Louisiana driving law, answered
Every answer here comes from Class D & E Driver's Guide and, where the manual is silent, the Louisiana Revised Statutes: Title 32, Chapter 1: Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act (in part), Title 32, Chapter 2: Driver's License Law (in part), Title 32, Chapter 3, Part XIV: Tests for Suspected Drunken Drivers, Title 32, Chapter 4: Vehicle Certificate of Title Law (in part), Title 32, Chapter 5: Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law, Title 32, Chapter 7: Motor Vehicle Inspection (in part), Title 32, Chapter 9: Driver License Compact, Title 32, Chapter 10: Nonresident Violator Compact, Title 32, Chapter 11: Motor Vehicle Habitual Offender Law, Title 14, Criminal Code (in part): driving offences and underage alcohol, Title 47, Chapter 4, Part III: Registration of Vehicles (in part), with the page or the section it is in.
Statutes fetched on 7 October 2026; manuals fetched on 14 September 2026. How the answers are made
How far from a fire hydrant must you park?
It is against the law to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Firefighters need to reach the hydrant fast, and a car in the way costs time in a fire.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park?
It is against the law to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. A car parked at the corner hides people about to step into the crosswalk.
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you park in or near an intersection?
It is against the law to park on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, in an intersection or in a biking lane. A car in these spots blocks people, bikes or other drivers who have to use that space.
According to R.S. 32:143 it is against the law to park:
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a stop sign or traffic signal must you park?
It is against the law to park within 20 feet of a traffic signal, flashing beacon, stop sign or yield sign at the side of the road. A parked car can hide a stop sign or signal from the drivers who need to see it.
Within 20 feet of a traffic signal, flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a railroad crossing must you park?
It is against the law to park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Cars parked near the tracks block the view of a coming train for drivers about to cross.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from a fire station driveway must you park?
It is against the law to park within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street. Fire trucks swing wide as they leave the station and need that space clear.
Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, or within 75 feet of the driveway on the other side of the street
As of 14 Sep 2026
How close to the curb must you park?
When parallel parked, the vehicle's right wheels must be within 18 inches of the right-hand curb. A car parked too far from the curb sticks into the lane, where passing cars can hit it.
When parallel parked, the vehicle’s right wheels must be within 18 inches of the right-hand curb of the street.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
On an undivided road, you must stop for a stopped school bus whether you are meeting it or traveling behind it. A child may cross in front of the bus into the lane coming the other way, so both directions must stop.
This is required by law whether you are meeting the bus or traveling behind it.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What must you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?
On a highway with 2 or more lanes in the same direction, yield to a parked emergency vehicle by changing into a lane not next to it, if safe. An empty lane between you and the stopped vehicle protects the workers standing beside it.
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.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far behind a fire truck answering an alarm may you follow?
It is unlawful to follow an emergency vehicle responding to a call closer than 500 feet. Fire trucks and ambulances stop and turn without warning. Staying far back keeps you out of their way.
Following emergency vehicles responding to call closer than 500 feet is unlawful.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you turn on your headlights?
Louisiana law requires headlights, not just parking lights, to be on between sunset and sunrise. Parking lights are too dim for others to see you coming. Full headlights are what make you visible after dark.
Louisiana law requires that your headlights (not just parking lights) be on between sunset and sunrise.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far from an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
You must switch to low beams when approaching within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. High beams shine right into an oncoming driver's eyes and can blind them as you pass.
You are required by law to use lower headlight beams, not your “bright lights”, when approaching within 500 feet of or following within 200 feet of another vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must wear a seat belt?
Louisiana law requires every passenger in both the front and back seats of cars, vans and pickup trucks to be properly buckled. A rider in the back seat is hurt just as badly as one in front when nobody is buckled.
Louisiana has a mandatory safety belt use law which requires all passengers in both the front and back seats in cars, vans and pickup trucks to be properly buckled.
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must a child ride in a car seat?
From birth to at least 2 years old, a child must ride in a rear-facing, federally approved car seat. A baby's neck is weak. Facing the back lets the seat take the force of a crash instead of the neck.
Birth to at least 2 years - rear facing, federally approved car seat
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for adult drivers?
