Motor Vehicles

Louisiana Car Insurance Laws

In Louisiana, as in every state, car insurance is sure to play a big part in any claim brought after a traffic accident. Louisiana, like most states, requires vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance in line with minimums set by law. Read on for the details of Louisiana's auto insurance rules and how coverage is likely to affect a car accident case.

Please get with your insurance company about the 25% discount you should receive on your auto insurance. Good only for AD Military who are stationed in Louisiana and not a resident of Louisiana. You will also receive the form during your Newcomers Orientation Briefing (Right Start).

Louisiana is a "Fault" Car Accident State

Louisiana follows a traditional "fault"-based system when it comes to financial responsibility for losses stemming from a car accident: injuries, lost income, vehicle damage, and so on. This means that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is also responsible for any resulting harm (from a practical standpoint, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier will absorb these losses, up to policy limits).

In Louisiana, a person who suffers any kind of injury or damage due to an auto accident usually can proceed in one of three ways:

• by filing a claim with his or her own insurance company, assuming that the loss is covered under the policy (in this situation, the injured person's insurance company will likely turn around and pursue a subrogation claim against the at-fault driver’s carrier)
• by filing a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, or
• by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.

Note: In no-fault car insurance states, a claimant doesn't usually have this same range of options. After a car accident in a no-fault state, you must turn to the personal injury protection coverage of your own car insurance policy for payment of medical bills and other out-of-pocket losses, regardless of who caused the crash. Only if your injuries reach a certain threshold can you step outside of no-fault and make a claim directly against the at-fault driver. But Louisiana drivers don't need to worry about no-fault after an in-state accident.

Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Louisiana

The required minimum amounts of liability car insurance coverage in Louisiana are:

• $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle
• $30,000 for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle, and
• $25,000 for property damage per accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle.

This basic coverage pays the medical bills, property damage bills, and other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged in a car accident you cause, up to coverage limits. You can (and in some situations should) carry more coverage to protect you in case a serious crash results in significant car accident injuries and vehicle damage. Remember, once policy limits are exhausted, you are personally on the financial hook, so higher insurance limits can help protect your personal assets in the event of a serious crash.

Your liability coverage will kick in if any family member is driving your vehicle, or if you've given someone else permission to use it. It will likely also cover you if you get into an accident in a rental car.

Remember that the liability coverage we discussed here doesn't apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage after a Louisiana car accident. You'll need different (additional) coverage for that if you're involved in a car accident and no one else's coverage applies to your losses. For example, collision coverage (optional in Louisiana) can pay for repairs to (or replacement of) your damaged vehicle after a car accident.

Note that collision or comprehensive might be required under the terms of a vehicle lease or financing agreement. And while not required in Louisiana, uninsured motorist coverage can really save the day if you're in a car accident with a motorist who is driving without insurance, or if you're involved in a hit and run accident.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Louisiana

According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, driving without insurance -- or being involved in a crash without insurance -- can result in the imposition of a fine of $500 to $1,000, plus the suspension of driving privileges, impoundment of a vehicle, revocation of registration, or cancellation of license plates.

What's more, if you drive without insurance in Louisiana, the state's "No Pay, No Play" law may also prohibit you from collecting certain amounts after a car accident, even if the other driver is at fault; specifically:

• the first $25,000 in property damages, and
• the first $15,000 in personal injuries.

Of course, these penalties will likely pale in comparison to the financial hit you could take if you're in a car accident and you don't have car insurance.

How to Register Your Vehicle in Louisiana

If you're active duty military personnel, stationed in Louisiana but not a permanent Louisiana resident, and have a valid driver's license and military ID, you don't have to worry about getting a Louisiana driver's license. All license renewals should be handled by your home state.

This rule also applies to resident dependents with valid driver's licenses and military IDs.

If you're registering your vehicle in Louisiana, you'll follow the same registration process as permanent residents. You'll also need to provide documentation of the vehicle's ownership. This could include notarized title assignments or Bill of Sale forms.

You must prove that you are military personnel. You can do this by showing a copy of your military ID, your orders, or a letter from your Commanding Officer.

New Louisiana residents should be prepared to supply out-of-state title and registration.

Louisiana law exempts active duty military personnel and/or spouses and full time non-resident college students from registration under certain conditions. The law also exempts active duty military personnel who register vehicles in Louisiana from payment of sales tax in certain circumstances. This exemption from tax is limited to vehicles registered to active duty military personnel only.

