Enforcement of traffic laws begins Oct. 1

• By 2THEADVOCATE STAFF REPORT
• Published: Sep 30, 2009

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Starting Oct. 1, 2009, the Louisiana State Police will be stopping and issuing citations to motorists who are in violation of the new changes recently made to Louisiana highway safety laws.

During the 2009 Legislative Session, Louisiana lawmakers addressed several key issues that directly affected the safety of Louisiana motorists. Some of these laws are already being enforced.

State Police allowed a grace period between Aug. 15 and Sept. 30 and launched a public education campaign to give motorists time to become familiar with these new changes.

The following laws will now be actively enforced:

Seat Belt Law

ACT 166 (Effective August 15, 2009), revises the current Seat Belt Law by requiring the driver and passengers seated in both the front and rear seats of vehicles to buckle-up. The law applies to all vehicles having a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less, which includes automobiles, vans and pick-up trucks. Violators are subject to fines of $25 for the first violation, $50 for a second violation, and $50 plus court cost for subsequent violations. The Louisiana Seat Belt Law is a primary offense law, meaning a law enforcement officer can stop and ticket a violator for that violation alone.

Multi-lane Roadways

ACT 190 (Effective August 15, 2009), requires that any person operating a motor vehicle on a multi lane roadway (including interstates) must travel in the right lane and shall not drive in the left lane except under the following conditions:

• If the motorist must travel in the left lane, it shall not be at a speed less than that of a vehicle traveling in the right lane.
• Vehicles preparing for a left turn at an intersection, private road or driveway,
• When passing another vehicle that is traveling in the same direction below the posted speed limit
• When the right lanes are congested
• When emergency vehicles are parked on or near the right shoulder and have their emergency lights activated.
• When directed otherwise by law enforcement.

Overtaking, passing a bicycle

ACT 147 (Effective August 15, 2009), requires operators of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and maintain that clearance until they safely past the bicycle.

On a small bridge with a narrow roadway and a narrow shoulder, motorists should slow down and stay behind the bicycle until the bridge is crossed and there is space to move ahead of the bicycle in compliance with the new law, according to Sgt. Markus Smith of the Louisiana State Police.

“It is our responsibility to provide public safety on our highways through education and enforcement.” Says Colonel Michael Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “Over the past 45 days, our troopers have been educating the public on these vital new changes to Louisiana’s traffic laws. This education, coupled with our enforcement efforts, will ensure the continued safety of our citizens as they travel along our highways.”