In Louisiana, the legal blood alcohol limit for a driver 21 years of age or older is .08. At .08 a driver 21 or older is legally drunk, but driving skills start to slip well before that point.
.08 if you are 21 years of age or older
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21?
In Louisiana, the legal blood alcohol limit for a driver 20 years of age or younger is .02. Young drivers are new to the road, so the limit for anyone 20 or younger is set much lower than for adults.
.02 if you are 20 years of age and younger
As of 14 Sep 2026
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood alcohol test?
If you refuse an alcohol test on a first offense, your driving privileges are suspended for 365 days. Saying no to the test does not get you out of trouble. It takes away your license for a full year.
If you refuse to submit to the test, your driving privileges will be suspended for 365 days on your first offense.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you use a handheld phone while driving?
Louisiana law prohibits anyone from using any type of wireless device while driving unless it is hands free. Holding a phone ties up a hand you need for the wheel and pulls your eyes down.
Anyone using any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle, unless they are hands free
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you text while driving?
Louisiana law prohibits anyone, of any age, from writing, sending or reading a text while driving. Reading a text takes your eyes off the road long enough to cover a football field at highway speed.
Anyone to write, send, or read a text-based communication, regardless of age
As of 14 Sep 2026
How far before a turn must you signal?
The law requires you to signal and get into the proper lane at least 100 feet before making a turn. Signaling early tells drivers behind you to slow down before you do, so they do not run into you.
The law requires that you signal and get into the proper lane at least 100 feet before making a turn.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn right on a red light?
With no NO TURN ON RED sign, you may turn right on red after stopping at the stop line and checking for traffic and pedestrians. A right turn on red saves time, but only after a full stop, because walkers and cars may be crossing.
after stopping at the stop line and checking for traffic and pedestrians, you may turn right on red.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you turn left on a red light onto a one-way street?
(c) Except when a sign prohibits a turn, vehicular traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, or to U-turn at a signalized U-turn after stopping as required by Subparagraph (a) or Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph. Such vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:232(3)(c)
As of 7 Oct 2026
Where are U-turns not allowed?
Do not turn around on a hill or curve where drivers from either direction cannot see your vehicle within 500 feet. A car turning around blocks the road. Drivers coming over a hill need room to see it and stop.
Do not attempt to turn around while on a hill or in a curve where your vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers approaching from either direction within 500 feet.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the speed limit on a highway outside town when no sign is posted?
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).
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:61(A)
As of 7 Oct 2026
When may you pass another vehicle on the right?
You may pass on the right only when there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in your direction. With two lanes going your way, there is a real lane to pass in. On a one-lane road there is no room on the right.
You may pass to the right of another vehicle if there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you wear headphones while driving?
Wearing headphones in both ears while driving is prohibited; one ear alone is allowed. With both ears covered, you may not hear a siren, a horn or a train in time.
Wearing headphones (headset, headphone, or listening device) in one ear alone is allowed.
As of 14 Sep 2026
May you have an open container of alcohol in the car?
Louisiana's open container law bans both having an open alcoholic beverage container and drinking any alcohol in a vehicle. Even a sip at a red light is a crime, and an open can in the car is too.
This law prohibits both the possession of any open alcoholic beverage container and consumption of any alcohol beverage in a vehicle.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How old must you be to get a learner's permit?
You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. At 15 a teen can start learning with a grown-up beside them. This gives a full year of practice before driving alone.
1. Must be a minimum of fifteen (15) years of age.
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long must you hold a learner's permit before a license?
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 180 days before moving to the intermediate stage. Skill comes from many trips in all kinds of weather and traffic. Half a year of practice gives time for that to build.
5. Must maintain learner’s license for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days and cannot advance to intermediate stage until attainment of sixteenth (16th) birthday.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Who must ride with you when you drive on a learner's permit?
A learner's permit holder may drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. An older driver beside the learner has more years on the road and can warn them about danger they have not learned to see.
4. Is authorized to drive only with a licensed adult at least twenty-one (21) years of age or sibling at least eighteen (18) years of age.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What hours may a provisional driver not drive?
An intermediate licensee may not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a qualified licensed driver is along. Late-night hours bring tired drivers, drunk drivers and dark roads. New drivers crash much more at those hours.
