiana, the minimum age to obtain a driver's license is 15 years old. The Graduated Licensing Program is designed for applicants aged 15 and 16 and includes the following stages: Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP), Learner's Permit, and Intermediate License. At 17 years old, drivers become eligible for a full Class "E" license without needing to graduate from a learner's permit. However, it's important to note that all drivers under 18 are subject to certain restrictions, such as limited driving hours and passenger restrictions.

Military Personnel:

Active military personnel stationed in Louisiana who hold a valid out-of-state driver's license may not need to obtain a Louisiana driver's license, especially if they maintain out-of-state permanent residency. However, they should still carry their military driver's license and follow the state's traffic laws.

Full-Time Students:

Similar to military personnel, full-time students living in Louisiana but maintaining out-of-state permanent residency are not required to change their driver's license or ID to a Louisiana one. They can continue using their out-of-state license while studying in the state.

Medical Exemptions:

Certain medical conditions may disqualify individuals from receiving a driver's license in Louisiana. These include vision loss, hearing loss, diabetes, and epilepsy. However, there are also medical exemptions outlined by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Individuals must undergo a physical examination and be deemed medically fit to drive.

Hardship Licenses:

In some cases, individuals with suspended licenses can apply for a hardship license, which grants limited driving privileges. This is typically granted for work or other life necessities, such as travelling to school or the hospital. However, it's important to note that a hardship license comes with restrictions and may require an ignition interlock device after certain offenses.

Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP):

While not a full driver's license, a TIP is a requirement for all students enrolled in a driver education program. It allows them to participate in knowledge tests, behind-the-wheel instruction, and road skills testing. The TIP must be surrendered upon completion of the driver's education course, along with proof of completion and other necessary documents.

Car insurance requirements

In Louisiana, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers. The state has set minimum liability insurance requirements that drivers must meet to be considered legal. These requirements are:

• $15,000 for bodily injury per person
• $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

This is often referred to as 15/30/25 coverage. It's important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and drivers are encouraged to purchase higher levels of coverage for more comprehensive protection.

Liability insurance covers the medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage of those harmed in an accident caused by the insured driver. It's worth mentioning that liability coverage does not pay for the insured driver's injuries or damage to their property.

In addition to the minimum liability coverage, drivers in Louisiana are required to carry proof of insurance at all times while driving. This can be in the form of an insurance card, a copy of the policy binder, or a copy of the insurance policy declaration page. Electronic proof of insurance through a smartphone app is also accepted.

The consequences for driving without insurance in Louisiana can be severe and may include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, suspension of driving privileges, impoundment of the vehicle, and revocation of vehicle registration.

While the state sets the minimum requirements, drivers may also choose to purchase additional coverage for more comprehensive protection. Some optional coverages available in Louisiana include:

• Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to the insured vehicle resulting from non-collision incidents such as weather events and theft.
• Collision coverage: Covers damages to the insured vehicle in a collision with another vehicle or object, excluding animal collisions.
• Loan/lease payoff coverage: Also known as gap coverage, this pays the difference between the depreciated value of the vehicle and the remaining loan amount if the car is totaled.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for the insured driver and their passengers, regardless of fault.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Provides reimbursement for a rental car if the insured vehicle is undrivable due to repairs.
• Roadside assistance: Assists with car troubles, including flat tires, dead batteries, locksmith services, towing, and, in some cases, hotel expenses.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects the insured driver if they are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Speed limit laws

In Louisiana, speeding laws function under the "General Speed Law" and the "Absolute Speed Limit" rule. The "General Speed Law" requires drivers to drive at a safe speed regardless of the posted speed limit and takes into account road conditions, traffic level, and the width of the highway. If a police officer determines that a driver is not showing care for the safety of other motorists, they can be issued a speeding ticket, even if they are driving at or below the posted speed limit.

The "Absolute Speed Limit" rule means that even driving one mile per hour over the speed limit is considered speeding, and drivers risk receiving a fine. While some people believe there is a 10 mph buffer before speeding is considered an offence, this is a myth. Driving under the speed limit but still impeding the flow of traffic can also result in a ticket.

Speeding fines in Louisiana are determined by multiple variables, including the rate of speed, whether the driver was under the influence, driving recklessly, or causing injury to another driver. Fines start at $115 for driving within 10 mph of the speed limit and increase with the severity of the offence.

In addition to speeding fines, drivers in Louisiana can be cited for "Reckless Operation" if their speed endangers their life or the lives of other drivers. A first offence can result in a minimum fine of $200 and up to 90 days in jail. Multiple citations for "Reckless Operation" can lead to a six-month jail sentence and $500 in fines.

According to Louisiana traffic laws, three speeding tickets within a 12-month period will result in a driver's license suspension. At the end of the suspension period, all fines and a $60 reinstatement fee must be paid before the license can be reinstated.

DUI laws

In Louisiana, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Louisiana's driving while intoxicated (DWI) law carries strict penalties, including jail time, significant fines, and driver's license suspension. The state prohibits anyone from operating such vehicles when:

• Their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
• They are under the influence of a controlled substance.
• They are under the influence of a legal drug that causes impairment.
• They are intoxicated by a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance or other drug.

Louisiana's per se DWI law recognises a BAC of 0.08% as legally intoxicated. This limit is lowered to 0.04% for commercial drivers. A per se law means that at this limit, a person can be arrested for a DUI charge without law enforcement needing additional evidence of impairment.

Louisiana's DUI laws also apply to underage drinking. For drivers under 21 years old, a BAC of 0.02% to 0.08% is subject to the state's underage OWI penalties. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $250 and 10 days to three months in jail.

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Louisiana depend on the number of prior convictions. A first offense is generally a misdemeanor, with penalties including:

• Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.
• 10 days to six months in jail.
• A 12-month license suspension.
• Completion of a substance abuse program and a driver improvement program.

A second offense is typically a misdemeanor, with penalties including:

• Fines ranging from $750 to $1,000.
• 30 days to six months in jail.
• A 24-month license suspension.
• Completion of a substance abuse assessment, treatment program, and a driver improvement program.

A third offense within 10 years is considered a felony. Possible penalties include:

• One to five years in jail.
• $2,000 in fines.
• A 36-month license suspension.
• Completion of a substance abuse assessment and treatment program.

Frequently asked questions