LOUISIANA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Traffic laws that were passed during the 2009 Louisiana legislative session and signed by the Governor:

A. Anyone operating a vehicle with a license that was suspended for DWI, vehicular negligent injury or refusal to submit to chemical analysis test shall be imprisoned for not less than 15 days. If the suspension was for manslaughter, vehicular homicide or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, the sentence shall be for not less than 60 days without benefit of suspension. (Act 236; SB 166 by Sen. Dupree & Others) Effective 7/1/09

B. A chemical analysis test for intoxication will be performed on the operator of a watercraft involved in a fatality crash. (Act 5; HB 232 by Rep.Smiley & Others) Effective 8/1/09

C. All occupants must buckle up, even back seat passengers. It remains a primary law so the driver can be ticketed even if no other traffic violation is apparent. (Act 166; HB 499 by Rep. Monica) Effective 8/15/09

D. On multilane highways, no vehicle is to be driven in the lefthand lane except when directed otherwise, preparing for a left turn at an intersection or private road or driveway, overtaking or passing another vehicle travelling in the same direction, or when right-hand lanes are congested. (Previous law prohibited “rolling road blocks” in the left-hand lane.) (Act 190; HB 855 by Rep. Henderson & Walsworth) Effective 8/15/09

E. Motor vehicle operators must leave at least 3 feet safe distance when passing or overtaking a bicyclist traveling in the same direction.(Act 147; HB 725 by Rep. Michael Jackson & Others) Effective 8/15/09

F. Refusal to submit to a chemical analysis test for intoxication will result in the suspension of the driver’s license for 1 year on the first offense and 2 years for subsequent offenses. This is an increase from 180 days for the first and 545 for subsequent offenses. Also, no hardship license can be issued if a fatality or serious injury occurred from the crash and the intoxication was determined to be a factor. (Act 288; HB 445 by Rep. Baldone) Effective 9/1/09

Information provide by The National Safety Council, South Louisiana Chapter: Metrosafety.org