Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Louisiana, United States

For most motorcyclists, their immediate concerns are getting to a destination as quickly as possible, keeping an eye on the road for hazards, and enjoying the riding experience. But to get to that point, you would first have to learn how to operate a motorcycle. This journey would involve getting comfortable with the controls, becoming familiar with conduct on the road, and practicing how to ride safely. Depending on where you are going, there may be other restrictions and regulations to keep in mind.

So that you have a better idea of how riders are supposed to act and get their credentials in Louisiana, read this article on Louisiana’s motorcycle laws and licensing process.

In anticipation of any motorcycle accidents where you are directly involved, you must be in possession of Louisiana motorcycle insurance upon finishing your vehicle’s registration. You will need it to help reduce the financial burden of paying for damages and medical expenses and show that you have the finances to pay in the event of a motorcycle accident. You should always carry proof of ownership as you will face repercussions if you cannot show you have Louisiana motorcycle insurance.

If you do not want to spend a lot of your finances on motorcycle insurance, you can settle for paying for the minimum values:

• $15,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident

• $30,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident

• $25,000 for property damages sustained per accident

The required Louisiana liability insurance coverage is intended for other affected parties. It provides compensation for medical bills or loss of property related to an accident. Therefore, you should consider optional insurance coverage that offers additional services should your motorcycle be severely damaged:

• Collision coverage

• Uninsured coverage

• Underinsured coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Medical payments coverage

• Towing and labor coverage

Every rider in Louisiana has to strap on a motorcycle helmet that provides reliable defense for both your head and neck.

Because it is mandatory to have a motorcycle helmet on, the number of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents in Louisiana is not as high compared to other states. While they cannot provide complete protection, they have been instrumental in preventing severe or fatal injuries. Statistics in recent years have shown how they have been beneficial to motorcyclists in Louisiana:

• In 2019, only 81 motorcyclists out of more than 1,100 were killed in collisions

• In 2019, 85% of those involved in accidents were wearing motorcycle helmets

• Over the last five years, the rate of motorcycle fatalities decreased by 16% and the rate of motorcycle injuries decreased by 25%

Though motorcycle helmets may differ in design and features, the two that are best to use in Louisiana are the three-quarter and full-face helmets. Make sure that either one of them has been approved and made with quality materials by the Snell Memorial Foundation and the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

If you are within the age range of 15 and older, you can apply for a Louisiana motorcycle instruction permit which includes paying a fee of $12.

Listed below are the requirements you need to fulfill to obtain a Louisiana instruction permit:

*It is not required of applicants 18 years old or older to acquire an intermediate license nor enroll in a motorcycle safety course. Applicants can benefit from additional education and practice, but only if they wish to spend more time prepping before taking the Louisiana motorcycle license test. 

You can apply for your Louisiana motorcycle endorsement upon reaching the age of 17 and have held onto the Louisiana motorcycle instruction permit for the required amount of time. Pay a fee of $12 to finish having the endorsement added to your current Louisiana driver’s license.

Listed below is the preparation you need to make before you are considered eligible for a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement:

*If applicants 18 years old or older submit proof of completion for a motorcycle safety course, they have the option of waiving the skill test. 

Written Portion:

• Complete 25 multiple-choice questions

• Questions will be based on content from Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual

• Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

Riding Portion:

• Will be conducted in an actual traffic environment or a controlled, off-street area 

• Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of motorcycle operation

• You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, braking, turning, stopping, and swerving

• The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers

You are not allowed to carry any children under the age of five on your motorcycle.

To ensure safe and secure seating for your motorcycle passenger, your vehicle must have installed hand straps, footrests, and a fixed passenger seat. The passenger seat can either be positioned:

• At the back of a large driver’s seat

• Towards the rear with a separate saddle

• Fixed to the side as a sidecar

Any young children over the age of five can only ride with you if they can plant their feet flat against the footrests and have an appropriate protective headgear on at all times. For everyone else, they must be able to meet the following criteria to be qualified to ride with you:

• Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests

• Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet

• Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages

• Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

• Your motorcycle should only be able to transport one other person

In Louisiana, motorcyclists cannot try to lane split at slow or high speeds. While lane splitting can offer a faster alternative when heavy traffic is in the way, traveling in between rows of vehicles is just an accident waiting to happen. Not only would you be out of their view, but it would be impossible to get out of the way should a car try to change lanes without knowing you are there.

Therefore, motorcyclists are not allowed to engage in the following behavior:

• You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines between lanes

• You cannot ride in between adjacent rows of vehicles that are stopped

• You cannot overtake another vehicle sharing the same lane 

However, riders can make use of the increased mobility afforded to their motorcycles in other ways. As motorcycles are their class of motor vehicles, they can take advantage of specific rules of the road not afforded to cars or trucks. So long as there is little risk of crashing, you can attempt to do the following:

• You are allowed to make full use of the space within your current lane 

• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:

  • Both parties stay apart at least two abreast

  • Both parties consent beforehand

As the owner of a two-wheeler, you need to check on the condition of your motorcycle at least once a year. It is best to conduct inspections as frequently as possible to ensure your motorcycle’s primary components are working properly. Neglecting the machinery could result in it stopping while you are traveling and increase the risk of you getting into an accident. Plus, any visible signs of your motorcycle experiencing mechanical failure could result in you being stopped by Louisiana’s police.

• Horn

• Wheels

• Tires

• Handlebars 

•  Brake(s) 

• Controls

• Headlight

•  Taillight 

•  Stoplight 

• License Plate Light

•  Reflector 

• Exhaust System

•  Muffler 

•  Rearview mirrors 

•  Windshield

• Louisiana Motorcycle Operator Manual
• Louisiana State Legislature - Revised Statutes - Title 32
• Louisiana Department of Insurance - Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance