Louisiana § RS 32:291.1 - Roadway hazard cleanup

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:291.1 — Roadway hazard cleanup, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 32:291.1. Roadway hazard cleanup

A.  Whenever a motor vehicle crash or incident results in a roadway hazard that requires an extraordinary commitment of public safety resources by the responding agencies to cleanup or remove the hazard, the vehicle owner or operator who is issued a citation for a traffic violation at the scene of the crash or incident shall reimburse the responding agencies for the extraordinary cost of the cleanup.

B.  However, if a court subsequently finds that the owner or operator who received a citation was not legally responsible or was only partially responsible for the crash or incident, he shall be reimbursed by the responding agency for any money he has expended on the cost of the cleanup or removal which is a percentage of such cost equal to the percentage of the crash or incident for which he was not held legally responsible.  The party who was found legally responsible for the crash or incident shall then pay the responding agency for the cost of the cleanup or removal which is a percentage of such cost equal to the percentage of the crash or incident for which he was held legally responsible.

C.  Nothing in this Section shall require a tow truck owner, operator, or employee to follow a directive or order that is unsafe or beyond the operational standard or capacity of any equipment being used in cleanup or in removing the roadway hazard.  If a tow truck owner or operator refuses to follow a directive or order because of an unsafe condition, no adverse action by a law enforcement agency shall be taken against such owner or operator including removal from any rotation list.

Acts 1999, No. 1138, §1; Acts 2008, No. 429, §1, eff. June 21, 2008.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 32:291.1

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:291.1 cover?

Section RS 32:291.1 ("Roadway hazard cleanup") 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 32:291.1?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:291.1" (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 32:291.1 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.