Traffic Violations in Louisiana: Citations, Codes, and Courts

Whether you just got a ticket or want to know your rights on Louisiana roads, finding clear information about traffic violations shouldn’t be a maze. Here’s a straightforward guide to Louisiana’s traffic laws, common citations, and local traffic courts – written in plain English, not legalese.

We’ll walk you through everything from minor infractions to serious violations, plus where these cases get handled in Shreveport and surrounding parishes.

Let’s break down what you need to know.

Speeding Violations

Speeding is one of the most frequent traffic offenses in Louisiana. The severity of the penalty often depends on how far over the speed limit the driver was going.

• Speeding 1-14 mph over the limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding 15-20 mph over the limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding 21-30 mph over the limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding 31-40 mph over the limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding 41+ mph over the limit (LRS 32:63)

Speeding in a school zone carries higher penalties:

• Speeding in School Zone 1-10 mph over limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding in School Zone 11-15 mph over limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding in School Zone 16-20 mph over limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding in School Zone 21-30 mph over limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding in School Zone 31-40 mph over limit (LRS 32:63)
• Speeding in School Zone 41+ mph over limit (LRS 32:63)

Moving Violations

Moving violations aren’t just about speeding tickets. From running stop signs to improper lane changes, these citations indicate you’ve broken a traffic law while your vehicle was in motion – and they often carry steeper consequences than a simple parking ticket.

• Careless Operation (LRS 32:58)
• Following Too Close (LRS 32:81 )
• Ran Red Light (LRS 32:232)
• Ran Stop Sign (LRS 32:123 )
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device (LRS 32:231 )
• Failure to Obey Traffic Device/Officer (LRS 32:56 )
• Improper Passing (LRS 32:76)
• Wrong Way on One-Way Street (LRS 32:78 )
• Illegal U-Turn (LRS 32:56B)
• Failure to Signal Turn (LRS 32:104B)
• Failure to Signal Lane Change (LRS 32:105B)
• Driving Left of Center (LRS 32:71 )
• Crossing Center Line (LRS 32:82)
• Crossing Median Prohibited (LRS 32:82)

Equipment Violations

Equipment violations involve any defects or missing components on your vehicle that Louisiana law requires for road safety. These range from broken taillights and missing mirrors to improperly tinted windows or faulty exhaust systems.

• Improper Equipment (LRS 32:53)
• No Headlights (LRS 32:301)
• Headlamps White Only (LRS 32:303D)
• No Brake Lights (LRS 32:319)
• No License Plate Light (LRS 32:304C)
• Excessive Exhaust Noise/Fumes (LRS 32:352)
• Cracked Windshield (LRS 32:1304A(4))
• Windshield Tint Illegal (LRS 32:361.1)
• No Seat Belt – 1st Offense (LRS 32:295.1)
• No Seat Belt – 2nd Offense (LRS 32:295.1.2 )
• No Seat Belt – 3rd+ Offense (LRS 32:295.1.3)
• No Child Restraint – 1st Offense (LRS 32:295)
• No Child Restraint – 2nd Offense (LRS 32:295)

License and Registration Violations

Driving without proper documentation in Louisiana can lead to serious penalties, from fines to license suspension. These violations include expired registrations, driving without insurance, or operating a vehicle without a valid license.

• Expired Drivers License (LRS 32:411.1)
• No Drivers License (LRS 32:52)
• No Drivers License on Person (LRS 32:411.1)
• Driving Under Suspension (LRS 32:415)
• Expired Vehicle Registration (LRS 47:508D,  27-203D)
• No Vehicle Registration (LRS 47:506,  27-202)
• Expired License Plate (LRS 47:508,  27-203)
• No License Plate (LRS 32:51 )
• Switched License Plate (LRS 47:536.8,  27-205.8)
• Altered/Cancelled/Revoked License Plate (LRS 47:536.2,  27-205)
• Improper Display of Tag (LRS 32:53A3 )

Insurance Violations

In Louisiana, driving without proof of insurance or letting your coverage lapse means immediate penalties and fines, with repeat offenses putting your license at risk. State law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage and keep proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times.

