From Louisiana Administrative Code:
§ 813. Required Equipment
A. The below items in Subsections B-FF of this Section shall be inspected by the mechanic
inspector when an inspection certificate or a rejection is given to the vehicle being presented
for an inspection. Inspected items must be in proper condition and adjustment such that the
item does not pose an unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property.
B. Speedometer/Odometer
1. The speedometer and odometer must be operational.
2. The speedometer shall indicate miles per hour (mph) traveling.
3. The actual mileage must be recorded on the log report.
C. Horn
1. The horn shall be securely fastened.
2. The horn shall be an original type horn or an equivalent.
3. The horn shall be functional and audible for a distance of 200 feet.
4. An auxiliary horn must be wired to a separate switch.
D. Brakes
1. Every vehicle required to be equipped with brakes must be tested by conducting a braking
test on the approved brake test area. The mechanic inspector shall take physical control of the
vehicle presented for inspection to determine if the brakes are operating correctly, except
motorcycles.
2. The test for stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level, smooth, hard surface
that is free from loose material and is at least 150 feet in length by 8 feet wide. The vehicle shall
not pull to the right or the left causing the vehicle to excessively alter its direction of travel.
3. A platform brake tester may be used instead of performing the braking test. Before
attempting to inspect a vehicle's brakes with a platform brake tester, the mechanic inspector
shall be trained on and have experience in the use of the machine. The machine shall have
adequate capacity and shall be calibrated and certified yearly. The mechanic inspector shall
follow all tester manufacturers' directions.
4. Classifications for Brake Application
a. Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000
pounds shall have a braking distance of 30 feet.
b. Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles shall have a braking distance of 30 feet.
c. Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more shall
have a braking distance of 40 feet.
d. Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer's gross weight rating
shall have a braking distance of 40 feet.
e. All combinations of vehicles in drive away, tow-away operations shall have a braking distance
of 40 feet.
f. All other vehicles and combinations with a GVWR of 10,000 or more pounds shall have a
braking distance of 50 feet. This includes car and trucks towing a trailer over 3,000 lbs and
under 10,000 lbs.
E. Brake Requirement
1. Any vehicle registered as a farm trailer, farm semi-trailer, rubber-tired farm wagon, drawn
rubber-tired farm equipment or implements of husbandry manufactured or assembled prior to
January 1, 1973, and operated or moved only incidentally on the highways of this state, shall be
exempt from brake requirements provided that:
a. the gross weight does not exceed 10,000 pounds;
b. the speed does not exceed 30 miles per hour;
c. fertilizer distributors or spreaders are exempt from brake requirements. Commercially owned
anhydrous ammonia nurse tank trailers used for the transportation and storage of fertilizer are
exempt from the braking requirements.
2. Every registered vehicle when presented for inspection shall be equipped with brakes in
accordance with the requirements herein stated.
a. Every motor vehicle, other than motorcycles or motor driven cycles, shall be equipped with
brakes adequate to control movement of and to stop and hold movement of such vehicle. Two
separate means of applying brakes are required, each of which shall effectively apply brakes to
at least two wheels.
b. Every motorcycle and every motor driven cycle manufactured with two wheels shall be
required to be equipped with brakes on both wheels.
c. Every trailer or semi-trailer exceeding 3,000 pounds gross weight shall be equipped with
brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle.
3. The following exceptions exist.
a. Trailers and semi-trailers manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1963, need only be
equipped with brakes on a single axle provided the combination of vehicles, consisting of the
towing vehicle and its total load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements.
b. Farm trailers and semi-trailers manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1973, need not
be equipped with brakes. Every farm trailer and farm semi-trailer manufactured or assembled
on or after January 1, 1973, and having a gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds shall be
equipped with brakes in accordance with the requirements set forth above.
c. Vehicles carrying forest products in their natural state shall not be required to have a brake
on the drag axle if the wheels of the drag axle touch the ground only when the vehicle is
loaded. However, this provision does not apply to trailers or trucks with more than two axles.
F. Parking Brakes
1. The parking brake will be inspected for the proper operation of the alternative braking
system. The parking brake shall operate as originally equipped. The brake must be inspected for
proper setting and release functions.
G. Lighting System
1. All exterior required bulbs or sealed beams must light when activated. All lamps must be of
an approved type as stated in R.S. 32:330.
