This comprehensive guide to Louisiana traffic laws provides clear, actionable explanations of the most commonly searched driving rules in the Pelican State. Whether you're navigating I-10 through New Orleans, I-12 across Baton Rouge, I-20 to Shreveport, I-49 through Lafayette, or rural highways through bayou country, understanding Louisiana-specific traffic regulations helps you stay safe and avoid costly violations. From double yellow line rules to school bus stop requirements, DWI regulations, speed limits, work zone safety, French Quarter driving restrictions, and hurricane evacuation routes—every section references the official Louisiana Revised Statutes (LA R.S.) and guidance from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). This is educational information, not legal advice; always obey posted signs, signals, and directions from law enforcement.
Louisiana highways including I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49, and rural bayou roads require strict adherence to lane markings and traffic laws.
In Louisiana, double solid yellow centerlines mark a no-passing zone where vehicles traveling in either direction are prohibited from crossing into the opposing lane to overtake another vehicle. According to LA R.S. 32:76, these markings appear on curves, hills, bridges, intersections, narrow two-lane roads through swamp and bayou areas, and locations where sight distance is limited. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $175 to $500, plus points on your Louisiana driving record and potential insurance premium increases. Louisiana State Police, parish sheriffs, and municipal police actively enforce no-passing zones on I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49, US-90, LA-1, and rural parish roads throughout southern Louisiana's coastal plains and northern hill country.
Legal Exceptions: When You May Cross Double Yellow Lines in Louisiana
Louisiana law recognizes several limited exceptions where drivers may legally cross double solid yellow lines:
Left turns into driveways and private roads: You may cross double yellow lines when making a left turn into a residential driveway, business entrance, plantation road, farm access, fishing camp access, or private property, provided it is safe and no oncoming traffic is present.
Avoiding obstructions in your lane: When a temporary obstruction blocks your lane—such as a disabled vehicle, fallen tree or debris from storms, road washout damage, wildlife (alligator, nutria, deer), or accident scene—you may briefly cross the centerline if the opposing lane is clear and the maneuver can be done safely.
Following official directions: When law enforcement officers, Louisiana State Police, traffic control personnel, emergency responders, or road construction flaggers direct you to cross the centerline, you must follow their instructions.
Passing bicycles with adequate clearance: Louisiana law allows drivers to cross double yellow lines to pass bicycles when at least 3 feet of clearance can be provided, the opposing lane is clear, and the maneuver can be completed safely.
These exceptions do not permit passing slow-moving vehicles, farm equipment traveling under its own power, or general traffic congestion. The maneuver must be necessary, brief, and safe for all road users.
I-10 Through Louisiana: Atchafalaya Basin Bridge & New Orleans Causeway
Interstate 10 crosses Louisiana from the Texas border near Orange to the Mississippi border near Slidell, passing through Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. The 18.2-mile Atchafalaya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette is one of the longest bridges in the United States, with limited shoulders and strict lane discipline requirements. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway(I-10 Twin Span) connects New Orleans to Slidell with 5.5 miles of low bridge over water. While these segments use white lane markings, double yellow lines appear on entrance/exit ramps, service roads, and connector routes. Louisiana State Police maintains active enforcement, particularly during Mardi Gras season, Jazz Fest, hurricane evacuations, and summer tourism periods when traffic volume increases dramatically.
Bayou Country & Coastal Louisiana: LA-1 & US-90 Highway Safety
Southern Louisiana's coastal highways including LA-1 (Grand Isle Highway), US-90 (Old Spanish Trail), LA-82 (Creole Nature Trail), and parish roads through Terrebonne, Lafourche, Plaquemines, and Cameron parishes feature extensive double yellow no-passing zones due to narrow roads, low-lying flood-prone areas, swing bridges, wildlife crossings, and curves around bayous and waterways. These scenic routes serve fishing communities, oil and gas facilities, and coastal recreation areas. Louisiana law prohibits passing across double yellow lines even when behind slow-moving boats on trailers, shrimping equipment, or oil field service vehicles—wait for a legal passing zone marked with dashed yellow lines. During hurricane season (June-November), these roads serve as critical evacuation routes with special traffic management and contraflow operations.
Louisiana law prohibits passing across double yellow lines but allows left turns into driveways when safe.
Louisiana Right Turn on Red & Traffic Signal Laws
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:232: Right on Red After Complete Stop
Louisiana law permits right turns on red signals after coming to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection edge, unless a "NO TURN ON RED" sign prohibits it. Before turning, drivers must:
Come to a full stop—your vehicle must reach zero miles per hour
Yield to pedestrians in or approaching the crosswalk
Yield to all vehicles and cyclists with the right-of-way
Check for "NO TURN ON RED" signs, which may apply at all times or during specific hours
Ensure the turn can be made safely without interfering with traffic flow
Rolling through the stop or blocking the crosswalk is a common violation. Louisiana courts treat incomplete stops seriously, with fines typically ranging from $150 to $275 plus court costs and points on your license.
