Louisiana Erratic Driving Laws
Louisiana Revised Statutes (LRS) Section 32:214 requires every driver to "exercise due care" at all times. While erratic driving could result in a conviction for reckless driving in Louisiana (LRS 14:99), careful driving in general is also required under LRS Section 32:58.
Other People Are Reading
-
Applicability
-
While LRS 14:99 applies to operation of a motor vehicle, the statute also applies to operation or driving any "aircraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance." LRS 32:58 applies only to operation of a vehicle on a "public road," while Section 32:214 applies to operation of every vehicle on "any roadway."
Statutes
-
"Careless driving" is described as not operating a vehicle in a "careful and prudent manner." "Reckless driving" may result from violation of other traffic laws, such as driving under the influence (DUI), illegal u-turn, running a red light and/or speeding.
-
Penalties
-
Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Louisiana (LRS 14:99) punishable by imposition of a fine of "not more than $200, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both" (as of 2010). The penalty for subsequent reckless driving offenses is imposition of a fine of not less than $25 but not more than $500. Additionally, subsequent reckless driving offenses can also result in imprisonment for "not less than 10 days nor more than six months." Drivers convicted three times for reckless driving within a 12-month period can have their driver's license suspended.
-
References
- Louisiana Revised Statutes: RS 14:99 Reckless Operation of a Vehicle
- Louisiana Revised Statutes: RS 32:58 Careless Operation
- Louisiana Revised Statutes: RS 32:214 Drivers to Exercise Due Care
- Findlaw.com: Louisiana Traffic Laws
- Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections: Louisiana Driver's Guide
- Photo Credit driving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com