2. Auxiliary lighting equipment must not be placed on, in or in front of any lamp nor will
auxiliary lighting interfere with the necessary visibility width of any lamp.
3. All lamp assemblies must be properly fastened.
4. No rear lamp is allowed with a broken, missing or defective lens which allows white light to
be visible to the rear of the vehicle.
5. The use of tape on the surface of the rear lens or the use of any shield that covers any
portion of the light will not be allowed unless originally factory equipped.
6. Any after market auxiliary lamp installed on a vehicle that is designed to emit white light or
any auxiliary lamp mounted facing forward must be covered when used on public streets and
highways. If auxiliary lamps are not properly covered, the inspector shall reject the vehicle.
7. All motor vehicles, except motorcycles, motor scooters and motor bikes shall be equipped
with at least two operable headlamps, emitting white light only. These headlamps may be the
multiple beam type or the single beam type. The type headlamp with which the vehicle is
equipped will determine what requirements must be met.
8. Motor vehicles must have at least two headlamps, but not more than four headlamps, half
mounted on each side on the front of the vehicle.
9. The mounted height of headlamps, measured from the center of the lamp to the level
ground, will not be more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches.
10. All vehicles must be equipped with an operable dimmer switch and beam indicator (high or
low beam designation).
11. Headlamp concealment devices must remain fully open when the headlamp is illuminated.
The concealment device must be opened automatically or manually without the use of any
tools.
H. Parking Lamps on the front of the vehicle. When actuated, the front parking lamps must
display either white or amber light. These lamps must operate as originally equipped.
I. Turn Indicator Lamps, Front and Rear
1. Any vehicle manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1962, must be equipped with
lamps which indicate the direction of a turn displaying the signal to both the front and rear of
the vehicle.
2. Front Turn Indicator Lamps. Both front turn indicator lamps must be mounted on the same
level and display an amber light, except those vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to
January 1, 1969. Those vehicles may emit either a white or amber colored light.
3. Rear Turn Indicator Lamps. Both rear turn indicator lamps must be mounted on the same
level with one on each side of the vehicle. The lamps may emit either red or amber color light
only. The lens covering the lamp may not be cracked, broken or missing causing white light to
be emitted to the rear of the vehicle. The lens must be of an original type lens.
4. The signal cancellation must operate as originally equipped and cancel the signal when the
turning maneuver is completed, except for truck-tractors, motorcycles or motor driven cycles.
J. Tail Lamps
1. Tail lamps must be covered with an original type lens. It cannot be cracked, broken or missing
any of the lens which would emit white light to the rear of the vehicle.
2. Vehicles manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1962, must be equipped with at
least two tail lamps.
3. The tail lamp must emit red light only.
4. The maximum height of tail lights is 72 inches and the minimum height allowed is 15 inches.
K. Stop Lamps
1. Vehicles manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1962, are required to have two
operational stop lamps with the exception of motorcycles, motor driven cycles or truck tractors,
which must have at least one.
2. The stop lamps must emit red light only visible at least 300 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
3. The stop lamps must operate as originally equipped.
4. The lens covering the stop lamp must be of an original type not broken, cracked or missing
any portion which allows white light to be emitted to the rear of the vehicle.
L. High Mount Brake Lamp
1. All passenger vehicles manufactured September 1, 1985, and thereafter must be equipped
with a third stop lamp. This lamp is to be mounted in the line of sight near the rear window
with at least 4 1/2 inches of exposed red area on the lens. Light duty trucks with the model year
1995 and later are required to have high mount lamps.
2. The high mount brake lamp must be present and operate as originally equipped.
3. The vehicle shall be rejected if the high mount brake lamp is obscured by any add on item
such as ladder racks, luggage racks, etc. Light duty trucks that are equipped with high mount
brake lamps and have had a camper top installed must have a similar high mount brake lamp
installed on the camper top in a corresponding position in the rear. If the vehicle comes
equipped with a high mount brake lamp, it cannot be obscured by any after market item unless
it is replaced with a comparable lamp as originally equipped and visible from the rear of the
vehicle.
4. No tint shall obscure the high mount brake light.
M. Back-Up Lamps
1. Vehicles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1969, must be equipped with no more
than two back-up lamps.
