Louisiana § RS 30:2478 - Financial responsibility
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 30:2478 — Financial responsibility, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 30:2478. Financial responsibility
A. Each owner or operator of a tank vessel with a capacity to carry ten thousand gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo subject to the provisions of this Chapter operating within coastal waters or a terminal facility shall maintain and furnish evidence of their financial responsibility for costs and damages from unauthorized discharges of oil in accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-380).
B. If a tank vessel with a capacity to carry ten thousand gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo covered by this Chapter or terminal facility is not required under federal law to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility, the owner or operator of that vessel or terminal facility shall establish and maintain evidence in a form prescribed by rules promulgated under this Chapter that such registrant or vessel has the ability to meet liability that may be incurred under this Chapter.
C. After an unauthorized discharge of oil, a vessel shall remain in the jurisdiction of the coordinator until the owner, operator, or person in charge has shown the coordinator evidence of financial responsibility. The coordinator may not detain the vessel longer than twelve hours after proving financial responsibility.
D. In addition to any other remedy or enforcement provision, the coordinator may suspend a registrant's discharge prevention and response certificate or may deny a vessel entry into any port in waters of the state for failure to comply with this Section.
Acts 1991, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 7, §1, eff. April 23, 1991.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 30:2478
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 30:2478 cover?
Section RS 30:2478 ("Financial responsibility") 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 30:2478?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 30:2478" (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 30:2478 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.