Some decisions that people make in traffic are blatantly illegal. Drivers understand that they take a risk when they speed or get behind the wheel after drinking. In some cases, drivers intentionally make the decision to break the law. They decide that the risk of a speeding ticket is minor, especially if everyone else maintains a similar speed on the highway.
Other times, they may mistakenly believe inaccurate information about traffic statutes. Rolling stops where drivers slow down but do not fully stop their vehicles are relatively common in Louisiana. In fact, they are so common at red lights and stop signs that some people refer to this maneuver as a “Louisiana stop.”
Is a rolling stop or a Louisiana stop a legal traffic maneuver?
Rolling stops are illegal
Traffic statutes are very clear about how drivers should behave at intersections. Those facing the red light or a stop light should come to a complete stop. The failure to do so is a clear violation of state traffic regulations.
In many cases, running a red light or stop sign without stopping puts a driver at risk of a citation. Failing to stop is also dangerous, as people may not notice approaching vehicles or pedestrians in time. When drivers do not stop at intersections as they should, they can cause crashes that injure other people.
Holding unsafe drivers accountable for the consequences of their questionable and even illegal traffic practices can help people limit the economic harm caused by a motor vehicle collision. When a driver causes a wreck by performing a rolling stop, they are likely at fault for any crash that occurs because of their unsafe habits.