2. The back-up lamp must emit a white light only.
3. The back-up lamps must be lighted only when the vehicle is in reverse gear and must not
light when the vehicle is in any other gear.
N. License Plate Lamp
1. The license plate lamp must illuminate the license plate making it visible for 50 feet to the
rear.
2. The lamp is to be lighted with white light only when headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are
lighted. The use of neon lights or the use of any other lights which obscure the license plate is
prohibited.
O. Outside/Inside Rearview Mirrors
1. From the driver's seated position, visually inspect the left outside rearview mirror and the
interior mirror for clear and reasonably unobstructed view 200 feet to the rear.
2. The mirrors should not be cracked, pitted or clouded to the extent that the driver's vision
would be obscured. Inspect mirrors for correct location and stable mounting.
3. Mirrors must maintain set adjustment so that the rear vision is not impaired.
4. All vehicles manufactured after December 31, 1972, must be equipped at the factory with a
left-hand, outside rearview mirror. This includes motorcycles and motor-driven cycles. If two
outside mirrors are utilized, no inside mirror is required. If equipped with right outside mirror, it
must comply with Paragraph 2 of this Subsection.
P. Windshield Wipers
1. All vehicles manufactured after December 31, 1972, must be equipped with a wiper system
capable of operating at two or more speeds. Two wipers are required if the vehicle was
originally equipped with such. All motor vehicles equipped with windshields, except
motorcycles and motor driven cycles, are required to have windshield wipers.
2. Windshield wipers must operate as originally equipped to operate. If vacuum operated, the
engine must be idling and the control must be turned on to the maximum setting.
3. Windshield wipers shall not smear or severely streak the windshield.
4. Proper contact of the blades with the windshield is required. Inspect by raising the arm away
from the windshield and then release it. The arm should return to the original position or
should urge the wiper blade to contact the windshield firmly.
5. The condition of the blades and metal parts must be checked.
6. Metal parts and blades shall not be missing or damaged. Blades shall not show signs of
physical breakdown of rubber wiping element. Rubber blades shall not be damaged, torn or
hardened to the point that they do not clear the windshield.
7. The windshield wiper control shall be within reach of the driver.
Q. Windshield Washers
1. The windshield washing system upon a vehicle that is not more than six years old from the
date of manufacture or assembly shall be maintained in good working order.
R. Windshields
1. Every passenger vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with an adequate
windshield.
2. For inspection purposes, the windshield is composed of three areas as follows.
a. Acute Area. The acute area is directly in the driver's line of vision in the center of the driver's
critical area. It is 8 1/2” x 11”, the size of a standard piece of paper, held horizontally on the
windshield. In this area no cracks are allowed. No more than two stars, nicks, chips, bulls-eyes
or half-moons in excess of 1/2 inch will be allowed.
b. Critical Area. The critical area is the area other than the acute area which is cleaned by the
normal sweep of the windshield wiper blades on the driver's side only. In this area, any star
larger than 2 inches in diameter; two or more stars larger than 1 1/2 inches in diameter or one
or more cracks which extend more than 8 inches in length will not be allowed.
c. Non-Critical Area. This area consists of all other windshield area other than the acute or
critical area. This area cannot have one or more cracks which extend more than 8 inches, one or
more cracks which extend from top to bottom, one or more cracks which extend from right to
left or one or more cracks which extend all the way across the windshield.
3. A windshield can be rejected at any time the condition creates a safety hazard. If a
windshield is cracked in such a way as to jeopardize the integrity of the windshield, the vehicle
is to be rejected.
S. Windows and Glass Sunscreening and Glass Coating
1. Windshields are allowed to have sunscreen extend down from the topmost portion of the
windshield no more than 5 inches. The sunscreen shall be transparent and not red or amber in
color. The windshield limitation for a vehicle that has a sunscreen certificate is 6 inches from
the topmost portion of the windshield.
2. Vehicles being presented for inspection that do not have a valid window tint medical
exemption affidavit or a security exemption form issued by the department shall be inspected
as follows.
a. Windshield. As stated above, sunscreen may not extend more than 5 inches from the top of
the windshield and may not be red or amber in color.
b. Front side windows must have at least 40 percent light transmission.
c. Side windows behind driver must have at least 25 percent light transmission.
d. Rearmost glass must have at least 12 percent light transmission.
e. Label. There must be a label affixed to the lower right corner of the driver's side window. It
must not exceed 1 1/2 inches square in size. It must be installed between the glass and the
sunscreen material and must contain the name and city of the installer.
