HLS 10RS-123 ENGROSSED
Page 1 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE BILL NO. 1121
BY REPRESENTATIVE WADDELL
TRAFFIC: To require bicycles to have rear flashing lights
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 32:329(B) and to enact R.S. 32:329(C), (D), and (E), relative to2
bicycle lights; to provide relative to flashing red lamps on the rear of bicycles; to3
provide for time requirements for installation of red flashing lamps; and to provide4
for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 32:329(B) is hereby amended and reenacted and R.S. 32:329(C), (D),7
and (E) are hereby enacted to read as follows:8
ยง329. Bicycles; front lamps; side and rear reflectors; rear flashing lamps9
* * *10
B. Every bicycle when in use at nighttime on a state highway, parish road,11
or city street, in addition to the requirements of Subsection A of this Section, shall12
be equipped with a lamp emitting a red flashing light on the rear of the bicycle,13
which shall be visible from all distances within six hundred feet to one hundred feet14
when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. 15
B C. After December 31, 1974, no person shall sell or offer for sale any16
bicycle unless such bicycle is equipped with at least one red reflector on the rear and17
one reflector on each side as required by this Section. This Section shall not apply18
to bicycles while engaged in sanctioned competition races.19 HLS 10RS-123 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 1121
Page 2 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
D. After December 31, 2010, no person shall operate any bicycle at1
nighttime on a state highway, parish road, or city street, unless such bicycle is2
equipped with at least one lamp emitting a red flashing light on the rear as required3
by Subsection B of this Section. This Section shall not apply to bicycles while4
engaged in sanctioned competition races.5
E.(1) Any person who violates Subsection B of this Section subsequent to6
August 15, 2010, and prior to December 31, 2010, shall be given a warning ticket7
only. Subsequent to December 31, 2010, any person who violates Subsection B of8
this Section shall be subject to the following penalties:9
(a) Upon conviction of a first offense, the fine shall be twenty-five dollars10
which shall include all costs of court.11
(b) Upon conviction of a second offense, the fine shall be fifty dollars which12
shall include all costs of court.13
(c) Upon conviction of a third offense, the fine shall be fifty dollars plus all14
costs of court.15
(2) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, no other cost or fee shall16
be assessed against any person for a violation of Subsection B of this Section.17
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Waddell HB No. 1121
Abstract: Requires that every bicycle used at nighttime on a state highway, parish road, or
city street be equipped with a lamp which emits a flashing red light on the rear of the
bicycle. Provides for time requirements for installation of rear lamp.
Present law requires every bicycle when in use at nighttime to be equipped with a lamp on
the front that emits a white light from a distance of 500 feet to the front and a red reflector
on the rear and a reflector on each side facing outward at a right angle to the bicycle frame
which shall be visible from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly
in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
Proposed law retains present law except that it requires every bicycle when in use at
nighttime on a state highway, parish road, or city street to be equipped with a rear lamp that
emits a red flashing light to be approved by the department. HLS 10RS-123 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 1121
Page 3 of 3
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Proposed law prohibits the use of any bicycle on a state highway, parish road, or city street
after Dec. 31, 2010, unless the bicycle is equipped with at least one lamp emitting a red
reflector flashing light on the rear.
Proposed law provides for a warning for a violation prior to Dec. 31, 2010, thereafter it shall
be a $25 fine for a 1st conviction; $50 for a second conviction; $50 for a third conviction
plus all court costs. Further provides that no other cost or fee shall be assessed.
(Amends R.S. 32:329(B); Adds R.S. 32:329(C), (D), and (E))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways
and Public Works to the original bill.
1. Changed the requirement for the use of red flashing lights from anytime to
nighttime use only.
2. Removed requirement that the red flashing light shall be visible from within 600
feet to the rear.