The city of New Orleans always had its distinctive way of doing things: brightly painted houses, matchless cuisine, and parades that shut down the roads every year. Similarly, when it comes to traffic and driving laws, the city has some quirky rules and distinctive local traffic regulations related to registration, maintenance, and more. Our New Orleans injury attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess provide some highlights of the traffic rules and regulations for everyone walking, riding or driving in the city. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Maintain a safe distance:
When vehicles and bicycles share a street in New Orleans, the car must stay at least 3 feet away from the bike. A motorist can pass another vehicle only when the car in front is making a left turn or the street has enough space for two vehicles. It’s in fact, a popular city for cyclists and there are exclusive lanes for bikes.
2. Inspect your vehicles at regular intervals:
In New Orleans, it’s mandatory that all vehicles are inspected annually and there is an updated sticker popularly known as brake tag. If there’s a police citation for expired brake tags, it may incur fines of more than 200 dollars.
3. Get ready to make U-turns:
If you are driving in New Orleans, make sure that you are ready to take some U-turns. You would agree that in some places, it’s convenient for you to take left-turns. However, many streets in the city do not allow left turns at all. Again, if you are making a U-turn and you need to cross a median or cross street, it’s advisable to follow the traffic light. If there are no lights, consider the oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
4. Use hand signals:
If the signal lights are not working, motorists must use of their left arm. Similarly, bicyclists can make use of the same signals and use their right arm for a right turn. It’s also important to note that not more than two bicyclists are supposed to ride on a particular path except on the roadways set aside for exclusive use of bicycles.
5. Take due precaution to open and close doors:
A person opening the vehicle door must take precaution and ensure that it doesn’t hamper the traffic or endanger the other person.
6. Know that pedestrian signals take precedence over vehicle signals:
Pedestrians facing the green signal have the right of the way, unless the only signal is a green arrow. In other words, pedestrians are allowed to move in the same direction as the cars at the signal but should cede to a vehicle turning with an arrow.
7. Do not enter the bicycle lanes:
In New Orleans, Louisiana, car drivers are not allowed to use the bicycle lanes, except:
>> to enter or leave a parking area when parking is provided close or just next to the bike lane
>> to prepare for a turn within 200 feet from the intersection
Despite many traffic rules to enhance the safety of commuters, car accidents still occur. Dealing with the car insurance company after a deadly crash can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Determining liability in car accidents also requires in-depth understanding of law. Therefore, involving the services of a legal professional plays a dominant role in ensuring the damages you rightly deserve. Our New Orleans injury lawyers at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess are dedicated and work with a team of efficient paralegals, clerks, and assistants to obtain maximum payment.
For further legal queries, call us at 877-234-7573.