3. Light transmission will be checked using only an approved tint meter and following
manufacturer's directions.
4. Sunscreen shall not have a luminous reflectance of more than 20 percent.
5. No tint material may be affixed to the front windshield or the front side windows if the
material alters the color of the light transmission. No tint other than smoke shall be allowed.
a. No vehicle wraps can be placed on any part of the vehicles glass.
6. Exceptions to the sunscreen rule:
a. sunscreen regulations do not apply to windows behind the driver of trucks, buses, trailers,
motor homes, SUV's, multi-purpose passenger vehicles and all windows of vehicles used for law
enforcement purposes;
b. vehicles with valid window tint medical exemption affidavit or a security exemption form
issued by the department.
7. Window Tint Medical Exemption Affidavit
a. A person with a medical condition which makes that individual sensitive to sun exposure may
obtain a waiver form provided by the department. The waiver must be completed by a licensed
physician and must be signed by a department officer. This waiver exempts the vehicle
identified on the form from all restrictions except windshields as provided in R.S. 32:361.1.
b. The medical exemption affidavit shall:
i. be valid for a period of not more than 3 years, except for the following provisions;
ii. be valid only for vehicles registered in this state where the registered owner, spouse or
immediate family member has an approved affidavit that shall be kept in the motor vehicle at
all times;
iii. not be applied for, or issued to, persons convicted of crimes of violence as defined in R.S.
14:1(13) or criminal offenses involving controlled dangerous substances as defined in RS 40:961
et seq.
iv. be returned to applicant by an officer, if approved;
v. be non-transferable.
vi. be valid for the duration of ownership of a vehicle whose owner is age 60 years or older.
(a). The registered owner of the vehicle is 60 years and older at the time of application for a
Medical Exemption Affidavit, or the individual becomes 60 years old while in possession of a
valid Medical Exemption Affidavit, then the affidavit will be valid for the duration of that
individual's ownership of the vehicle as provided in R.S. 32:361.2(A)(3)(c) unless deemed
otherwise by the department.
c. A red medical exemption certificate will be issued to each vehicle that has been approved for
a medical Exemption affidavit. The certificate will be placed above the motor vehicle inspection
certificate by an officer of the department. The certificate number will correspond to the
certificate number on the medical exemption affidavit.
8. Window Tint Security Affidavit
a. The following exclusive list of persons, or entities, shall be eligible for a security exemption
from the provisions of R.S. 32:361.1:
i. private investigators;
ii. bail enforcement agents;
iii. railroad police officers;
iv. Louisiana peace officers, POST-certified and sworn;
v. elected or appointed public officials.
b. The department will review and make a final decision on any other individual, business,
company,, corporation or agency who submits a security exemption affidavit requesting added
concealment of persons or property from public view.
c. Window Tint Security Exemption Criteria
i. Vehicle must be:
(a). properly licensed, insured and registered, all in Louisiana; and
(b). owned or leased by an applicant.
d. Security Exemption Affidavit
i. An individual seeking exemption to window tint restrictions can obtain a security exemption
affidavit form at the department headquarters, any motor vehicle field office or via the world
wide web by accessing www.lsp.org.
ii. The security exemption affidavit must be complete, sworn and subscribed in the presence of
a notary public. The security exemption affidavit must include:
(a). applicant's name;
(b). address, city, state and zip code;
(c). vehicle description (year, make, model);
(d). vehicle identification number (VIN);
(e). vehicle license plate number;
(f). need, reason or explanation for exemption; and
(g). signature of applicant.
e. Security Exemption Process
i. A completed Security Exemption Affidavit must be mailed to the Department Headquarters
Office, P.O. Box 66614, Mail Slip 26, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6614. Security exemption affidavits
will be reviewed and subsequently approved or disapproved by the department.
ii. Approved security exemption affidavits will be returned to applicant.
iii. An applicant whose Security Exemption Affidavit is disapproved will receive written
notification of that decision by U.S. Mail. The correspondence will outline the reason(s) for
denial. An applicant may write a letter of rebuttal germane to the reason(s) for denial. Letters
of rebuttal will be taken under advisement. Once a final determination of eligibility has been
made, an applicant has no further recourse. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections
may approve, disapprove, cancel or revoke exemptions for window tint restrictions as deemed
appropriate.
