New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States – people often describe it as another culture altogether. If you visit New Orleans, you’ll notice the large French influence in the architecture and cuisine – you wouldn’t believe this historic city is right next to Texas. Those who live in the area know how special it is. If you’re a resident of New Orleans, you know how vital a vehicle is – especially if you live on the outskirts of the city. Auto insurance is a huge cost for many people – you don’t want to spend more money than you have to on your auto insurance policy. In this article, we’ll take a look at auto insurance in New Orleans to help you opt for the best policy on the market. We’ll also provide you with all the information you need to better navigate the roads and road laws in New Orleans. Make sure to check out our content below!

New Orleans: Driving Conditions in the City

Traffic in New Orleans is terrible. This is true for most areas of the city – especially during peak travel times. Because of the large number of commuters and out-of-town visitors, traffic can sometimes be brought to a standstill. If you want to avoid issues related to traffic in New Orleans, make sure to check local traffic reports and avoid congested areas when you can.

The other major problem in New Orleans comes down to weather. While wintery conditions are rare, large storms and hurricanes can be a regular occurrence. In fact, New Orleans is famous for being a victim of one of America’s most deadly storms – Hurricane Katrina. The city is very prone to flooding due to its proximity to the gulf and below sea level altitude. Make sure to pay attention to weather reports and park your vehicle on elevated surfaces during storms. If you want to avoid the cost of flooding, a comprehensive insurance plan should typically cover this form of damage.

Driving Safely in New Orleans, Louisiana

As you can tell, there are plenty of hazards on New Orleans roads – but you still need to worry about road laws and rules if you want to avoid trouble. Different states in the United States have different rules. If you want to be as vigilant as possible on the roads, you need to know the specific laws and rules in the state and city you’re driving in. Having a clear record is also one of the best ways to make sure that you have low insurance premiums.

Phone/Handheld Laws in New Orleans

Louisiana has strict laws aimed at combatting distracted drivers in the state. You are not allowed to use your phone to text or look at social media – there are large fines for those who are caught. You may even be fined up to $500 on your first offense – a substantial amount of money. In addition, you are not allowed to talk on the phone at all if you’re under the age of 18.  The same goes for anyone who has been driving for under a year. Distracted driving causes countless deaths each year – it’s important to take these rules seriously, for both your safety and your wallet!

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws in New Orleans

Like its neighbor Texas, Louisiana has strict seat belt laws. All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt – this doesn’t change if you are in the front or rear of the vehicle. In terms of car seats, things get a little more complicated. Children under the age of one must be in a rear-facing infant seat while in a vehicle. Those older than one and under the age of four must ride in a forward-facing car seat. Those between four and six must be in a belt-positioning booster seat. And those between six and eight must be in a lap-shoulder belt or belt-positioning booster seat. A form of car seat or booster seat must be used until a child reaches 4’ 9”.

Helmet Laws in New Orleans

Unlike some states in the USA, all motorcycle riders in Louisiana are required to wear helmets. If you do not wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, you can be fined – this applies to operators and passengers. Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle drastically improves your chances of surviving an accident. Don’t discount how vital it is to wear a helmet.

Alcohol and Drug Laws (Driving)

As I’m sure you’re aware, intoxicated driving is a huge problem for many police officers around the country. In order to give the police the ability to convict impaired drivers, the state of Louisiana has strict intoxication laws. If you are over the age of 21, the BAC limit in Louisiana is .08. For those who are driving under the age of 21, the BAC limit is reduced to .02. If you refuse to take a breath test, you will receive a one year license ban on your first offense. Those who receive a DWI in Louisiana face up to a year’s license suspension, up to six months of jail, and up to $1,000 in fines. Those who are repeat offenders will face way harsher punishments.

New Orleans Statistics

New Orleans is one of the most dangerous cities in the world – it consistently scores as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. If you want to avoid problems from crime, make sure to have a comprehensive insurance plan that protects against car theft and vandalism. Also, make sure to park your vehicle in a secured area if possible.

Verdict

Auto insurance isn’t a fun subject to talk about, but you can save a lot of money if you know where to look for the best quotes. Make sure to check out all the information on our site if you want understand auto insurance in more depth. In addition, we have other city-specific pages that can help you find information on different areas. We partner with some of the best auto insurance companies in the industry – check them out!