Mardi Gras in New Orleans is just around the corner! So, as you prepare your trip down to the Big Easy for Carnival season, you should be aware of some new changes that will take place this year. Although you will still be allowed to drink alcohol on the streets (for those 21+ years of age), and it will definitely still be a big party that you will remember, there some new ordinances and laws that I should bring to your attention before you arrive in NOLA. You will have a great time visiting New Orleans if you stay out of trouble and follow the rules. As your local criminal defense lawyer for New Orleans, I hope that knowing these laws will help you avoid getting arrested during Mardi Gras.
New Rules at Mardi Gras 2014 New Orleans
On Thursday, January 23, the New Orleans City Council unanimously approved a new set of ordinances that will affect the Mardi Gras experience for many parade goers. Keep in mind that as a visitor, your experience of Mardi Gras may be different than those who are residents—some of these rules may not even affect you. The reason that these new rules were put in place is mainly to ensure that Mardi Gras is safe for everyone. One of the big changes is that ladders will have to be set back at least six feet from the curbs and cannot be in the public’s way of access. Arguably, this also means that ladders will not be permitted in the neutral ground (that’s the median for those of you who are not from here). You cannot have any items such as grills, coolers, tents, tables, chairs or any other furniture in the way of access for the public as well. You will also not be permitted to tape or rope off a spot to watch the parade.
Another change that you should keep in mind, and has always been an unwritten law at Mardi Gras, is that it is illegal to throw back beads at any floats. Actually, you cannot throw anything at any floats or parades. If you are caught throwing an object at a float or even at a parade-walker, then you could receive a $250 fine. This may prove difficult, however, for some floats that encourage revelers to recycle their throws by throwing them back. I’m sure recycling throwing beads back for this purpose will be an unwritten exception to the ordinance.
You are no longer allowed to chain ladders together in order to “save” property. You will also not be permitted to tape or rope off a spot to watch the parade on both the sidewalk and neutral ground. Both are public property.
Staying Safe While Visiting New Orleans for Carnival
In addition to the new laws that have been approved starting in 2014, there are some current laws that you must also keep into consideration while you are partying in the French Quarter or anywhere in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season:
- It is illegal to carry a firearm at a Mardi Gras parade. The New Orleans Police Department are on the lookout for firearms and you can be arrested and brought into Central Lockup if you are caught carrying a firearm at a Mardi Gras parade. The punishment for this could lead to hefty fines and/or imprisonment.
- Do not take your clothes off. If you are visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras for the first time, you may notice that there are not thousands of women lifting their shirts in order to get beads. No, that’s because it’s illegal, even on Bourbon Street. It’s also illegal to pull your pants down and expose yourself in any way, so please keep your clothes on if you want to stay out of legal trouble. It is also illegal to pee in the streets here, but I was happy to see there were portable bathrooms on almost every corner provided by the city.
- Don’t bring or do drugs in New Orleans. Yes, the city of New Orleans likes to party and have a good time…but, legally. Drugs (including marijuana) are still illegal on Mardi Gras and the 364 other days of the year.
Getting Arrested at Mardi Gras
For more information about drinking in New Orleans and during Mardi Gras, please visit my blog post here. We love Carnival season here in the Big Easy and we want our visitors to enjoy themselves, but we also want you to do it safely so you come back again and again. Please keep in mind of the new laws while you are out partying, as well as those traditional laws. For more information about how to stay out of legal trouble in Orleans Parish during Mardi Gras season, please see this blog post. If you or someone you knows is arrested in New Orleans while visiting, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (504) 264-9492 or by e-mail.