T. Body and Sheet Metal. Exterior components of the body and sheet metal parts must not be
damaged and/or dislocated so that they project from the vehicle and present a safety hazard to
occupants, pedestrians or other vehicles.
U. Fenders
1. Fenders, covers or devices including splash aprons and mud flaps shall be required unless the
body of the vehicle or attachments afford protection to effectively minimize the spray or splash
of water, mud or loose material on the highway from the rear of the vehicle.
2. Tires shall not extend beyond fenders or attachments more than 1 inch to provide a safe
condition.
3. All vehicles with an unladen weight of under 1,500 pounds and trucks or farm vehicles
handling or hauling agricultural or forestry products are exempt from fender requirements.
4. Front and rear fenders that have been removed because of being hazardous or unserviceable
must be replaced. If replacement of the front or rear fender removes a required lighting device,
the lighting device must be re-installed or replaced.
V. Bumpers
1. Bumpers removed from vehicles originally equipped with bumpers will not be permitted.
However, rear bumpers are not required on pickup trucks.
2. Rebuilt or modified bumpers must be made of material equivalent to the original bumpers
and must be equal in strength.
3. Bumpers must be securely attached and not broken or protruding.
W. Doors. The vehicle's doors will be inspected as follows.
1. All doors must be present and operational with installed handles.
2. Doors must be secured in the closed position.
3. Doors must function as originally equipped by the factory.
4. Drivers side windows must properly function as designed. Laminated driver and passenger
side windows cannot have cracks that obscure the drivers view.
X. Hood Latch. The hood must be securely held in a closed position by an original type latch.
Y. Floor Pan. No holes or rusted areas are permitted in the occupant compartment or trunk.
Inspectors may require that the trunk of a vehicle be opened on vehicles possessing serious
body rust throughout.
Z. Wheels and Tires
1. Conduct a visual check of the wheels and tires to detect any condition that would create a
hazard or an unsafe condition.
2. All tires must be for highway use. Tires marked “Not for Highway Use”, “Farm Use Only” or
“For Racing Purposes Only” are not allowed.
3. Tires without tread wear indicators shall have 2/32 inch tread remaining when measured in
any two adjacent major grooves at a minimum of three locations spaced approximately equal
distance around the major tire groove.
4. Tires with tread wear indicators shall not allow the indicators to contact the road in any two
adjacent major grooves at three locations spaced equally around the tire.
5. Cord shall not be exposed through the tread. Tread cuts, snags or sidewall cracks in excess of
1 inch in any direction deep enough to expose cords, are not allowed.
6. Tires shall not have visible bumps, bulges or knots indicating partial failure or ply separation
of the tire structure.
7. Tires shall not be re-grooved or re-cut below the original groove depth except tires which
have undertread rubber for this purpose and are identified as such.
8. Tires on the same axle shall be of the same type construction.
9. Wheels shall not be bent, loose, cracked or damaged as to affect safe operation.
10. Rims or wheel flanges shall not be defective.
11. Wheels should be secure. Only one missing or defective bolt, nut or lug is allowed except on
a four-hole pattern wheel. On a four hole pattern wheel no missing or defective lugs are
allowed.
12. Vehicles equipped with oversized wheels must be able to make a turn of not more than a 45
degree angle without rubbing on the frame.
AA. Steering Mechanism
1. An original equipment type steering wheel is required.
a. The steering wheel shall be of the same diameter as originally equipped. Any modification
that may affect the proper steering of the vehicle is prohibited.
b. Chain-type steering wheels shall not be allowed.
2. Excessive play, tightness, binding or jamming shall not be allowed.
a. With the front wheels in a straight-ahead position, check steering for free play. The engine
must be running to check the free play in the power steering. More than 2 inches of free play
for power-assisted steering and more than 3 inches of free play for manual steering will not be
permitted. This shall be conducted during the braking test.
3. Excessively worn or broken parts in the steering components, any leakage of the power unit
or excessive looseness of the power system fan belt shall not be permitted.
