TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

New Orleans City Code ch. 154, art. IV

in effect

New Orleans City Code § 154-231 Authority to install.

Sec. 154-231. - Authority to install. The city traffic engineer shall place and maintain traffic control signs, signals and devices when and as required under the traffic laws of the city to make effective the provisions of such laws, and may place and maintain such additional traffic control devices as he may deem necessary to regulate traffic under the traffic laws of the city or under state law, or to guide or warn traffic. (Code 1956, § 38-38)

New Orleans City Code § 154-232 Engineer to designate crosswalks, establish safety zones, school zones, and mark traffic lanes.

Sec. 154-232. - Engineer to designate crosswalks, establish safety zones, school zones, and mark traffic lanes. The city traffic engineer may: (1) Designate and maintain, by appropriate traffic control devices, crosswalks at intersections where, in their engineering judgment, there is a particular danger to pedestrians crossing the roadway and at such other places engineering studies and engineering judgement deems. (2) Establish and maintain, by appropriate traffic control devices, safety zones of such kind and character and at such places engineering studies or engineering judgement deems necessary for the protection of pedestrians. (3) Mark lanes for traffic on street pavements at such places engineering studies or engineering judgement deems necessary. (4) Designate and maintain, by appropriate traffic control devices, mid-block marked crosswalks and other pedestrian treatments engineering studies or engineering judgement deems necessary. (5) Designate and maintain, by appropriate traffic control devices, as school zones those streets or portions thereof adjacent to any public or private school, where children of any grades between and inclusive of kindergarten and twelfth attend on a regular basis. The city traffic engineer may designate and maintain, by appropriate traffic control devices, as school crossings those intersections which, although not directly adjacent to such a school, are used regularly by such children as pedestrians on their way to and from school. Additionally, the city traffic engineer may designate and maintain, by appropriate traffic control devices, such other portions of streets or intersections as school zones or school crossings where engineering studies or engineering judgment deems necessary. (Code 1956, § 38-45; M.C.S., Ord. No. 29440, § 1, 5-11-23)

New Orleans City Code § 154-233 Placement, maintenance of devices; specifications.

Sec. 154-233. - Placement, maintenance of devices; specifications. The city shall place and maintain such traffic control devices upon highways under its jurisdiction as deemed necessary to indicate and to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and traffic ordinances adopted pursuant to the authority granted by R.S. 32:41 and R.S. 32:42. All such traffic control devices erected shall conform to the state department of transportation and development's manual or specifications. (Code 1956, § 38-39)

New Orleans City Code § 154-234 Obedience to devices.

Sec. 154-234. - Obedience to devices. The driver of any vehicle and the operator of any streetcar shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the traffic laws of the city, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, subject to the exceptions granted to the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter. This shall include special parking regulation signs. (Code 1956, § 38-40)

New Orleans City Code § 154-235 Obedience to signs not properly placed not required.

Sec. 154-235. - Obedience to signs not properly placed not required. No provision of this article for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if, at the time and place of the alleged violation, an official sign was not in proper position and where it can be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that signs are required, such section shall be effective even though no signs are erected or in place. (Code 1956, § 38-41)

New Orleans City Code § 154-236 Meaning of signals.

Sec. 154-236. - Meaning of signals. (a) Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights or colored lighted arrows successively one at a time or in combination, the following colors only shall be used except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word legend, and such terms and light shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows: (1) Green indication. a. Vehicular traffic facing such signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left shall stop and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited. b. Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or such other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the same time. Such vehicular traffic shall stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. c. Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in section 154-238, pedestrians facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. (2) Steady yellow indication. a. When shown following the green signal, vehicular traffic facing such signal is thereby warned that the red signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter and such vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection when the red signal is exhibited. b. Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in section. 154-238 a pedestrian facing a steady yellow signal is thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red signal is exhibited and no pedestrian shall then start to cross the roadway. (3) Steady red indication. a. Vehicular traffic facing such signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if none, then before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown except as provided in subsection c. of this subsection. b. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if none, then before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until an indication permitting the movement indicated by such red arrow is shown except as provided in subsection c. of this subsection. c. Except when a sign prohibits a turn, vehicular traffic facing any steady red signal may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, or to U-turn at a signalized U-turn after stopping as required by subsections a. or b. of this subsection. Such vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. d. Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in section 154-238, a pedestrian facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall not enter the roadway. (4) Flashing yellow indication. a. Vehicular traffic facing such signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow. Such vehicular traffic shall stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. (b) If an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as to those provisions which by their nature have no application. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of such sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal. (Code 1956, § 38-42; M.C.S., Ord. No. 27364, § 1, 4-20-17)

New Orleans City Code § 154-237 Obedience by streetcars.

Sec. 154-237. - Obedience by streetcars. The operator of any streetcar shall obey the signals as provided in section 154-236 as applicable to vehicles unless special streetcar signal indications are provided. (Code 1956, § 38-42)

New Orleans City Code § 154-238 Pedestrian control signals.