4. Is prohibited from driving between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.,
As of 14 Sep 2026
How many passengers may a new provisional driver carry?
From 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., an intermediate licensee may carry no more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not immediate family. Young friends in the car pull a new driver's eyes and mind off the road. Each extra teen adds to the risk of a crash.
Additionally, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.,
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the penalty for littering from a vehicle?
A first offense of simple littering can bring a $150 fine or 8 hours of community service. A real fine, even for the first time, reminds drivers that a tossed cup costs the state money to pick up.
penalties for simple littering range from a first offense of a $150 fine or eight hours of community service to a $900 fine or 20 hours of community service for a second offense.
As of 14 Sep 2026
What is the fine for a first drunk-driving conviction?
The maximum penalty for a 1st DWI conviction includes six months in jail and a $1,025 fine plus court costs. Even a first offense can mean months behind bars and a criminal record that follows you.
Six months in jail
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long can you be jailed for a first drunk-driving conviction?
The maximum penalty for a 1st DWI conviction includes six months in jail and a $1,025 fine plus court costs. Even a first offense can mean months behind bars and a criminal record that follows you.
Six months in jail
As of 14 Sep 2026
How long is your license suspended for a first drunk-driving conviction?
The maximum penalty for a 1st DWI conviction includes loss of your driver's license for 1 year (365 days). Losing your license for a whole year means no driving to school, work or friends after one mistake.
Loss of driver’s license for 1 year (365 days)
As of 14 Sep 2026
When must you install an ignition interlock after a drunk-driving conviction?
(i) Upon first conviction, if the offender had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or greater, his driver's license shall be suspended for two years, and the offender shall be issued a restricted driver's license for the entire period of the suspension after the offender has provided proof to the department that his motor vehicle is equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device. A functioning ignition interlock device shall remain installed on his vehicle during the period of the suspension of his driver's license.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:414(A)(1)
As of 7 Oct 2026
At what blood alcohol level do drunk-driving penalties increase?
(b) In addition to any penalties imposed under this Section and except as provided in R.S. 32:414(A)(1)(d) or 667(H)(1)(b), upon conviction of a first offense, if the offender had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or more by weight based on grams of alcohol per one hundred cubic centimeters of blood, the driver's license of the offender shall be suspended for two years.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 14:98.1(A)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
Who must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle?
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.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:190(A)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much light must a tinted side or rear window let through?
(1) A sun screening device when used in conjunction with automotive safety glazing materials on the front side window, with a light transmission of at least twenty-five percent, all tolerances included, side window behind the driver with a light transmission of at least twenty-five percent, all tolerances included, and rearmost windows with a light transmission of at least twelve percent, all tolerances included. All sun screening devices shall not have a luminous reflectance of more than twenty percent.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:361.1(C)(1)
As of 7 Oct 2026
How much distance must you leave when passing a bicycle?
Louisiana requires at least 3 feet between a passing car and a slower bicyclist. A small wobble from a pothole or a gust of wind can push a rider sideways. Three feet gives that wobble room.
A three-foot distance must be present between the passing automobile and slower traveling bicyclists.
As of 14 Sep 2026
Must a vehicle driving slower than other traffic keep to the right lane?
(c) Upon all multilane highways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the circumstances then existing, shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic except when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or passing or overtaking a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, if passing on the left side of it. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize driving any vehicle in the left lane so as to prohibit, impede, or block passage of an overtaking vehicle in such lane and in such event the vehicle in the left lane prohibiting, impeding, or blocking passage of an overtaking vehicle shall expeditiously merge into the right lane of traffic.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:71(B)(1)
As of 7 Oct 2026
What is the minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury or death of one person and property damage?
(2) Shall insure the person named therein and any other person, as insured, using any such motor vehicle or motor vehicles with the express or implied permission of such named insured against loss from the liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of such motor vehicle or motor vehicles within the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada, subject to limits exclusive of interest and costs with respect to each such motor vehicle as follows: (a) Fifteen thousand dollars because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, and (b) Subject to said limit for one person, thirty thousand dollars because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and (c) Twenty-five thousand dollars because of damage to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:900(B)(2)
As of 7 Oct 2026
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