HLS 10RS-1241 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE BILL NO. 594
BY REPRESENTATIVE BILLIOT
TRAFFIC: Provides for traffic regulation at intersection when traffic control signal is
inoperative
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 32:232.1, relative to inoperative traffic signals; to provide for2
procedures for the operator of a motor vehicle to follow when a traffic signal is3
inoperative at an intersection; and to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. RS. 32:232.1 is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:6
ยง232.1. Vehicle approaching intersection in which traffic lights are inoperative7
A. Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic-8
control traffic control signal is not functioning at an intersection, and the signal lights9
are completely dark, the intersection shall revert to an all-way stop and traffic shall10
proceed in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 32:121(A).11
B. Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic12
control signal is flashing yellow, it shall be treated as a "caution" sign in accordance13
with the provisions of R.S. 32:234.14
C. Unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic15
control signal is flashing red, it shall be treated as a stop sign in accordance with the16
provisions of R.S. 32:234.17
Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not18
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature19
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If20
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become21
effective on the day following such approval.22 HLS 10RS-1241 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 594
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
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)]
Billiot HB No. 594
Abstract: Provides for traffic regulation at an intersection when traffic control signal is
inoperative.
Present law provides that unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a
traffic control signal is not functioning at an intersection, the intersection shall revert to an
all-way stop. Traffic shall proceed when two or more vehicles approach or enter the
intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the vehicle on the left
shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
Proposed law retains present law but clarifies that a traffic light is inoperative when the
traffic signal lights are completely dark.
Proposed law adds two additional procedures for drivers of motor vehicles to follow under
the following circumstances:
(1)Provides that unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic
control signal is flashing yellow, drivers of motor vehicles may proceed through or
past such signal with caution.
(2)Provides that unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, when a traffic
control signal is flashing red, drivers of motor vehicles shall stop before entering the
nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line that is marked, or if there is no
limit line before entering the intersection, shall proceed to the right and come to a
complete stop and after carefully observing the area for motor vehicles proceed to
move into the intersection.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 32:232.1)