BATON ROUGE, La. (WNTZ) – As students across Louisiana return to school this month, Louisiana State Police are urging all motorists to drive with increased caution and remain vigilant in and around school zones, near school buses, and while transporting children.

With traffic expected to increase during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, authorities are reminding drivers to obey posted speed limits and traffic signals in school zones. State law also grants school crossing guards the authority to direct traffic, and drivers must comply with their instructions.

“Protecting the lives of our children is a shared responsibility,” Louisiana State Police officials said. “Staying alert and minimizing distractions behind the wheel is essential—especially during the busy school commute.”

Motorists are also reminded that Louisiana’s updated hands-free law prohibits all drivers, regardless of age, from using handheld devices to call, text, or access social media while driving. The law applies on all public roads, not just in school zones. For full details, residents can read the Louisiana Cell Phone Law (House Bill 519) on Louisiana’s state legislative website.

School Bus Safety

State law requires drivers to stop at least 30 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, regardless of travel direction—unless traveling on a four-lane roadway with a physical barrier or raised median separating opposing traffic.

“If you’re unsure, the safest choice is to stop,” State Police said. “Children can be unpredictable, and it’s our job to slow down and stay alert anytime we’re near a school bus.”

Child Passenger Safety

Louisiana law mandates that children under 13 ride in the back seat when possible. Additional safety guidelines include:

• Rear-facing car seats for children under age 2 or until the seat’s maximum weight/height is reached
• Forward-facing car seats with harnesses up to 65 pounds or as long as allowed by the seat manufacturer

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available at all Louisiana State Police Troop offices to assist caregivers with proper car seat installation—free of charge. Details on car seat laws and fitting station locations can be found at the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission website.

As the school year begins, law enforcement officials are asking drivers to recommit to safe driving habits and to make conscious decisions that protect the state’s youngest travelers.

“The safety of Louisiana’s future depends on all of us behind the wheel,” State Police said.