La. Admin. Code tit. 25 § IX-305

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
Section IX-305 - Vehicle Use
A. The provisions of the Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act (R.S. 32:1 et seq.) and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder shall be enforced on all OSP sites.
B. Automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, recreation vehicles, or any other wheeled vehicles must be operated only on those roads, lanes, or byways designated for vehicular traffic unless otherwise authorized by the site manager.
C. Vehicles, including recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and boat trailers, shall be parked only in designated parking areas unless otherwise authorized by the site manager.
D. No person shall operate a vehicle in excess of 15 miles per hour on any OSP sites unless otherwise posted.
E. No motor vehicle shall be operated on OSP sites without being properly licensed by the appropriate regulatory agencies.
1. However, persons with mobility disabilities may use single-passenger, wheeled devices powered by electric motors wherever pedestrians are allowed. Multiple-passenger wheeled devices powered by electric or gas motors (e.g., golf carts) are permitted to transport persons with mobility disabilities within the campgrounds. The disabled visitor must be a passenger in the vehicle.
2. Golf carts may be driven by licensed and insured drivers on the roadways at OSP sites where such use is specifically authorized by law or by the assistant secretary.
3. Low-speed electric bicycles (electric motor of less than 750 watts, 1 hp) are treated like bicycles.
4. As new wheeled devices powered by electric motors are developed, exceptions to this provision may be granted in advance on a case-by-case basis.
F. No person shall clean, service and/or repair any vehicle on OSP property except in emergency situations and in designated areas.
G. Vehicles will be considered abandoned if left unattended for more than seven consecutive days unless the proper permit or advanced written approval is granted by the site manager.
H. No person shall move or remove any barrier to gain access to a restricted area.
I. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are prohibited on OSP sites, including back country trails, except as set forth in this Section.
1. OHVs are permitted on established OHV trails at South Toledo Bend State Park, subject to compliance with the following rules by OHV riders (i.e., both operators and passengers).
a. OHV riders must possess on person a valid OHV permit issued by the OSP.
i. Single use OHV permits may be obtained from the South Toledo Bend entrance station.
ii. Annual OHV permits may be obtained from the South Toledo Bend entrance station or the OSP administrative office in Baton Rouge.
b. OHV riders shall wear a U.S. Department of Transportation and/or Snell-approved helmet.
c. OHV riders should wear appropriate personal protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, boots, long-sleeve shirt, and long pants.
d. OHV riders shall stay on established OHV trails. Cross-country riding is prohibited.
e. OHV riders shall ensure the OHV has a properly functioning spark arrestor and a muffler that does not exceed 90dB.
f. OHV riders shall not possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
g. OHV riders shall only use OHV trails while the OHV trails are open.
i. OHV trails are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 1 through March 31.
ii. OHV trails are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April 1 through September 30.
iii. OHV trails may be closed by the OSP for management reasons.
h. OHV riders must be 7 years of age or older.
i. OHV riders between the ages of 7-17 must be under the continuous and direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
2. OHVs use is permitted on other OSP sites only by OSP staff, contractors, and agents or with prior written consent of the assistant secretary or his designee.

La. Admin. Code tit. 25, § IX-305

Promulgated by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of State Parks, LR 8:634 (December 1982), amended LR 12:89 (February 1986), LR 14:772 (November 1988), LR 26:25 (January 2000), LR 31:1980 (August 2005), LR 39:1264 (May 2013), Amended LR 43290 (2/1/2017).
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 56:1681-1690 and R.S. 36:204.