Louisiana expands Move Over Law to include stranded vehicles

Louisiana has implemented an expanded Move Over Law, which took effect on August 1, 2026. Originally focused on emergency vehicles and roadside crews, the updated legislation, known as Act 234 (Senate Bill 40), now extends protections to any disabled, immobilized, or nonoperational vehicle displaying hazard lights, flashing lights, or other emergency warning devices on the roadside.

Under the new regulations, motorists traveling on highways with two or more lanes in the same direction must safely move into a lane away from the stationary vehicle if possible. If changing lanes is not safe, drivers are required to slow to a speed appropriate for the road conditions and proceed with caution. The law maintains existing requirements for motorists to yield the right-of-way to authorized emergency vehicles using audible or visual signals.