Motor Vehicles

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. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. 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.

The first step to registering your new vehicle is to download and complete the vehicle application. Forms and specific information is available on the DMV website.

The following documents will be required to accompany your application:

• Current, completed, and notarized Certificate of Title.
• Notarized Bill of Sale or invoice with the seller's and buyer's signatures and selling price.
• Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement if the vehicle is less than 10 years old; otherwise, a separate statement will suffice.
• Proof of liability insurance if the vehicle was purchased outright from an individual; if purchased from a dealer to make payments, proof of full coverage insurance.

On base all occupants are required to wear safety belts and cell phone use is strictly prohibited while operating a motor vehicle.

Motorcycles 

Motorcycles are authorized aboard NAS JRB New Orleans following the completion of a motorcycle safety course and receiving a completion card for endorsement.  Motorcycles require helmet, fluorescent vest, gloves, boots, long sleeve shirt and/or jacket and long pants. 

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 that all children under 60 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

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. DMV website.

Safety informational updates are communicated frequently at NAS JRB New Orleans. It is important however, that motor vehicle operators and drivers on official business, either onsite or offsite, be mindful and aware of the basic requirements and expectations of the Traffic Safety Program.

The wearing of portable earphones, or other listening devices while operating a motor vehicle, jogging, bicycling, or skating on Naval Installation streets or roads is prohibited.

Motor vehicle operators must have a valid state driver's license for the type and class of vehicle which they are operating. It must specify any restrictions.

Drivers and operators must comply with all state motor vehicle laws.

Drivers must be responsible for safe operations and the safety of passengers and cargo.

Drivers must report all GMV mishaps they are involved in to their supervisor.

Open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in vehicles.

Drivers must strictly comply with posted speed limits.

The use of seat belts by all occupants of motor vehicles, including small carryall vehicles and golf carts (where installed) is mandatory. Children under the age of four or weighing less than 40 pounds shall be secured in an infant or child restraint device approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing in a designated crosswalk or lane, Remember what your mother told you “LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET”.

Riding in the open bed of pickup trucks is prohibited.

Motorcycle operators shall successfully complete Motor Safety Foundation's Basic or Experienced Riders Course or a similar approved training course. Contact the NAS JRB Safety Office for information.

Fluorescent or reflective vests provided by your commands shall be worn by all individuals exposed to traffic hazards as part of their assigned duties anywhere on a naval installation

NAS JRB New Orleans provides the American Automobile Association Driver Improvement Training (AAA DIP) at no expense to applicable persons. To enroll contact the NAS JRB Safety Office at (504) 678-3331.

Child Safety Restraints

Every driver in Louisiana who transports a child under the age of 13 years in a motor vehicle shall have the child secured. A child younger than 6 years of age or weighing 60 pounds or less shall be in a child restraint as follows:

• Child younger than 1 year of age or weighs less than 20 pounds shall be in a rear-facing child safety seat.
• Child who is at least 1 year of age but younger than 4 years or who weighs at least 20 pounds but less than 40 pounds shall be in a forward-facing child safety seat.
• Child who is at least 4 years of age but younger than 6 years of age or who weighs at least 40 pounds but not more than 60 pounds shall be in a child booster seat.
• Child who is at least 6 years of age or weighs more than 60 pounds shall be restrained with the motor vehicle's safety belt adjusted and fastened around the child's body or in an appropriately fitting child booster seat.
• Child who because of age or weight can be placed in more than one category shall be placed in the more protective category.

Transportation Safety Services (TSS)

Transportation Safety Services (TSS) within the Louisiana State Police Patrol Division is comprised of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, which includes the Motor Carrier Safety Unit, Towing and Recovery Unit, and Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit. Together they fall under the command of the TSS Command Inspector and are responsible for the enforcement of all applicable Federal and State regulations that relate to the commercial motor transportation industry. The primary mission of the TSS is maintaining the safety of those traveling our roadways through education, uniform enforcement of applicable regulations, and partnerships with industry and our State and Federal counterparts.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED)

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) within Transportation Safety Services (TSS) is comprised of the Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), the Towing and Recovery Unit (TRU), and the Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit (MVI). Each of these units works to improve public safety by working with industry to gain compliance with the applicable Federal and State regulations through education and uniform enforcement. The CVED is under the command of a State Police Captain and is staffed by a team of approximately 100 commissioned and 30 non-commissioned personnel under the oversight of the TSS Command Inspector.

Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU)

MCSU - History

In 1985, the State of Louisiana entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to uniformly enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations (FHMR). With the formation of the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), the State agreed to strict requirements established by the USDOT for the inspection of commercial motor vehicles and drivers and for the reporting of all applicable data generated from these inspections.

The primary objective of Louisiana’s MCSU was to reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle crashes within the State. To facilitate this objective the LSP launched a program of roadside safety inspections, compliance reviews and educational outreach initiatives.

Only officers certified by the FMCSA may enforce the FMCSR and the FHMR.225-925-6113.

Fax Number: 225-922-3120
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Mailing Address
P. O. Box 66614
Mail Slip A-26
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Towing & Recovery Unit
Physical Address
7919 Independence Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Contact Information
Louisiana State Police, Towing & Recovery Unit
225-925-6113
towingandrecovery@dps.la.gov

Resources

• Online list of requirements
• List of motor vehicle inspection stations

Motor Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Public Safety & Corrections, Louisiana State Police

Individuals with vehicles registered in New Orleans, Kenner or Westwego cannot have their vehicle inspected at a state inspection station. These individuals should contact their city government.

All vehicles registered in the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge must be inspected in one of those same five (5) parishes. The cost for an inspection in these five (5) parishes will be: $18.00 (Tax shall not be charged); the cost for an inspection in all other parishes will be: $10.00 (Tax shall not be charged).

At the time of a vehicle inspection all drivers must present:

• Valid driver's license
• Current vehicle registration
• Current valid insurance