Sec. 154-238. - Pedestrian control signals. Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "Walk," or "Don't Walk" or other approved symbol are in place such signals shall indicate as follows: (1) Flashing or steady "Walk" or approved "Walking Person" symbol. Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles. (2) Flashing or steady "Don't Walk" or approved "Upraised Hand" symbol. No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed the crossing on the "Walk" signal shall proceed to the nearest sidewalk, neutral ground or safety zone while the "Don't Walk" or approved "Upraised Hand" signal is showing. (Code 1956, § 38-43; M.C.S., Ord. No. 27364, § 1, 4-20-17)

New Orleans City Code § 154-239 Flashing signals.

Sec. 154-239. - Flashing signals. (a) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (1) Flashing red (Stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. (2) Flashing yellow or amber (Caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution. (b) This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossing shall be governed by the rules set forth in R.S. 32:171 through 32:174. (Code 1956, § 38-44)

New Orleans City Code § 154-240 Driving on roadway laned for traffic.

Sec. 154-240. - Driving on roadway laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply: (1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (2) The city may erect signs directing slow moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of such signs. (Code 1956, § 38-46)

New Orleans City Code § 154-241 Driving on divided highways.

Sec. 154-241. - Driving on divided highways. (a) Whenever any highway has been divided into two roadways by a median, physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right hand roadway and no vehicle shall be driven over, across or within the median, barrier or section, except through an improved opening or at a cross over or intersection established under authority of this chapter. (b) No vehicle shall cross the painted centerline of any multiple lane highway, except for the purpose of making a turn. (Code 1956, § 38-46)

New Orleans City Code § 154-242 Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings.

Sec. 154-242. - Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings. (a) No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, marking or device which: (1) Purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal; (2) Attempts to direct or restrict the movement or parking of vehicles; (3) Hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any traffic control device or railroad sign or signal; or (4) Creates a sight obstruction or in any other manner interferes with the safe movement of traffic. (5) Is mobile in nature and contains lights, advertising, or other images directed at any portion of the traveled roadways and which cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or any pedestrian, or which otherwise interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle are prohibited. (b) No person shall place or maintain, nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising, with the exception of: (1) Any and all advertising signs located on any transit waiting station approved by the council; (2) Name and logo of owner and any sponsors of a public self-service bicycle rental service on its public self-service bicycle rental stations. (c) This section shall not prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs. (d) Every prohibited sign, signal or marking is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the superintendent of police may remove it or cause it to be removed without notice. (Code 1956, § 38-47; M.C.S., Ord. No. 27596, § 2, 11-16-17; M.C.S., Ord. No. 27748, § 1, 5-3-18)

New Orleans City Code § 154-243 Interference with devices or railroad signs or signals.

Sec. 154-243. - Interference with devices or railroad signs or signals. No person shall, without lawful authority, attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield or insignia thereon or any part thereof. (Code 1956, § 38-48)

New Orleans City Code § 154-244 Directional signs.

Sec. 154-244. - Directional signs. (a) Definition. In this section, "directional signs" are those signs that direct, point, guide or show persons to a particular area or destination within the city. (b) Prohibition. Directional signs are prohibited except as specifically provided by this section. (c) Signs allowed. Directional signs may be erected on streets located on the city's major street plan only after the location and design of such signs are reviewed and approved by the executive director of the city planning commission in consultation with the director of the department of streets. The department of streets shall coordinate the installation of all such signs. (d) Design of signs. The size, shape and format of directional signs shall be uniform so as to differentiate such signs from regulatory traffic control signs, signals and devices. (e) Content of signs. Directional signs: (1) Shall uniformly contain the city logo or seal, except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section; (2) May indicate a particular geographic section of the city (including, but not limited to, "French Quarter" or "Vieux Carré," "Central Business District," "Riverfront," "Warehouse District," "Uptown" and "Lakefront"); (3) May indicate a general type of attraction or destination (including, but not limited to, "Aquarium," "Casino," "Convention Center," "City Park," "Riverboats," "Superdome" or "Zoo"); (4) May indicate the location of parking facilities; (5) May contain directional arrows and distances; and (6) Shall not contain the name or logo of an individual private business or entity except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section. (f) Port signs. Directional signs to port facilities may be utilized for the purpose of directing traffic: (1) To use the city's official truck route; and (2) To the public cruise terminal. The content of these signs shall contain only the name of the wharf or port area being served and "Port of New Orleans." (g) Other signs. The department of streets may erect directional signs indicating the location of medical, fire, police and other emergency service facilities, colleges and universities, public parks, and judicial and governmental buildings. (h) The department of streets shall remove any directional sign that does not conform to this section. (M.C.S., Ord. No. 17,216, § 1, 9-21-95)

Source: City of New Orleans, Code of Ordinances and Home Rule Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH154TRVE_ARTIVTRCODEFetched: 10/28/2026