Louisiana

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Louisiana. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

Louisiana
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12.

Louisiana
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 2004.

Louisiana
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

6 years

Louisiana
Provisions for Mature Drivers

70 and over: no mail renewal

Louisiana
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

Louisiana
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical use

Louisiana
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Louisiana
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

75

Louisiana
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

75

Louisiana
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

70

Louisiana
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

70

Louisiana
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

70

Louisiana
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

70

Louisiana
Increased penalty for high BAC

.20

Louisiana
Administrative license suspension on first offense

12 Months

Louisiana
Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes (with the exception of a 2nd conviction having a .20 BAC, then eligible only after 45 days of suspension has expired.)

Louisiana
Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for all convictions

Louisiana
Open container laws

No

Louisiana
Repeat Offender Laws

No

Louisiana
Child Restraint Required

At least 2 yrs in a rear-facing child safety seat until outgrows the seat by height or weight

At least 2 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat if rear-facing seat it too small by height or weight

4-8 yrs in booster seat if outgrown forward-facing harness seat by height or weight

Under 13 in rear seat if possible

Louisiana
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

At least 9 yrs  and fits in an adult seat belt correctly 

Under 13 in rear seat if possible

Louisiana
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Louisiana
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21 between 6 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Louisiana
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Louisiana
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Louisiana
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Louisiana
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (15)

Louisiana
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Louisiana
Type of Law

Primary

Louisiana
Who is Covered?

13 and over

Louisiana
In What Seat?

All

Louisiana
Hand-Held Ban?

Drivers with learner or intermediate license, regardless of age. Drivers in school zones. Primary law.

Louisiana
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

Louisiana
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers under 18. Primary law.

Louisiana
Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

Louisiana
Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law and city ordinance

Louisiana
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Specified jurisdictions; not permitted on interstate highways except operated by state in construction zones when workers are present

Louisiana
Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

Louisiana
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

Specified jurisdictions
Subscribe to Louisiana