Louisiana law provides that any member or spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty or a non-resident full-time college or university student may operate a vehicle without securing a Louisiana registration after satisfying the following requirements:
 The license plate displayed on the vehicle is a valid plate issued by the foreign jurisdiction.
 The foreign vehicle registration and license plate are current and issued to the active member or spouse of the active duty member.

This applies to all vehicles, EXCEPT any commercial vehicle used in any business manner wherein compensation is received.
 This exemption does not apply to leased vehicles.
 If a leased vehicle is brought into Louisiana for use, the lessor is required to register the vehicle. See Section IV, Policy/Procedure Statement #49.0 for leased vehicles.

TAX CREDIT TO MILITARY PERSONNEL
Active duty military personnel entering the State of Louisiana may title and register their vehicle without the payment of any use taxes (either state or parish), providing a sales tax was collected at the time the vehicle was purchased in another state. This provision applies whether or not a reciprocal agreement exists with that state.
 Proof of payment of sales tax must be submitted.
 If documentation, (i.e., a copy of an out-of-state invoice, bill of sale, act of donation, etc.,) is submitted which indicates an even trade or donation was processed in the applicant's name in another state, sales tax will not be due.
 Credit is not allowed for the payment of T.A.V.T. (Title Ad Valorem Tax) or any kind of Ad Valorem tax. Only titling, plate, and handling fees are to be collected.
 The applicant may present an active military ID card or a statement from the commanding officer to show that he is an active duty member in the Armed Forces.
 It is no longer necessary to obtain a photocopy of the military ID card; however, a notation must be made in the file that it was presented for identification.
 These provisions are also covered under the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940.
 The applicant must be on active duty at the time of registration. If the applicant subsequently becomes inactive before the vehicle is properly registered, taxes will be due. This exemption from tax is limited to vehicles registered to active duty military personnel only.
 This DOES NOT exempt vehicles titled in the name of a spouse of military personnel.
 Vehicles titled to a spouse will only receive out of state tax credit as outlined in Policy 48 Section IV.

Below is information on Vehicle Registration, Title & Plate Fees:

Listed below are the necessary fees for registering and titling a motor vehicle in the state of Louisiana.

Title Fee....................................................$68.50

Title Correction .........................................$68.50

Record Mortgage with UCC .....................$15.00

Record Mortgage with other than UCC.....$10.00

License Transfer.......................................$3.00

Handling Fee............................................$8.00

Plates Fees Expiration

Motorcycle................................................$12.00 4 years

Motor Home..............................................$50.00 2 year

Commercial...............................................$10.00 1 year

Boat Trailer (up to 1500 lbs)......................$25.00 4 years

Utility Trailer (up to 500 lbs).......................$12.00 4 years

All other Trailers

1 year..........................................................$ 10.00

4 years........................................................$ 40.00

Permanent...................................................$ 70.00

Trucks (up to 6000 lbs GVW)......................$40.00 {4 years}

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Louisiana State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires all children under 60 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Child safety seats are required in every state, and there is an important reason why. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission believes child safety seats provide infants and young children the absolute best protection in the car.

There are many types of car seats available, but Louisiana car seat law requires you to utilize seats differently according to age and weight. The following are important types to know:

• Rear-Facing: You are required to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until at least the age of 1 or until the child weighs at least 20 pounds. It is recommended that you keep your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as he or she stays within the weight and height limits of the car seat itself.
• Forward-Facing: Once your child gets too big for the rear-facing position, you will have to switch to a forward-facing position.
• Convertible Car Seat: A convertible seat option can be used as both a rear-facing and a forward-facing seat, allowing you to use the same seat as your child gets bigger.
• Booster Car Seat: Booster seats must be used until a child is six years old or weighs at least 60 pounds, but it is recommended that a child stay in a booster seat for as long as neccessary. You should wait to use a regular seat belt until the child can sit with his or her back against the seat with knees bent over the edge of the seat in front.

Per guidelines set up by the NHTSA, the LA DHS recommends keeping your child in the back seat through the age of 12 years old at least.

If you're convicted of a child safety seat offense, you have the possibility of being ticketed and fined, with your fine amounts increasing for subsequent violations.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands-free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Entry Control Points/Hours of Operation:

• Bossier Gate (Northgate Road) - This gate is open 6 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.
  • Closed Sunday, Family Days and Holidays
• Shreveport Gate (Main/West Gate) - 24 hours
  • Visitor's Center - Open 5:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days a week
• East/Industrial Gate 
  • Open 5:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Commercial Vehicles and outbound traffic Monday - Friday.
  • Inbound passenger vehicles are not allowed to enter Barksdale AFB through this gate
    • (all oversized vehicles use this gate)
  • Closed Saturday, Sunday, Holidays and Family Days
• Bodcau Gate (Adjacent to East Side Housing) - Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday Through Thursday; Open 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
• Please note hours are subject to change.

