Louisiana § RS 10:4-503 - Responsibility of presenting bank for documents and goods; report of reasons for dishonor; referee in case of need

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 10:4-503 — Responsibility of presenting bank for documents and goods; report of reasons for dishonor; referee in case of need, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 10:4-503. Responsibility of presenting bank for documents and goods; report of reasons for dishonor; referee in case of need

Unless otherwise instructed and except as provided in Chapter 5, a bank presenting a documentary draft:

(1)  must deliver the documents to the drawee on acceptance of the draft if it is payable more than three days after presentment; otherwise, only on payment; and

(2)  upon dishonor, either in the case of presentment for acceptance or presentment for payment, may seek and follow instructions from any referee in case of need designated in the draft or, if the presenting bank does not choose to utilize the referee's services, it must use diligence and good faith to ascertain the reason for dishonor, must notify its transferor of the dishonor and of the results of its effort to ascertain the reasons therefor, and must request instructions.  However the presenting bank is under no obligation with respect to goods represented by the documents except to follow any reasonable instructions seasonably received; it has a right to reimbursement for any expense incurred in following instructions and to prepayment of or indemnity for those expenses.

Acts 1992, No. 1133, §4, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1993, No. 948, §10, eff. Jan. 1, 1994.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 10:4-503

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 10:4-503 cover?

Section RS 10:4-503 ("Responsibility of presenting bank for documents and goods; report of reasons for dishonor; referee in case of need") 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 10:4-503?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 10:4-503" (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 10:4-503 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.