New Orleans French Quarter & CBD: No Turn on Red Restrictions
New Orleans' French Quarter (Vieux Carré), Central Business District (CBD), Warehouse District, and areas near the Superdome, Convention Center, and Canal Street frequently post "NO TURN ON RED" signs due to heavy pedestrian traffic, streetcar operations, and narrow historic streets. Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Decatur Street, Poydras Street, and Canal Street intersections commonly prohibit right turns on red to protect tourists and residents. Similarly, Baton Rouge intersections near the State Capitol, LSU campus, and downtown entertainment districts restrict turns on red. Lafayette, Shreveport, and Lake Charles also maintain no-turn-on-red zones at busy commercial intersections. Always read supplemental plaques—some restrictions apply only during special events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or football game days.
Left Turn on Red in Louisiana: One-Way to One-Way Streets
Louisiana permits left turns on red from one-way streets onto other one-way streets, provided you come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and no sign prohibits the turn. This scenario occurs primarily in downtown New Orleans, Baton Rouge's government district, and Shreveport's downtown grid. Before attempting a left turn on red, verify that both streets are one-way in the appropriate directions and check for prohibitive signage.
Louisiana Traffic Signal Timing & Yellow Light Duration
Louisiana traffic signals follow DOTD and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for yellow (amber) light timing, typically 3-5 seconds depending on intersection speed limits and approach geometry. If you are already in the intersection when the light turns red, complete your movement safely. Entering on yellow is legal if you cannot stop safely; entering on red is a violation subject to citation. Louisiana does not currently use automated red light cameras statewide following legislative restrictions, but enforcement by police officers remains active at high-violation intersections.
School Zone Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow Lights & Speed Limits
Louisiana school zones use flashing yellow beacons to indicate reduced speed limits when children are present, typically 20 mph during school hours (usually 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM on school days). Some school zones use flashing red signals requiring a complete stop when activated. Always observe posted school zone speed limits— violations in school zones carry doubled fines, points on your license, and possible community service requirements.
Louisiana has thousands of railroad grade crossings serving Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, BNSF Railway, Canadian National, and regional short-line railroads. Rail traffic includes freight trains, Amtrak passenger service (Sunset Limited, City of New Orleans, Crescent), and industrial switching operations. When crossing signals activate (flashing red lights and/or gates descending), you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. Never drive around lowered gates or attempt to beat a train—Louisiana law (LA R.S. 32:174) imposes severe penalties including fines up to $500, points on your license, possible suspension, and criminal charges if violations result in accidents or injuries. Louisiana experiences a high number of railroad crossing incidents annually; always treat crossings with extreme caution.
In Louisiana, always stop fully and yield to pedestrians before making a right turn on red.
Louisiana School Bus Stop Laws & Severe Penalties
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:80: Stopping for School Buses
Louisiana enforces strict school bus stop laws to protect children. When a school bus activates flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, the following rules apply under LA R.S. 32:80:
Undivided roads (no median): All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop at least 30 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts.
Divided highways (physical median or barrier): Only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Opposing traffic on the other side of a physical divider may proceed cautiously.
Multi-lane roads without median: All lanes in both directions must stop. Painted turn lanes or double yellow lines do not count as physical dividers.
Passing a stopped school bus is a serious violation in Louisiana. First-offense penalties include fines ranging from $250 to $500, possible license suspension for 30 days, mandatory community service (8 hours minimum), and points on your license. Second offense within three years carries fines up to $750, 60-day suspension, and 16 hours community service. Third and subsequent offenses result in fines up to $1,000, 90-day suspension, and potential criminal charges.
Louisiana School Bus Camera Programs: Stop-Arm Video Enforcement
Many Louisiana parish school districts equip buses with exterior stop-arm cameras that record license plates of vehicles illegally passing stopped buses. Video footage is reviewed by local law enforcement, parish sheriffs, or Louisiana State Police, who issue citations to registered owners. Camera-based enforcement has increased throughout Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, Caddo, Lafayette, and rural parishes. Louisiana law authorizes automated enforcement with registered owner liability. Expect strict enforcement during morning (6:30-8:30 AM) and afternoon (2-4 PM) school hours on all roads.
