The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Alden A. Clement Jr.
DIGEST
SB 68 Original 2018 Regular Session Claitor
Present law provides that any person operating a motor vehicle on the public roads of this state is
to drive in a careful and prudent manner, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any
person. Present law further provides that failure to drive in such a manner constitutes careless
operation.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that present law relative to careless operation includes the
operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that creates a wake during flood conditions.
Present law provides that a first violation of present law is punishable by a fine of up to $175, or
imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. Present law provides that a subsequent violation is
punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that careless operation of a watercraft is the operation of a watercraft in a
careless manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person, when such operation
constitutes a violation of any requirements for the operation of a watercraft as enumerated in present
law.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that careless operation of a watercraft includes the
operation of a watercraft when such operation creates a wake during flood conditions that endangers
the life, limb, or property of any person.
Present law provides that the crime of careless operation of a watercraft is punishable by a fine of
up to $300, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Proposed law retains present law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 32:58(A); adds R.S. 34:851.4(A)(21))