Vehicle lifts in Louisiana: plate visibility and lamp rules

Louisiana updated its plate law in a way that matters to anyone carrying a scooter or power chair on the back of a vehicle. The statute now spells out that nothing may obscure the plate's numbers, characters, registration sticker or the name of the issuing state "from any angle." A loaded hitch platform can do exactly that.

So the practical goal is simple: keep the plate where it can be read and lit, even with the device on board. Below are the statute's words, the lamp rule, what Louisiana Rehabilitation Services says about assistive technology, Gulf weather and a lift, and four lifts that suit different needs.

Louisiana's plate and lamp statutes

R.S. 32:53(A)(2) requires that the permanent plate for a passenger vehicle "shall be attached to the rear thereof." Paragraph (A)(3) sets the standard: "Every permanent registration license plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned, so as to prevent the plate from swinging, and at a height not less than twelve inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible."

The same paragraph continues: "Unless authorized by the commissioner, a person shall not apply a covering or any substance to the license plate or use an electronic device or electrochromatic film that obscures from any angle the numbers, characters, year registration sticker, or name of the jurisdiction issuing the plate." Paragraph (A)(4) adds that the section does not prohibit "placing a permanent registration license plate on a rear fender as long as it is facing to the rear of the vehicle."

Lighting is in R.S. 32:304. Tail lamps must "emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear" and sit between 15 and 72 inches high, and "Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear."

We found no Louisiana statute naming wheelchair or scooter carriers. These general rules apply to the vehicle as driven. If a lift blocks the plate or a tail lamp, a relocation bracket or lighting kit is the fix; the Office of Motor Vehicles can confirm what it accepts.

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, part of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, describes its vocational rehabilitation services as including "assessment for and provision of assistive technology, such as customized computer interfaces for persons with physical or sensory disabilities." That page does not mention vehicle lifts or vehicle modifications specifically, and we could not confirm a current LRS policy on them. If a lift is part of getting to work, ask an LRS counselor directly whether it can be included in an employment plan.

Rain, heat and a lift outside the vehicle

NOAA's Louisiana climate summary describes "year-round precipitation," with 4-inch extreme rain events generally above average since 1980 and at a record high during 2015-2020. Summers are hot, very warm nights have increased steadily since 2000, and the state experienced a historic cold wave in February 2021 that brought severe icing.

A scooter or power chair riding on a hitch platform in that climate sees a lot of water. A cover is a sensible add-on, and an interior hoist keeps the device dry at the cost of cargo space. Heavy rain also hides a dim plate lamp quickly, so check lighting after any bracket change.

Four lifts for Louisiana drivers

• A power chair on the hitch. The Harmar AL500HD carries up to 400 lb with fully powered lifting and folding, secures the chair with four self-tensioning Q'Straint retractors, and includes a license plate mount.
• A large power chair. The Harmar AL560XL has an adjustable 30.75 x 38.5 in platform and a padded hold-down arm, carries 350 lb, and requires a Class III or greater hitch.
• Keeping the device out of the rain. Bruno's VSL-6900 Curb-Sider stows a scooter or power chair inside the vehicle, with powered lifting, lowering and rotating and a max load rating of up to 400 lbs.
• Traveling by RV. Harmar engineered the AL300RV for RVs. It carries 350 lb, adjusts up to 26 in of hitch height with its standard drop adapter, and needs a Class III or greater hitch.

Assistive technology help: LATAN

The AT3 Center lists the Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network as the state program, with contacts for device loans, demonstrations, reuse and financial loans. LATAN says device loans and an AT lease program are available, demonstrations are free, and alternative financing options can make equipment more affordable.

Ordering and delivery to Louisiana

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, free above $500 and $15 below, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, though some brands differ. See shipping to Louisiana and the vehicle lift fit check.

Questions about vehicle lifts in Louisiana

Can a scooter lift block my license plate in Louisiana?

Louisiana requires the plate to be "clearly visible" and "clearly legible," and R.S. 32:53(A)(3) forbids coverings or devices that obscure its numbers, characters, sticker or state name "from any angle" unless the commissioner authorizes it. If your loaded lift hides the plate, relocate the plate with a bracket.

Can I move my plate to the lift or a fender in Louisiana?

R.S. 32:53(A)(4) says the section does not prohibit placing the plate "on a rear fender as long as it is facing to the rear of the vehicle." It must still be at least twelve inches from the ground, securely fastened and lit. For a bracket on the lift itself, confirm with the Office of Motor Vehicles.

What lighting does a Louisiana rear plate need?

R.S. 32:304(C) requires a white lamp that makes the rear plate "clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear," lit whenever the headlamps are on. Tail lamps must show red light visible from one thousand feet. A relocated plate needs its own lamp if the original one no longer reaches it.

Will Louisiana Rehabilitation Services help with a vehicle lift?

LRS says its vocational rehabilitation services include assessment for and provision of assistive technology. Its main page does not mention vehicle lifts, and we could not confirm a current policy on them. If the lift is needed for work, ask an LRS counselor whether it can be part of your employment plan.

Explore the vehicle lift collection, run the fit check for your vehicle and device, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• La. R.S. 32:53, proper equipment required on vehicles; display of plate
• La. R.S. 32:304, tail lamps
• Louisiana Workforce Commission: Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries 2022: Louisiana
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar AL500HD
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar AL560XL
• Faith Mobility product page: Bruno VSL-6900 Curb-Sider
• Faith Mobility product page: Harmar AL300RV
• AT3 Center: State AT programs directory (Louisiana)
• LATAN, Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network