Louisiana § RS 32:317 - Spotlights and auxiliary lamps
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:317 — Spotlights and auxiliary lamps, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 32:317. Spotlights and auxiliary lamps
A.(1) A spotlight shall be authorized only on motor vehicles which meet one of the following conditions:
(a) The vehicle is a publicly owned emergency vehicle.
(b) The vehicle is operated by a public service corporation as approved by the secretary of the Department of Public Safety.
(c) The spotlight is for use within a municipality where such use is specifically permitted by special ordinance and such use shall be restricted to such municipalities.
(d) The vehicle is owned and operated by a farmer. A spotlight authorized by this Subparagraph:
(i) Shall only be mounted on the back panel of the cab of a pickup truck,
(ii) Shall not rotate more than 180 degrees at the rear of the cab,
(iii) Shall not face the front of the vehicle at any time,
(iv) Shall be used solely for agricultural purposes, and
(v) Shall not be operated on any state or local highway.
(2) When use of a spotlight is permitted, every such illuminated spotlight shall be operated upon approaching another vehicle so that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will be directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left side of the vehicle nor more than one hundred feet ahead of the vehicle.
B. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two fog lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height of not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of 4 inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower head lamp beams as specified in R.S. 32:321.
C. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of R.S. 32:321 shall apply to any combination of head lamps and auxiliary passing lamps.
D. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front of the vehicle at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of R.S. 32:321 shall apply to any combination of head lamps and auxiliary driving lamps.
Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1982, No. 225, §1. Acts 1984, No. 74, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 32:317
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:317 cover?
Section RS 32:317 ("Spotlights and auxiliary lamps") 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 32:317?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 32:317" (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 32:317 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.