4. Modification of the front end and steering mechanism in any manner shall not be permitted.
BB. Suspension and Shock Absorbers
1. The vehicle must have operational shock absorbers and springs.
2. The vehicle must have at least 3 inches of suspension travel.
3. The vehicle must have at least 4 inches of ground clearance measured from the frame or the
lowest part of the vehicle, with the vehicle on a level surface.
CC. Seats and Seat Belts
1. Front seats shall be securely anchored to the floor pan. Missing anchor bolts are not
permitted. The seat adjusting mechanism shall not slip out of the set position.
2. Seat belts shall operate and adjust as originally intended. Seat belt buckles shall operate
properly.
3. Webbing shall not be split, frayed or torn.
4. Seat belts shall be securely mounted. Anchorages shall be secure.
5. Passenger cars, vans or trucks with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less, and
manufactured after January 1, 1981, must have working seatbelts as originally equipped.
DD. Exhaust System. The exhaust system includes the piping leading from the flange of the
exhaust manifold to, and including, the mufflers, resonators, tail piping and emission control
device. Visually inspect the exhaust system for rusted or corroded surfaces.
1. The vehicle must have a muffler.
2. No loose or leaking joints in the exhaust system are allowed. Also, no holes, leaking seams,
loose interior baffles or patches on the muffler are allowed.
3. The tail pipe end cannot be pinched.
4. Elements of the system must be fastened securely, including missing connections or missing
or broken hangers.
5. A muffler cannot have a cut-out bypass, or similar device which allows fumes to escape.
6. The muffler cannot emit excessive smoke, fumes, or noise.
7. The tail pipe shall extend past the passenger compartment.
EE. The windshield, rear glass and all windows must be present with no obstructions and in
working order as originally equipped except as provided in Paragraphs S.6, S.7, or S.8 of this
Section.
FF. Side Marker Lights and Reflectors. In addition to other equipment required in this Chapter,
the following vehicles shall be equipped as herein stated under the conditions stated in R.S.
32:301.
GG. Buses, trucks, motor homes, and motor vehicles with mounted truck camper, 80 or more
inches in width shall meet equipment requirements as follows:
1. on the front: two clearance lamps, one at each side, and all such vehicles manufactured or
assembled after December 31, 1972 shall have three identification lamps meeting the
specification of Subsection F of this Section;
2. on the rear: two clearance lamps, one at each side, and all such vehicles assembled or
manufactured after December 31, 1972 shall have three identification lamps meeting the
specifications of Subsection F of this Section;
3. on each side: two side marker lamps and two reflectors one of each at or near the rear and at
or near the front.
HH. Trailers and semi-trailers 80 inches or more in width, except boat trailers, shall meet
equipment requirements as follows:
1. on the front: two clearance lamps, one at each side;
2. on the rear: two clearance lamps, one at each side, and all such vehicles manufactured or
assembled after December 31, 1972, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of
Subsection F of this Section;
3. on each side: two side marker lamps and two reflectors one of each at or near the front and
at or near the rear.
II. Truck tractors shall meet equipment requirements as follows:
1. on the front: two cab clearance lamps, one at each side, and on vehicles manufactured or
assembled after December 31, 1972, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of
Subsection F of this Section;
2. on each side: two amber side marker lamps and two amber reflectors, one of each at or near
the front and at or near the rear.
JJ. Trailers, semi-trailers and pole trailers 30 feet or more in length shall have one amber side
marker lamp and one amber reflector, centrally located with respect to the length of the trailer,
on each side. Pole trailers shall also have on each side, at the rearmost support for the load,
one combination marker lamp showing amber to the front and red to the rear and side,
mounted to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer.
KK. Boat trailers 80 inches or more in width shall meet equipment requirements as follows:
1. on each side: two side marker lamps and two reflectors, one of each at or near the front and
at or near the rear, and at or near the midpoint, one clearance lamp performing the function of
both a front and rear clearance lamp;
2. on the rear of boat trailers manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1972, shall be
three identification lamps meeting the specifications of Subsection F of this Section.
From Louisiana Statutes:
LSA-R.S. 32 § 1311. Exemptions
…
C. Motor vehicles which are twenty-five years old or older and which are used primarily for
exhibition in shows, parades, tours, and other special uses and not for general transportation
and which are registered and licensed as antique as provided in R.S. 32:707(L) shall be exempt
from the inspection requirements of this Chapter.
