MTR VEHICLE/VIOLATIONS: Provides relative to running red lights (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham and 1 co-sponsor

HB 487 adds a $250 penalty for using the shoulder or turning lane to overtake a vehicle stopped or slowing at a red light when no injury occurs.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.

Summary of HB 487 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Purpose and intent

HB 487 proposes a targeted penalty increase related to red-light violations.

Specifically, it creates a new fine of $250 when a driver uses the shoulder or a turning lane to overtake a vehicle that is stopped or slowing at a red light, provided that there is no injury.

Key provisions and changes

Amends R.S. 32:232 (introductory paragraph) and adds a new subparagraph R.S. 32:232(3)(h).

New provision (3)(h): If a driver enters a shoulder or a turning lane to overtake a vehicle that is stopped or slowing at a red indication, and the incident does not result in an injury, the offender shall be fined $250.

Existing penalties for red-light violations remain in place and are unchanged for cases involving injury, serious bodily injury, or death:

Injury to another person: $200–$500 fine and possible license suspension up to 90 days (or both).
Serious bodily injury: $500–$1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, and possible license suspension up to 180 days (or both).
Death: $1,000–$5,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail, and possible license suspension up to 365 days (or both).

Who is affected

Drivers who commit red-light violations by using the shoulder or turning lane to overtake a vehicle that is stopped or slowing at a red light, and where no injury occurs.

The change adds a distinct, specific penalty separate from the existing injury-based penalties, creating a clearer minor-violation category for this behavior.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was reported favorably by the House (May 18, 2026) and has a clear amendment history showing committee involvement.

It amends the existing traffic-control signal statute (R.S. 32:232) and adds a new subsection.

If enacted, the new fine would apply prospectively to violations meeting the described criteria.

Practical implications

The bill aims to deter unsafe lane-sharing and overtaking from the shoulder or turning lane at red signals where no crash or injury occurs.

It provides a specific monetary penalty to address this behavior without relying solely on the broader red-light violation penalties.

Enforcement could involve citation issuance for shoulder/turning-lane overtaking at red lights when no injury is involved.

Summary

HB 487 adds a $250 penalty for using the shoulder or a turning lane to overtake a vehicle stopped or slowing at a red light, provided no injury occurs. This complements existing red-light violation penalties and targets a particular unsafe maneuver to improve traffic safety.