Louisiana § RS 34:851.21 - Numbering system
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 34:851.21 — Numbering system, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 34:851.21. Numbering system
A. The motorboat, houseboat, or sailboat identification number issued by the commission pursuant to this Part shall be divided into parts which include a symbol indicating the state and a combination of numerals, letters, and words indicating the individual identification of the motorboat, houseboat, or sailboat. The group of three digits appearing between letters shall be separated from those letters by hyphens or equivalent spaces. Numbers shall be block characters not less than three inches in height and of a color to contrast on the hull, dark on light or light on dark or as otherwise provided by rules and regulations of the commission.
B.(1) "LA" shall be the symbol indicating Louisiana.
(2) The second part of the motorboat, houseboat, or sailboat number shall consist of not more than four Arabic numerals and not more than two capital letters as a suffix separated by a hyphen or equivalent space. Since the letters "I", "O", and "Q" may be mistaken for numerals, they shall not be used.
(3) Motorboats, houseboats, or sailboats for hire or rent shall have painted or attached to each side of the bow the word "HIRE" in letters of not less than one and one-half inches which shall appear below the awarded number.
(4) Motorboats, houseboats, or sailboats owned by the state or any of its political subdivisions shall have painted or attached to each side of the bow the word "PUBLIC" in letters of not less than one and one-half inches which shall appear below the awarded number except when used for undercover or investigative work.
Acts 1990, No. 894, §1; Acts 2018, No. 628, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 34:851.21
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 34:851.21 cover?
Section RS 34:851.21 ("Numbering system") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 34:851.21?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 34:851.21" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 34:851.21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.