Louisiana Bicycle Laws

Required under age

Required under age 12

Applies to passengers

Yes

Standard

ANSI Z90.4, Snell B-90, or ASTM (a CPSC-certified helmet meets these specifications)

Penalty

La. R.S. 32:199 requires every bicycle operator and passenger under 12 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets ANSI, Snell, or ASTM standards. Violation is a non-moving infraction; the maximum fine is $50 and may be waived if the parent or guardian shows proof of helmet purchase to the court.

Statute

¹

See our find your helmet size and kids bike sizing guide.

Statewide rule

Allowed with conditions

Notes

La. R.S. 32:197(C) prohibits riding a bicycle on a sidewalk within a business district. Outside business districts there is no statewide ban, but cities and parishes may regulate further. New Orleans prohibits sidewalk riding in the French Quarter and Central Business District; Baton Rouge defers entirely to the state rule. Where sidewalk riding is allowed, riders must give an audible signal before passing pedestrians.

Statute

¹

See our commuter bike sizing guide and bike fitting guide.

Applies to bicycles

No

Separate cycling DUI statute

No

BAC limit

—

Penalty

Louisiana's DWI statute (La. R.S. 14:98) applies to operators of a 'motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance.' Louisiana courts have consistently held that the residual 'other means of conveyance' clause does not reach bicycles, and a cyclist cannot be charged with DWI in the state. Public-intoxication and disturbing-the-peace charges remain available for impaired riders.

Statute

¹

— Not yet researched.

Front light required

Yes

Front spec

Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, required between sunset and sunrise.

Rear requirement

Rear reflector or light

Rear spec

Red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety, visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet may be used in addition to the reflector.

Side reflectors

No

Pedal reflectors

No

When required

Darkness

Statute

¹

See our bike lights that meet the law and winter and low-light cycling setup.

— Not yet researched.

Two abreast allowed

Yes

Conditions

Two abreast permitted on the roadway; riders shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and must drop to single file when necessary to allow overtaking.

Statute

¹

Rule

—

Statute

—

— Not yet researched.

Bicycle registration required

No

Operator license required

No

Interstates

Prohibited

Notes

Bicycles are prohibited on Louisiana Interstate highways (I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49, I-55) under La. Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) controlled-access regulations. Conventional US and state routes remain open to bicycles.