Flashing Yellow vs Flashing Red School Bus Signals
Louisiana school buses first activate flashing yellow lights approximately 300 feet before the intended stop to warn drivers that the bus is preparing to stop for children. You should slow down and prepare to stop but are not yet legally required to do so. Once the flashing red lights activate and the stop arm extends, you must come to a complete stop. Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and children are clear of the roadway.
Enhanced Penalties for School Bus Violations Causing Injury
Louisiana imposes severe penalties if passing a stopped school bus results in injury or death. Violations causing bodily injury can result in misdemeanor charges with fines up to $2,000 and up to six months in jail. Violations resulting in death can be prosecuted as felonies with substantially higher penalties including multiple years imprisonment. Always stop for school buses—children's safety depends on full compliance with stop-arm laws.
On undivided Louisiana roads, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights.
Louisiana Speed Limit Laws & Highway Regulations
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:61: Maximum Speed Limits Statewide
Louisiana establishes maximum speed limits for different types of roads under LA R.S. 32:61. Default speed limits include:
Interstate highways (I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49, I-55, I-59, I-110, I-210, I-220, I-310, I-610): 70 mph in rural areas, 60-65 mph in urban areas
School zones: 20 mph when children are present (flashing beacons active)
Always obey posted signs, which supersede default limits. Speed limits can change frequently based on road conditions, construction zones, weather (hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding), and traffic patterns.
Louisiana State Police Speed Enforcement: I-10 & I-12 Corridor Patrol
Louisiana State Police Troop A (Baton Rouge region), Troop B (Baton Rouge East), Troop C (New Orleans metro), Troop D (Lafayette region), Troop E (Alexandria region), and other regional troops maintain aggressive speed enforcement on major interstates and highways. Common enforcement zones include:
I-10 from Texas to Mississippi (Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans corridor)
I-12 across north shore (Slidell to Baton Rouge)
I-20 across north Louisiana (Shreveport to Monroe to Mississippi)
I-49 corridor (Shreveport to Lafayette)
Troopers use stationary radar, moving patrol, aircraft speed enforcement (occasional), and LIDAR. Louisiana has a reputation for strict speed enforcement—expect tickets for 10-15 mph over the limit on rural interstates.
Louisiana Basic Speed Law: Reasonable and Prudent Speed
In addition to maximum speed limits, Louisiana enforces a basic speed law requiring drivers to operate at speeds reasonable and prudent for current road, traffic, and weather conditions (LA R.S. 32:64). This means you can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even if you're under the posted speed limit. Factors include:
Heavy rain, tropical storms, hurricanes, fog, or reduced visibility
Flooding on roadways (common in low-lying coastal areas)
Heavy traffic or congestion during special events or evacuations
Road construction or maintenance activity
Narrow roads, sharp curves around bayous, or bridges
Wildlife on roadway (alligators, deer, cattle, nutria)
Louisiana experiences severe weather including hurricanes, tropical storms, flash flooding, and thunderstorms. Always reduce speed appropriately for conditions—failure to do so can result in citations for "driving too fast for conditions" plus liability for any resulting accidents.
Work Zone Speed Limits & Increased Penalties
Louisiana law authorizes increased fines for speeding in highway work zones when workers are present. Work zones are marked by orange construction signs, cones, barrels, and reduced speed limits (typically 45-55 mph on highways). DOTD posts "FINES DOUBLED IN WORK ZONES" or "SPEED LIMIT ENFORCED BY RADAR" signs to warn drivers. A typical speeding ticket might cost $175; in an active work zone with workers present, the fine can double to $350 plus court costs and points. Additionally, Louisiana has enacted enhanced penalties for speeding violations in work zones that endanger highway workers (LA R.S. 32:57).
