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.”
   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. When making a left turn, to whom must the driver yield in Louisiana?

   1. Only vehicles approaching from behind
   2. Oncoming traffic, including bicyclists
   3. Only pedestrians on the far sidewalk
   4. No one if the turn signal is activated
   Show answer

   Oncoming traffic, including bicyclists. The driver making a left turn must yield right of way to oncoming traffic, including bicyclists. A turn signal communicates intent but does not give the turning vehicle priority. Checking only behind misses the road users who may conflict with the turn, and limiting the rule to pedestrians ignores the manual's explicit reference to oncoming traffic and bicyclists. Wait for a safe gap, scan for people and bicycles, and complete the turn only when the path is clear. The central cue is that a left turn crosses opposing movement.

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.