Louisiana Statutes on Bicycle Safety

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A quick summary-

  • Bicyclist Responsibilities
    • Stop at stop sign (RS 32:123)
    • Traffic-control signal (RS 32:232)
    • Required position and method of turning at intersections (RS 32:101)
    • Vehicle entering highway from private road, driveway, alley or building (RS 32:124)
    • Drivers to exercise due care (RS 32:214)
    • Possession of alcoholic beverages (RS 32:300)
    • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) (RS 14:98)

 

  • Vehicle Driver Responsibilities
    • Required position and method of turning at intersections (RS 32:101)
    • Vehicle turning left at intersections (RS 32:122)
    • Stop at stop sign (RS 32:123)
    • Vehicle entering highway from private road, driveway, alley or building (RS 32:124)
    • Speed (RS 32:64)
    • Limitations on passing bicycles (RS 32:76.1)
    • Possession of alcoholic beverages (RS 32:300)
    • Harassment of bicyclist prohibited (RS 32:201)
    • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) (RS 14:98)

The laws themselves-

  • Definitions
    1. RS 32:1 § 1. Definitions
  • Vehicle Laws related to Bicycle Safety:
    1. RS 14:98  § 98. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
    2. RS 32:58  § 58. Careless operation
    3. RS 32:64 § 64. General speed law
    4. RS 32:73 § 73. Passing a vehicle on the left
    5. RS 32:76.1 § 76.1. Limitations on passing bicycles (Motorists must give a minimum of three feet.)
    6. RS 32:77 § 77. No passing zones
    7. RS 32:80 § 80. Overtaking and passing school buses
    8. RS 32:101  § 101. Required position and method of turning at intersections
    9. RS 32:122  § 122. Vehicle turning left at intersection
    10. RS 32:123  § 123. Stop signs and yield signs; penalties for violations
    11. RS 32:143  § 143. Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places
    12. RS 32:214  § 214. Drivers to exercise due care
    13. RS 32:281  § 281. Limitations on backing
    14. RS 32:283  § 283. Improper opening or leaving open of vehicle doors
    15. RS 32:300  § 300. Possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles
    16. RS 32:398  § 398. Accident reports; when and to whom made; information aid; fees for copies; fees for accident photographs
  • Vehicle Laws related to Bicycle Safety with respect to Pedestrians and Crosswalks:
    1. RS 32:124 § 124. Vehicle entering highway from private road, driveway, alley or Building
    2. RS 32:206 § 206. Electric mobility aids
    3. RS 32:212 § 212. Pedestrians right-of-way in crosswalks
    4. RS 32:217 § 217. Blind and incapacitated pedestrians; use of canes; persons in wheelchairs; vehicles
    5. RS 32:219 § 219. Pedestrians right-of-way on sidewalks
    6. RS 32:232 § 232. Traffic-control signals
    7. RS 32:233 § 233. Pedestrian-control signals
    8. RS 32:300.2 § 300.2. Electric personal assistive mobility devices; operation; exceptions
  • Bicycle Laws related to Bicycle Safety:
    1. RS 32:41 § 41. Power of local municipal authorities
    2. RS 32:71 § 71. Driving on the right side of the road; exceptions
    3. RS 32:74 § 74. When passing on the right is permitted
    4. RS 32:76.1   § 76.1. Limitations on passing bicycles (Colin Goodier 3-foot law)
    5. RS 32:106    § 106. Methods of giving hand and arm signals.
    6. RS 32:190    § 190. Safety helmets
    7. RS 32:193    § 193. Operation of bicycles; general provision.
    8. RS 32:194    § 194. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles
    9. RS 32:195    § 195. Riding on bicycles
    10. RS 32:196    § 196. Cyclists shall not cling to vehicles.
    11. RS 32:197    § 197. Riding on roadways and bicycle paths
    12. RS 32:198    § 198. Operating motorized bicycles
    13. RS 32:199    § 199. Bicycle helmets; restraining seats
    14. RS 32:201    § 201. Harassment of bicyclists prohibited; penalties
    15. RS 32:203    § 203. Motor vehicles operating in bicycle lanes
    16. RS 32:263    § 263. Special restrictions on use of Louisiana Interstate highways
    17. RS 32:296    § 296. Stopping, parking, or standing upon the highway shoulder; driving upon the highway shoulder
    18. RS 32:329.1 § 329.1. Bicycles; front lamps; rear lamps; side and rear reflectors
    19. RS 32:346    § 346. Brakes on bicycles

References:
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's "Highway Safety: Bicycle & Pedestrian Laws
New Orleans Regional Planning Commission's (NORPC) "Pedestrian and Bicycle Program"
Louisiana Laws on Bicycle Safety - Louisiana State Legislature

For questions about these statutes email LCGBikeSafety@LafayetteLA.gov.