A Guide to Louisiana Right-of-Way Laws
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Preemption laws serve to ensure unimpeded and safe traffic. You are required to obey the laws, but by definition you do not have the right of way. The right of way is never owned - it is conceded. Of course, you must yield the right of way to someone who is in the correct position in traffic in accordance with the law. However, if an accident could happen because you don't give up the lead, even to someone who doesn't follow the rules, you should still give way to avoid a collision. It's just common sense.
Summary of Louisiana Right of Way Laws
In Louisiana, you are required by law to drive responsibly and to yield when warranted. The laws can be summarized as follows:
Intersections
At an intersection where there is a give way sign, you must slow down, check for oncoming traffic and give way. You may continue driving only when you can do so without interfering with oncoming traffic.
If you are turning left, you must give way to direct traffic.
If you are entering a paved road from a dirt road, you must give way to vehicles on the paved road.
If the traffic light fails, drive up with caution and yield the right of way to the vehicle that arrived at the intersection first, and then to the vehicles on the right.
Ambulances
Emergency vehicles always have right-of-way if they turn on flashers and turn on the siren. Stop and watch for traffic in other directions.
If you are already at an intersection, if possible, stop and wait for an ambulance to pass.
Pedestrians
You must give way to blind people with a white cane or guide dog, no matter where they are at the intersection or what the traffic lights show.
You must give way to pedestrians at all times, even if they are crossing the road incorrectly.
Common Misconceptions About Louisiana Right of Way Laws
One of the most common misconceptions about driving laws in Louisiana has to do with pedestrians. Often, motorists think that if a pedestrian crosses the road towards a traffic light or crosses the road in the wrong place, they do not deserve attention. This is completely wrong - the driver of a car is significantly less vulnerable, so he or she has an obligation to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, even if that pedestrian is wrong.
However, there is another misconception that pedestrians get "free travel". In fact, a pedestrian can be fined for non-compliance in the same way as a motorist. If common sense prevails, both motorists and pedestrians will be able to avoid Louisiana non-conformity tickets, which can be quite onerous.
Penalties for non-compliance
Louisiana does not have a points system, so you don't have to worry about your license being deducted if you commit a traffic violation. However, violations are recorded and are in the public domain. You can also be fined $282.
For more information, read the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Manual, pages 33, 37, 75, and 93-94.