Hurricane Evacuation Routes: Contraflow & Special Speed Regulations
During hurricane evacuations, Louisiana activates contraflow operations on I-10, I-12, I-55, and I-59, reversing inbound lanes to create additional outbound capacity. Contraflow speed limits are typically reduced (45-55 mph) with zero tolerance for speeding, reckless driving, or lane violations. Louisiana State Police, National Guard, and emergency management personnel enforce traffic laws strictly during evacuations. Running out of fuel during contraflow is prohibited—fuel up before evacuating and follow official evacuation routes posted by DOTD and Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
Speed Limit Variations: Urban vs Rural & Parish Differences
Louisiana's 64 parishes have varying speed limit regulations. Some parishes (Jefferson, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, Caddo, Lafayette) have dense urban development with lower default speed limits. Rural parishes (Plaquemines, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Cameron, Vermilion) may have higher default limits on parish roads but lower limits through unincorporated communities. Always watch for posted speed limit changes, especially when transitioning between rural and urban areas or crossing parish boundaries.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:98: Driving While Intoxicated
Louisiana prohibits operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (DWI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and over, 0.02% or higher for drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance law), and 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers (LA R.S. 32:414). Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DWI if alcohol or drugs have impaired your ability to drive safely. Louisiana courts take DWI offenses seriously, particularly given the state's history of alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
First-Offense DWI Penalties in Louisiana
A first-time DWI conviction in Louisiana carries:
Fines: $300-$1,000 plus court costs, fees, and surcharges
Jail time: 10 days to 6 months (minimum 48 hours actual jail time or 32 hours community service if BAC under 0.20%)
License suspension: 90 days (administrative), followed by ignition interlock restricted period
Ignition interlock device (IID): Required for all DWI offenders for minimum 6 months
Substance abuse evaluation and treatment: Mandatory assessment and completion of court-approved program
Victim impact panel: Attendance required
If your BAC is 0.20% or higher on first offense, penalties increase to 48 hours minimum jail time (no community service substitution allowed), extended ignition interlock period, and higher fines. Penalties increase substantially for repeat offenses, refusal to submit to chemical testing, DWI incidents involving accidents, injuries, or minors in the vehicle (child endangerment charges).
Louisiana Implied Consent Law & Chemical Test Refusal
Under Louisiana implied consent law (LA R.S. 32:661), by driving on Louisiana roads you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if lawfully arrested for DWI. Refusing the test results in automatic administrative penalties:
First refusal: 180-day license suspension
Second refusal within 5 years: 2-year suspension
Third or subsequent refusal: 3-year suspension
Refusal does not prevent prosecution—the state can still charge you with DWI based on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and other evidence. Refusal can be used against you in court and typically results in harsher penalties if convicted. Louisiana does not offer restricted licenses during refusal suspension periods for first-time refusals.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana requires ignition interlock devices (IID) for all DWI offenders seeking license reinstatement after suspension, including first-time offenders (LA R.S. 32:414.1). An IID is a breath-testing device connected to your vehicle's ignition system. The engine will not start unless you provide a breath sample below the programmed limit (typically 0.02% BAC). Louisiana requires IIDs for:
All first-time DWI offenders (minimum 6 months)
Second DWI offense (minimum 2 years)
Third DWI offense (minimum 3 years)
Fourth or subsequent DWI (possible lifetime requirement)
You must use a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)-approved IID provider and pay all installation, monthly monitoring ($75-$125/month), calibration, and removal costs. Attempting to circumvent the device, tampering, or having someone else blow into it is a criminal offense that can result in additional jail time, extended IID requirement, and license revocation. All IID violations are reported to OMV and can trigger immediate suspension.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:300.5: Texting While Driving Ban
Louisiana prohibits texting while driving for all drivers under LA R.S. 32:300.5 (Louisiana's texting ban statute). This includes:
Complete texting ban: No driver may manually type, send, or read text messages, emails, or instant messages while driving.
Handheld phone restrictions: Louisiana also restricts handheld phone use for drivers under 18 and in school zones.
Voice-activated exceptions: Voice-to-text and hands-free calling are permitted for adult drivers outside school zones.
Emergency exception: Drivers may use phones to report emergencies, crimes, or request assistance from law enforcement.
Cell Phone Restrictions for Drivers Under 18 & in School Zones
Louisiana imposes additional restrictions on young drivers and in school zones:
Drivers under 18 (learner's permit and intermediate license holders) are prohibited from using wireless communication devices (including hands-free) except to report emergencies
All drivers are prohibited from using handheld phones in school zones when the zone speed limit is in effect
Louisiana Distracted Driving Penalties & Fines
Violations of Louisiana's distracted driving laws result in:
First offense: $500 fine
Second offense: $1,000 fine
Third and subsequent offenses: $1,000 fine plus possible license suspension
Violations in school zones: Double fines
Louisiana State Police and local law enforcement actively enforce texting bans through observation, traffic stops, and accident investigations. Insurance companies may increase premiums for texting-related violations and accidents.
Louisiana "Drop the Phone" Campaign & Public Awareness
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Louisiana State Police, and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission conduct ongoing distracted driving awareness campaigns. Louisiana has one of the strictest texting laws in the nation with high fines intended to deter dangerous behavior. Always secure your phone before driving or use hands-free technology that complies with state law.
Official Louisiana Traffic Law Resources & OMV Information
This guide summarizes common Louisiana traffic rules based on the Louisiana Revised Statutes (LA R.S.) and guidance from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and DOTD. It is not legal advice. Always follow posted signs, signals, and instructions from law enforcement. Consult an attorney for specific legal questions or if you are facing traffic citations or criminal charges.
