New Orleans has a reputation for good times and a rather laissez-faire attitude when it comes to some things, but there are some lesser-known vehicle laws in the city that could land you with a ticket and a hefty fine.
Here are three things you might not know are illegal in New Orleans:
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- Dark Window Tint: Tinted windows may be cool in the summer and a good way to minimize sun damage to your car’s interior, but if you tint your windows too dark, it’s also an easy way to get in trouble. In Louisiana, tint is measured by the percentage of visible light transmission. The magic numbers in Louisiana are 40 percent on the two front side windows, 25 percent for rear side windows, and a minimum of 12 percent for the rear windshield.The first violation for illegal tint carries a $150 fine, but the amount can increase to $350 for repeat offenses. The company that installed the tint on your windows can also face a fine.
- Covering your license plate: State law requires that vehicle license plates are clearly displayed without obstruction. According to Louisiana State Police, if the numbers or letters on your license plate are unreadable in any way, you can get a ticket. The law states that “permanent registration license plates assigned to a trailer, semitrailer, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle shall be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle and remain clearly visible and free from any foreign material.” Not only must you refrain from plate covers and novelty frames that hamper visibility of the plate, you also are responsible for cleaning dirt, mud or other substances that could be hiding the license plate. There are obvious obstructions like tinted, blurred or mirrored license plates, but State Police warn that even clear plate covers can be scratched, become yellow, or cloudy over time. You can still get a ticket. Police also warn that “the built in reflectivity of license plates can be significantly diminished by covers, preventing a clear view of the tag information during dark conditions.” You also have to make sure you have a working white light on your license plate so it is well-illuminated.
- Playing loud music: It’s not uncommon to hear loud, lively music blaring from the speakers of vehicles all across New Orleans. But if that music is louder than 85 decibels, then you could be in for a disturbing the peace by excessive noise citation. This loud music law applies if you’re driving on a public street, or sitting in a public park. If you’re within 10 feet of the entrance to a hospital or church, the decibel maximum is lowered to 55. If you are busted for excessive noise, you could be hit with a hefty fine.