Pass and ID is located at the Main Gate (Shreveport Gate).

Motorcycle Operation on Base

To operate a motorcycle on base you must have proof of insurance, registration and the following:

• a state motorcycle operator license or an endorsement on the driver's license
• completion of a national motorcycle safety course

Ground Safety will issue a temporary gate pass, valid until one day after the next scheduled class. You must satisfy the referenced requirements before permanent registration is permitted.

Regulations - Air Force Instructions require all military personnel operating or riding a motorcycle, on or off base, to wear helmets on and off duty. Highly visible colored clothing, a reflective vest or jacket, gloves and eye protection are also required.

Base Regulations

Base driving privileges imply consent to searches of your vehicle, blood, breath, urine and impoundment of your vehicle.

Speed Limit - The speed limit on base is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. When driving on base, please stop for pedestrians and buses loading and unloading.

Parking - Reserved parking, time-limited parking, and non-parking areas are designated by a small brown sign located on the curb. Remember to look for these before you park. Three parking tickets in a 90 day period results in suspension of driving privileges for 30 days.

Seat Belts - Seat belts are mandatory for drivers and passengers. Failure to use seat belts is a primary traffic offense in Louisiana. Military regulations require enforcement of the seat belt law for military people while operating or riding in a vehicle anywhere in the world.

Safety Seats - The Louisiana Child Passenger Protection Law requires children under the age of six use a federally approved child passenger safety seat. This law applies on and off base.

Driving Under the Influence:

• DUI - 0.05 to 0.09 Blood Alcohol Content
• DWI - 0.10 or higher BAC
• Both can result in revoked or suspended driving privilege
• Refusal to submit to a chemical test will automatically result in one year revocation of driving privilege

Louisiana Vehicle Registration/Title

In order to register by mail, all documents and monies must be submitted simultaneously. The following items are required:

• Application for title (DPSMV 1799), properly completed and signed by the owner, showing the current physical Louisiana address. If the mailing address is a post office box or an out-of-state address, it must be shown as a mail-to address. Must list driver's license number or Federal EIN number (for companies) on application. The liability insurance declaration must be signed for motorized vehicles only.
• Check or money order made payable to the Department of Public Safety to cover fees and/or taxes.
• Military personnel should submit proof they are in military service.

Transfer Requirements:

1. Certificate of title properly executed to the buyer and signed by the seller and notarized. In the case of a new unregistered vehicle, we require the manufacturer's statement of origin, a dealer's invoice, and an odometer disclosure statement. Either the statement of origin or the invoice must be notarized.
2. Current registration certificate.
3. Notarized bill of sale or notarized act of donation showing a complete description of the vehicle. The act of donation must be in authentic form and state the relationship between donor and recipient. The donor must execute the act in the presence of a notary and two witnesses.
4. Odometer disclosure statement completed by the buyer and seller for vehicles that are less than 10 model years old and trucks weighing less than 16,000 pounds.
5. UCC-1 Financing Statement, security agreement, or chattel mortgage, if vehicle is financed.

Sales Tax

Sales tax is due on the purchase price on all vehicles registered in the state of Louisiana. The tax is levied from 4% to 9 1/2% depending on the address of the purchaser. The tax must be remitted within 40 days of the date of purchase. After the 40th day, penalty and interest will be assessed for each 30 days or portion there of. Penalty is assessed at the rate of 5% for 30 days or fraction there of (maximum 25%) and 1 1/4% interest per month (no maximum) based on the amount of sales tax.

Use Tax

Use tax is due on all vehicles imported for use in this state when first registered in Louisiana. This tax is based on the book value of the vehicle. Credit can be given for up to 4% for tax paid in another state providing it is a state with which we have a reciprocal agreement. We must have proof of this tax for certain states.

Military Personnel - Military personnel are exempt from payment of use tax; providing they furnish proof sales tax was previously paid on their vehicle in one of the fifty states. Active duty military personnel entering the State of Louisiana may title and register their vehicle without the payment of any use taxes (either state or parish), providing a sales tax was collected at the time the vehicle was purchased in another state.

This provision applies whether or not a reciprocal agreement exists with that state.

