§299.  Off-road vehicles; authorization for use on the shoulders of certain public roads and highways; authorization for use on certain public property

A.(1)  Off-road vehicles, including but not limited to three-wheelers, four-wheelers, or other all-terrain vehicles which are not specifically designated for road use may travel on the shoulders of all public roads and highways except interstate highways in the manner provided for in this Section solely for the purposes of farm-related activities within a five-mile radius of a farmer's farm, provided that the operator possesses a valid Class "E" driver's license.  The owner or operator of the off-road vehicle shall carry a copy of the motor vehicle registration, upon his person or on the off-road vehicle, to prove he owns at least one motor vehicle which is registered as a vehicle engaged in the business of actual farming under the provisions of R.S. 47:462.  As an alternative to the ownership of the motor vehicle, the operator of the off-road vehicle may carry a sworn affidavit attesting that he is engaged in the business of actual farming under the provisions of R.S. 47:462.  Any agricultural consultant as defined in R.S. 3:3202 may also operate off-road vehicles for the purposes of farm-related activities within a five-mile radius of a farmer's farm.

(2)  Off-road vehicles may travel on the shoulders of all public roads or highways, except interstate highways, during each day starting thirty minutes after sunrise and ending thirty minutes before sunset.  Incidental crossing of public roads or highways shall be authorized.

(3)  Off-road vehicles may be operated by university or college employees, law enforcement officers, and certified emergency technician-paramedics in the course and scope of their employment while on streets within the boundaries of state-owned colleges and universities.  Incidental crossings of public roads or highways are authorized.

B.  The provisions of this Section do not relieve drivers or operators of the responsibility to comply with all the other applicable provisions of R.S. 32:298 and 301.  However, the provisions of R.S. 32:190 shall not apply to this Section.

C.  Operators of off-road vehicles shall provide, upon demand, proof that the off-road vehicle is covered by valid liability insurance and other proof required in this Section.

D.  The provisions of this Section shall not apply to roads and highways in Orleans Parish.

Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 98, §1, eff. May 5, 1998; Acts 2001, No. 518, §1; Acts 2010, No. 236, §1.