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)]
Barrow HB No. 962
Abstract: Provides for the definition of speed traps and prohibits them in the state.
Proposed law defines a "speed trap" as either a particular section of a highway measured as to
distance and with boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise determined in order that the speed
of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known
distance, or a particular section of the highway with a prima facie speed limit as provided by
statute or local ordinance, if that prima facie speed limit is not justified by an engineering and
traffic survey conducted within five to seven, as specified prior to the date of an alleged
violation, and enforcement of the speed limit involves the use of radar or any other electronic
device that measures the speed of moving objects.
Proposed law prohibits a peace officer or other authorized officer from using a speed trap in
arresting any person for an alleged violation. Also prohibits a peace officer or other authorized
officer from using a speed trap to secure evidence as to the speed of a vehicle for the purpose of
an arrest or prosecution.
Proposed law provides that the law prohibiting officers from using a speed trap in arrests shall
not apply to a local street, road, or school zone or when an arresting officer is able to demonstrate
that the driver's speed exceeded the prima facie speed limit by at least 15 mph and that speed is
greater than is reasonable and prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on,
and the surface and width of, the highway, or at a speed that endangers the safety of persons or
property.
(Adds R.S. 32:66)