Louisiana has established a framework for autonomous vehicles through laws dating back to 2016, but lacks comprehensive modern regulations for widespread testing or deployment of fully self-driving cars. For drones, the state enforces FAA rules alongside a pioneering 2025 law empowering local law enforcement to counter threats from unauthorized drones.​
Autonomous Vehicles
Louisiana defined “autonomous technology” in 2016 via Act 318 and enacted specific provisions for autonomous commercial motor vehicles, including operator requirements, accident reporting, and remote driving systems. A 2022 law exempts fully autonomous vehicles from human-driver equipment rules, such as steering wheels or pedals, if designed solely for automated operation. However, no recent updates address broad public deployment or testing standards, with ongoing research identifying gaps compared to national guidelines.​
Drone Regulations
Drones in Louisiana primarily follow federal FAA rules, requiring registration for devices over 0.55 lbs, Part 107 certification for commercial use, and TRUST for recreational flights. The 2025 “We Will Act” law, effective August 1, authorizes trained police to detect, track, and disable threatening drones at public events, marking the first state-level counter-drone authority with penalties up to $5,000 fines and jail time. This focuses on public safety rather than general operations or integration with self-driving tech.
SOURCES
[1](https://dotd.la.gov/about/office-of-operations/intelligent-transportation-systems/its-programs-and-projects/connected-and-autonomous-vehicles/)
[2](https://abjacademy.global/news/what-new-law-means-for-louisiana-drone-pilots-and-public-safety/)
[3](https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-louisiana/)
[4](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/louisiana-enforce-hands-free-driving-003935831.html)
[5](https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-32/rs-32-378-4/)
