§47. Use of handheld speed recording devices; restrictions
A. Automated speed enforcement devices or mobile speed cameras pursuant to R.S. 32:43 and 45 that are handheld or manned, and issue a citation of an alleged violation by mail, shall only be used by local municipal authorities or local parish authorities in the following instances:
(1) The device or camera is being operated by a trained member of law or traffic enforcement that are sworn or P.O.S.T.-certified. Deputized agents, contractors, subcontractors of an agency, office, local municipality, local authority, or any political subdivision of this state are strictly prohibited from operating handheld or manned devices for the purpose of issuing a citation violation by mail.
(2) The device or camera is not within one half mile of a speed limit change of ten miles per hour or greater. This provision shall not apply to school zones.
(3) There are forty-eight-inch by forty-eight-inch signs, the bottom of which shall be at least seven feet from the ground, indicating that a device or camera is present, no less than five hundred feet and no more than one thousand feet before the device or camera, in a manner as to be clearly visible to approaching traffic. The signs shall be bright yellow and shall read "Photo enforcement devices at use".
(4)(a) If a device or camera is used while in an authorized vehicle, the authorized vehicle shall be clearly marked as a law enforcement vehicle.
(b) If a device or camera is used by a traffic or law enforcement officer while not in a vehicle, the officer shall wear a reflective vest, clearly indicating that the officer is law enforcement or that the officer is conducting speed enforcement measures.
B. Criminal fines or fees shall not be imposed as a result of handheld or manned devices for the purpose of issuing a citation violation by mail, nor shall failure to pay the citation result in reporting to any credit bureaus.
Acts 2024, No. 103, §1, eff. May 21, 2024.