Senate Bill No. 138, introduced by Senator Cathey, aims to enhance speed enforcement measures in Louisiana by amending existing laws related to automated speed enforcement devices and school zone markings. The bill modifies R.S. 32:47(A)(3), (4), and (5) to remove the requirement for signs indicating the presence of speed enforcement devices to be bright yellow and instead mandates that pavement word markings comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for school zones. Specifically, it replaces the previous requirements for painted yellow stripes and white lettering with pavement markings that align with federal standards. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that nothing in this section shall require traffic control devices or pavement markings that are inconsistent with the MUTCD.

Furthermore, the bill repeals R.S. 32:43(A)(4), which previously provided exemptions for certain municipalities regarding the use of automated speed enforcement devices on interstate highways. This repeal removes the exemption for municipalities with populations between 15,000 and 16,000 located in parishes with populations between 70,000 and 90,000, thereby standardizing the enforcement of speed regulations across all local authorities. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB138 Original: 32:47(A)(3), 32:43(A)(4)