• Proof of payment of sales tax must be submitted.
• If documentation, (i.e., a copy of an out-of-state invoice, bill of sale, act of donation, etc.,) is submitted which indicates an even trade or donation was processed in the applicant's name in another state, sales tax will not be due.
• Credit is not allowed for the payment of T.A.V.T. ( Title Ad Valorem Tax) or any kind of Ad Valorem tax.

Only titling, plate, and handling fees are to be collected.

• The applicant may present an active military ID card or a statement from the commanding officer to show that he is an active duty member in the Armed Forces.
• It is no longer necessary to obtain a photocopy of the military ID card; however, a notation must be made in the file that it was presented for identification.
• These provisions are also covered under the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940.
• The applicant must be on active duty at the time of registration. If the applicant subsequently becomes inactive before the vehicle is properly registered, taxes will be due.

This exemption from tax is limited to vehicles registered to active duty military personnel only.

• This DOES NOT exempt vehicles titled in the name of a spouse of military personnel.
• Vehicles titled to a spouse will only receive out of state tax credit as outlined in Policy 48 Section IV

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
  • You must wear a seat belt at all times while riding in a vehicle in Louisiana, regardless of whether you are the driver or a passenger. Failure to do so will result in tickets and fines, the amounts of which are determined by LA state law.
    The Child Occupant Seatbelt Law requires children from 6 to 12 years old to be restrained by a lap belt, shoulder harness, or an age/size appropriate child safety or booster seat.
• Child safety seats

  • Child safety seats are required in every state, and there is an important reason why. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission believes child safety seats provide infants and young children the absolute best protection in the car.

    If your child fits within more than one category due to age or weight, please place him or her in the more protective option. 

  • Birth - 2 years old: Rear-facing infant or convertible child safety seat.

  • At least 2 years old: Forward-facing safety seat that features an internal harness ONLY IF the child exceeds the manufacturer's height or weight limits of the rear-facing safety seat.

  • At least 4 years old: Belt-positioning booster seat (backless or high-backed) ONLY IF the child has outgrown the height and weight limits of the forward-facing safety seat.

  • At least 9 years old OR has outgrown the booster seat AND can pass the 5-Step Test: Lap-shoulder belt or belt-positioning booster seat. (It is also recommended that the child be at least 4 ft 9 inches tall).

  • Per guidelines set up by the NHTSA, the LA DHS recommends keeping your child in the back seat through the age of 13 years old at least.

  • If you're convicted of a child safety seat offense, you have the possibility of being ticketed and fined, with your fine amounts increasing for subsequent violations.

• Motorcycle operation

  • To earn your motorcycle license endorsement from the LA OMV, you must pass:

    • A vision test.

    • A written knowledge test.

    AND

    • A riding skills test.

    NOTE: If you complete a Louisiana DPS motorcycle safety course, you DO NOT have to take the written or riding skills tests.

    Written Knowledge Test

    The written test asks questions based on the information in the motorcycle manual.

    You may be asked about topics such as:

    • How motorcycles work.

    • When to use certain equipment.

    • Correct and safe operation.

    • LA laws or traffic rules related to motorcycles.

    DMV practice tests can help you get ready for the Louisiana OMV exam, as well as reading and studying the manual.

    Riding Skills Test

    The riding skills test requires you to perform specific exercises on your motorcycle while an examiner evaluates your ability.

    You may be asked to:

    • Stop normally and/or quickly.

    • Turn normally and/or quickly.

    • Accelerate safely.

    • Choose an appropriate speed.

    The Louisiana motorcycle operator manual provides more details about the riding skills test.

• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

  • New drivers with “learner's" or “intermediate" licenses and those under 17 years old are prohibited from using a wireless communication device while driving in Louisiana. The maximum fine for new drivers who violate the cell phone law is $175.

    Louisiana also has a statewide ban on the use of wireless devices for writing, sending, or reading text-based communications while driving, regardless of age.

    School Zones and Cell Phone Use

    If you're driving through a school zone during posted hours, it is against the law to use your cell phone or other mobile device for any reason, including:

    • Making a phone call.

    • Texting.

    • Social networking.

    The only exceptions to this rule are if:

    • You need to report an emergency (including traffic hazards or accidents).

    • Your personal safety is at risk.

    • You need to report or avert a criminal act against someone (including yourself).

    • You are legally parked.

    • You operate an emergency vehicle and must use your cell phone as part of your job.

    If you are caught illegally using your cell phone in a school zone, you will be charged with a moving violation. The fine for a first offense is $175 and any second or subsequent offenses carry a fine of up to $500.

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your Louisiana at the Distraction.gov State Laws.