The new traffic laws passed during the 2009 Legislative session are currently being enforced or will be within the next 30 days, according to a Louisiana State Police news release.
Already in place is Act 236, which allows police to arrest motorists for driving with a suspended driver’s license because of a previous conviction for driving while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter or vehicular negligent injuring.Previously, violators were ticketed and released.
Effective September 1, motorists refusing to submit to a chemical test when arrested for DWI will have their driver’s license suspended for one year, as opposed to 180 days, as it was in the past. For two refusals in a five-year span, motorists will face a two-year suspension.
Starting August 15, LSP will issue warnings to motorists whose backseat passengers are not wearing a seat belt. Beginning Oct. 1, $25 fines will be issued for the first offense, and $50 fines will be issued for the second offense. Subsequent violations will result in $50 fines plus court fees. —-Contact The Daily Reveille news staff at [email protected]