Right of way and other laws you should know

Key points

1. The law says who must yield, but it does not give anyone the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “The law says who must yield the right-of-way to another roadway user; it does not give anyone the right-of-way.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 93

2. The driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic, including bicyclists.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “the driver making a left turn must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic, including bicyclists.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 93

3. Yield to pedestrians legally crossing, in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “To pedestrians legally crossing the roadway on which you are driving (marked or unmarked crosswalks).”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 93

4. At a T intersection, yield to vehicles on the through road.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “At "T" intersections where you must yield to vehicles on the through road”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 93

5. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection together, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 93

   “When two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 93

6. All drivers must yield to vehicles in a funeral procession.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “Funeral processions require all operators of motor vehicles to yield the right-of-way to the vehicles participating in a funeral procession.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 97

7. No more than three persons may ride in the front seat of a moving vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 96

   “It is against the law for more than three persons to occupy the front seat of a moving vehicle.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 96

8. Wearing headphones in both ears while driving is prohibited.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “Wearing headphones (headset, headphone, or listening devise other than a hearing aid) in both ears is prohibited.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 97

9. Drivers below 17 may not drive from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless a qualified adult is with them.

   Source: Handbook p. 97

   “Drivers below age 17 are prohibited from driving between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or adult at least 21 years of age”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 97

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. At a simultaneous intersection approach, which driver must yield?

   1. Both drivers must proceed together
   2. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
   3. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
   4. The larger vehicle always goes first
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When two vehicles approach an intersection together, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. This rule resolves a simultaneous-arrival conflict without relying on vehicle size or asking both drivers to enter together. Reversing the sides changes who must yield and is therefore unsafe. The cue is to locate your vehicle relative to the other one: if you are on the left, wait and allow the vehicle on your right to proceed.

2. 2. You are driving on a road that ends at a T intersection. To whom must you yield the right-of-way?

   1. To vehicles on the through road
   2. To vehicles on your right, as at a four-way stop
   3. To no one, if you reach the intersection first
   4. Only to vehicles turning into your road
   Show answer

   To vehicles on the through road. Louisiana's right-of-way list says that at a T intersection you must yield to vehicles on the through road. When your road is the one that ends, traffic on the road that continues goes first. Reaching the intersection first does not change this. The rule about yielding to the vehicle on your right is for two vehicles that approach an intersection at the same time, which is a different situation. The guide also reminds drivers that the law does not give anyone the right-of-way; it only says who must yield. Wait until you can enter the through road safely.

3. 3. What must other drivers do when encountering a funeral procession?

   1. Pass the procession on the shoulder
   2. Enter the line whenever a gap appears
   3. Use the horn to make the procession stop
   4. Yield the right-of-way to the vehicles in the procession
   Show answer

   Yield the right-of-way to the vehicles in the procession. Louisiana requires all motor-vehicle operators to yield the right-of-way to vehicles participating in a funeral procession. Entering a gap, forcing the line to stop, or passing on the shoulder disrupts the procession and creates unpredictable movements. Slow down, remain patient, and wait until the procession has passed before proceeding. The guide also notes that procession vehicles use headlights and emergency lights, which can help identify the group. Treat the line as a continuous movement rather than as separate vehicles that can be cut between.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapter 6: Traffic Laws and Regulations. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.