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The United States is divided as to whether ATVS (or quads, or four-wheelers) should be allowed on public roads. Twenty states allow ATVs on public roads–under certain conditions. This may mean the ATVs need a license plate or rearview mirror. Or it may mean that local towns also need to OK off-road vehicles on roads. But Louisiana has a unique take on the debate: ATVs are allowed to drive on the shoulder of public roads (except highways). But never on the travel lane. And only if the driver has a specific job.

According to the Louisiana State Legislature, there are several instances in which an ATV can travel on a road shoulder. The law defines ATVs as three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and other ATVs such as side-by-sides. It only applies from half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset. And the driver of the ATV must either be a farmer working near their farm, a law enforcement officer, paramedic, or university employee–on university grounds.

The farmer provision makes sense. Many farmers use ATVs and it may be helpful to take a road from one part of their farm to the other. Louisiana specifies that they must be within five miles of their farm. They must also must be able to prove they are a farmer. The easiest way to prove this is to carry registration papers for another farm vehicle. The only exception is a consultant working near someone else’s farm.

Row of side-by-side ATVS in front of a mountain range in Hawaii
ATVS in Hawaii | Q- via Unsplash

So what about EMTs, police officers, or university employees? They must be on the grounds of a state-owned college or university. This makes sense, because some universities have roads on their grounds. But I’m a bit surprised that Louisiana bothers putting it in the law. Are police really going to ticket a university-employed landscaper for driving a side-by-side along the road shoulder on university grounds?

I’m even more surprised there’s an exception for EMTs and police officers. I imagine if there was an emergency situation, they wouldn’t think twice about taking an ATV down the shoulder of a road on university grounds. Other states actually have a loophole for driving ATVs on roads during any emergency situation.

The law does not apply to highways under any conditions. And one final stipulation in the Louisiana law states that it doesn’t apply to Orleans Parish. So if you are a farmer with a property in downtown New Orleans, don’t think about taking your ATV on the shoulder of the public roads.

Next, find out whether you can drive an ATV as your personal vehicle, or see how to make a side-by-side street legal in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.