I have ridden motorcycles since I was young, from a Honda Mini Trail 50 to a Harley-Davidson Dyna Glide. That experience is one reason I take Louisiana’s motorcycle rules seriously. A small mistake that would dent a car can put a rider in the hospital.
The rules below are the ones riders and passengers are most likely to encounter on an ordinary Louisiana road. They come from the current text of Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:190 through 32:191.3. Local ordinances and the facts of a particular stop or crash can add other issues.
Ten Louisiana motorcycle rules to know
1. Riders and passengers must wear approved helmets
La. R.S. 32:190 requires a motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a motorcycle helmet. The chin strap must be secured while the motorcycle is moving. The statute also describes approval requirements for helmets sold for motorcycle use.
2. Protect your eyes unless the motorcycle has an adequate windshield
Under La. R.S. 32:190.1, an operator must use approved goggles, a face shield, or safety glasses unless the motorcycle has a windshield high enough to provide the required protection. Eye protection used at night cannot be tinted.
3. Use a permanent seat designed for the rider
La. R.S. 32:191 requires the operator to ride on the motorcycle’s permanent seat, facing forward and astride the bike. A passenger also needs a seat designed and firmly attached for that purpose.
4. Follow the child passenger restrictions
The same statute prohibits carrying a child who is still required to use a rear-facing or forward-facing child safety seat. A child who is at least five may ride only if properly seated and wearing the helmet required by Louisiana law. Age alone does not make a motorcycle suitable for every child, so fit, reach, and control still matter.
5. Keep both hands available to control the motorcycle
A rider may not carry a package or other object that prevents both hands from staying on the handlebars. If you need to adjust cargo, use a phone, or handle a drink, pull over somewhere safe first.
6. A motorcycle is entitled to a full traffic lane
La. R.S. 32:191.1 gives motorcycles full use of a lane. A car or truck may not squeeze a motorcycle out of that space. The statute separately permits two motorcycles to travel abreast in one lane.
7. Do not pass another vehicle inside that vehicle’s lane
A motorcyclist cannot overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being passed. Wait for a lawful passing opportunity and use a separate lane.
8. Lane splitting is prohibited
Louisiana law does not permit a rider to travel between lanes of moving traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles. That rule applies even when traffic is slow or stopped, with a limited statutory exception for police officers performing official duties.
9. Ride no more than two abreast
Two motorcycles may share a lane, but the statute says motorcycles cannot be operated more than two abreast. Riders should still leave enough room to react to pavement defects, opening doors, and vehicles that drift.
10. Passengers need footrests, and handlebars cannot put your hands above your shoulders
La. R.S. 32:191.3 requires passenger footrests unless the passenger is in a sidecar or enclosed cab. It also prohibits handlebars that place the operator’s hands above shoulder height when seated normally with hands on the grips.
What these rules mean after a crash
A traffic violation does not answer every question about fault or damages. Photos, video, witness accounts, vehicle damage, sightlines, and the crash report can still be decisive. The condition of the motorcycle, helmet, and riding gear may also matter, so preserve them before repairs or disposal if the wreck caused a serious injury.
For practical riding guidance, see Staying Safe on a Motorcycle. If fault is disputed, our article on how rider fault is evaluated after a motorcycle crash explains why a citation or stereotype should not replace the full evidence.
If you need help after a wreck, our Baton Rouge motorcycle accident practice page explains the evidence we examine and the insurer arguments riders often face.
Questions after a Louisiana motorcycle wreck?
Call (225) 500-5000 for a free case review. Bring the crash report number, photos, insurance information, and the location of the motorcycle and riding gear if you have them. Do not delay a call because one of those items is missing.