Louisiana § RS 32:155 - Authority to remove vehicles and cargo
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:155 — Authority to remove vehicles and cargo, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 32:155. Authority to remove vehicles and cargo
A. As a result of a motor vehicle crash or incident, any police officer or any person acting at the officer's direction or request may, without the consent of the owner, immediately remove or have removed any vehicle, cargo, or other movable property that has been damaged or spilled upon the roadway or shoulder of the roadway which constitutes a hazard or obstructs traffic when such removal will improve public health or safety and reduce crash- or incident-related traffic congestion and delay.
B. When a motor vehicle crash or traffic incident occurs during peak traffic hours, any police officer or any person acting at the officer's direction or request shall take immediate action and give priority to opening all roadway lanes to traffic so as to relieve traffic congestion and minimize delay to the motoring public provided such action does not impair the protection of public safety. For purposes of this Section, peak traffic hours shall be considered 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays.
C. No liability shall attach to any police officer or to any person acting under the officer's direction or request for damages to a vehicle, cargo, or other movable property, that may result from the exercise or failure to exercise any authority granted under this Section in the absence of gross negligence.
D. The provisions of this Section apply only to roadways in this state included in the state and federal highway system.
Acts 2014, No. 781, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 32:155
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:155 cover?
Section RS 32:155 ("Authority to remove vehicles and cargo") 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 32:155?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:155" (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 32:155 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.