• No Liability Insurance (LRS 32:865 )
• No Proof of Insurance (LRS 32:863.1 )

DWI and Alcohol-Related Violations

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and alcohol-related violations are the most serious traffic offenses in Louisiana, often leading to jail time, heavy fines, and mandatory license suspension.

• DWI 1st Offense (LRS 14:98.1,  11-98.1)
• DWI 2nd Offense (LRS 14:98.2,  11-98.2)
• DWI (Child Endangerment) (LRS 14:98B,  11-98B)
• DWI (Under 21) (LRS 14:98.6,  11-98.6)
• Open Container in Vehicle (LRS 32:300)

Distracted Driving Violations

Louisiana takes distracted driving seriously, with strict laws against texting, social media use, and other phone activities while behind the wheel.

• Texting While Driving – 1st Offense (LRS 32:300.5 )
• Texting While Driving – 2nd Offense (LRS 32:300.5)
• Use of Wireless Device Prohibited (LRS 32:300.5)
• Use of Wireless Device in School Zone (LRS 32:300.8 )
• Use of Cell Phone While Driving/Under 17 – 1st Offense (LRS 32:300.7 )
• Use of Cell Phone While Driving/Under 17 – 2nd Offense (LRS 32:300.7)

Other Traffic Violations

Beyond common violations, Louisiana law covers a wide range of specific traffic infractions that many drivers don’t know about until they’re cited.

• Failure to Report Accident (LRS 32:398A)
• Leaving Scene of Accident (LRS 32:398A(2))
• Obstruction of View (LRS 32:282 )
• Impeding Flow of Traffic (LRS 32:64B )
• Improper Backing (LRS 32:281)
• Failure to Dim Lights (LRS 32:322)
• Headlight Use in Rain (LRS 32:301(3))
• Overwide Truck (LRS 32:381)
• Unsecure Load (LRS 32:383)
• Improper Towing (LRS 32:384B)
• Riding Back of Pickup Prohibited (LRS 32:284D)

Louisiana Traffic Court Information

Many traffic violations in Louisiana require a mandatory court appearance, especially for more serious offenses or accidents. The specific court you’ll need to appear in depends on where the citation was issued.

Common courts handling traffic violations include:

• Baton Rouge City Court
• Crowley City Court
• Delcambre Mayor’s Court
• Golden Meadow Mayor’s Court
• Gretna Traffic Court
• Hammond City Court
• Harahan Traffic Court
• Henderson Mayor’s Court
• Kenner Traffic Court
• Lafourche Parish Court
• Lecompte Mayor’s Court
• Livingston Parish Court
• Madison Parish Court
• Maurice Mayor’s Court
• Municipal & Traffic Court of New Orleans
• New Orleans Traffic Court
• Pearl River Mayor’s Court
• Pearl River Traffic Court
• Plaquemines Parish Traffic Court
• Port Barre Mayor’s Court
• St. Charles Parish Traffic Court
• St. John Parish Traffic Court
• St. Landry Parish Court
• St. Martin Parish Court
• St. Mary Parish Court
• St. Tammany Parish Traffic Court
• Tangipahoa Parish Court
• Terrebonne Parish Court
• Westwego Traffic Court
• Woodworth Mayor’s Court
• Metairie Traffic Court in First Parish
• Gretna Traffic Court in Second Parish
• Bossier City Court
• Bossier Parish Traffic Court

For violations requiring a court appearance, you’ll typically receive information about your court date and location on your citation. It’s crucial to attend your scheduled court date or contact the court beforehand if you cannot appear.

Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation and the jurisdiction where it occurred. Always consult with a qualified traffic attorney or the relevant court for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific traffic citation.

Did You Get a Traffic Ticket in Louisiana?

A traffic violation can mean more than just fines – it could affect your insurance rates, driving privileges, and even your job opportunities. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’ve helped thousands of Louisiana drivers successfully challenge their tickets.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a consultation about your traffic violation case.