D. Motor vehicles which display a current safety inspection sticker as certified by the
Department of Public Safety and Corrections shall be exempt from the inspection requirements
of this Chapter.
…
LSA-R.S. 32 § 319. Signal lamps and signal devices
A. Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter, shall be equipped with
a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red light, visible from a
distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated
upon application of the service (foot) brake, and which may, but need not be, incorporated
with one or more other rear lamps.
B. Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under R.S. 32:306(B) shall be equipped with
electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the
front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles, on the side of the vehicle or
combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be
mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling,
shall emit amber light, provided that on any vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1969,
the lamps showing to the front may emit white or amber light, or any shade of light between
white and amber. The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as
widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light, or
any shade of color between red and amber. Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in
overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear in
normal sunlight. Turn signal lamps on vehicles less than 80 inches wide shall be visible at a
distance of not less than 300 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight. Turn signal lamps
may, but need not be, incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.
…
LSA-R.S. 32 § 320. Additional lighting equipment
A. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side or fender lamps which shall
emit an amber or white light without glare.
B. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running board courtesy lamp on
each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.
C. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two backup lamps either separately
or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamp shall not be lighted when the
motor vehicle is in forward motion.
Backup lights are required on all passenger vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1969. The
backup lamp shall be illuminated when the ignition switch is energized and reverse gear is
engaged. Backup lamps shall not be lighted when the vehicle is in forward motion. Backup
lamps shall be mounted on the rear so that the center of the lens, or at least one lamp is visible
from any eye point elevation from at least six feet to two feet above the horizontal plane on
which the vehicle is standing; and from any position in the area, rearward of a vertical plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, six feet to the rear of the vehicle and
extending three feet beyond each side of the vehicle. Maximum candlepower is 300 cp total.
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LSA-R.S. 32 § 323. Single-beam road-lighting equipment
Head lamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light shall be permitted on motor
vehicles manufactured and sold prior to January 1, 1955 in lieu of multiple beam road lighting
equipment herein specified if the single distribution of light complies with the following
requirements and limitations:
(1) The head lamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high
intensity portion of the light shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of 5
inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher
than 42 inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of 75 feet ahead.
(2) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 200
feet.
LSA-R.S. 32 § 311. Visibility of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps and marker
lamps
A. Every reflector upon any vehicle referred to in R.S. 32:308 shall be of such size and
characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at nighttime from all distances within
600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of
headlamps, except that the visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled
prior to January 1, 1970, shall be measured in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of
light to the sides, and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear.
B. Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and
distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required in R.S.
32:301 at all distances between 500 feet and 50 feet from the front and rear, respectively, of
the vehicle on which mounted.
C. Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal
atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required in R.S. 32:301 at all distances between
500 feet and 50 feet from the side of the vehicle on which mounted.
LSA-R.S. 32 § 333. Certain lights around license plates prohibited
A. Except for antique automobiles, the use of neon lights around license plates, or the use of
any other lights which obscure the clear view of motor vehicle license plates, for motor vehicles
is prohibited.
B. Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be fined not more than one thousand
dollars, or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
LSA-R.S. 32 § 354. Mirrors
A. After January 1, 1975, every motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after December 31,
1972, of a type subject to registration in this state shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on
the left side of the vehicle and so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a
distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the vehicle.
B. Every motor vehicle of a type subject to registration in this state, except a motorcycle or
motor driven cycle, shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the
vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so located as to
reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear
of the vehicle. When the required view from the inside mirror is obstructed, an outside mirror
on the right side of the vehicle shall be required.
C. All mirrors required by this section shall be maintained in good condition at all times.
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LSA-R.S. 32 § 356. Windshields must be equipped with wiping and washing systems
A. The windshield on every motor vehicle, other than motorcycles or motor driven cycles, shall
be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow or other moisture from the windshield, which
device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. In
addition, every such motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after December 31, 1972, shall
be equipped with a two-speed, power driven windshield wiping and washing system which will
adequately clean rain, snow or other moisture from the windshield regardless of engine load
and speed and so constructed as to be controlled and operated by the driver of the vehicle.
B. Every windshield wiping system upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working
order. The windshield washing system upon a vehicle that is not more than six years old from
the date of manufacture or assembly shall be maintained in good working order.