HLS 14RS-1363 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 962
BY REPRESENTATIVE BARROW
TRAFFIC/SPEED LIMITS: Prohibits speed traps in the state
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 32:66, relative to speed limits; to provide for a definition of speed trap; to2
prohibit speed traps in the state; and to provide for related matters.3
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:4
Section 1. R.S. 32:66 is hereby enacted to read as follows:5
ยง66. Speed Traps6
A. A "speed trap" is defined as either a particular section of a highway7
measured as to distance and with boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise8
determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the9
time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance, or a particular section of the10
highway with a prima facie speed limit as provided by statute or local ordinance, if11
that prima facie speed limit is not justified by an engineering and traffic survey12
conducted within the past five to seven years, as specified prior to the date of an13
alleged violation, and enforcement of the speed limit involves the use of radar or any14
other electronic device that measures the speed of moving objects.15
B. No peace officer or other authorized officer shall use a speed trap in16
arresting, or participating or assisting in the arrest of, any person for any alleged17
violation of this Chapter nor shall any speed trap be used in securing evidence as to18
the speed of any vehicle for the purpose of an arrest or prosecution under this19
Chapter.20 HLS 14RS-1363 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 962
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
C. Subsection A of this Section shall not apply to:1
(1) A local street, road, or school zone.2
(2) When an arresting officer is able to demonstrate that the driver's speed3
exceeded the prima facie speed limit by at least fifteen miles per hour and that speed4
is greater than is reasonable and prudent having due regard for weather, visibility,5
the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, or at a speed that endangers6
the safety of persons or property.7
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)