Louisiana's primary keep-right and left-lane rule is found in Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:71.
On multilane highways, a vehicle generally may not be driven in the left-hand lane except when directed otherwise, preparing for a left turn, overtaking and passing another vehicle, or when the right-hand lanes are congested.
A driver using the left lane may not impede another vehicle traveling behind in the same lane. If a driver in the left lane is blocking an overtaking vehicle, the driver must expeditiously merge into the right lane.
Louisiana also provides that a vehicle traveling in the left lane may not travel more slowly than a vehicle traveling to its right on the same roadway.
Vehicles traveling below the normal speed of traffic must use the right-hand lane available for traffic, except when passing or preparing for a left turn.
Louisiana further requires any vehicle traveling below the posted maximum speed limit on a multilane highway to use the right-hand lane, except when passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
This makes Louisiana one of the stronger keep-right states because the law directly limits ordinary left-lane travel and requires drivers blocking overtaking traffic to move right.
Exceptions
- Overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction.
- Preparing for a lawful left turn at an intersection, private road or driveway.
- Following a lawful direction requiring another lane.
- Right-hand lanes are congested.
- A declared state of emergency when contraflow has been activated.
Penalties
A violation of Louisiana's right-lane requirement for vehicles traveling below the posted maximum speed limit carries a fine of $150 for a first offense.
A second offense within 12 months of the first carries a fine of $250.
A third subsequent offense within 12 months of the first carries a fine of $350, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Official Source
Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:71 - Driving on Right Side of Road; Exceptions
Last verified: October 11, 2026