Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 48, § 392. Obstruction of railroad grade crossings; moving or nonmoving trains

A. (1) It shall be unlawful for any moving or nonmoving train, railroad car or equipment, or engine to obstruct vehicular traffic at a public highway railroad grade crossing for a period in excess of twenty consecutive minutes.

(2) No employee performing his duties under the operating rules or orders of the railroad company or carrier or its supervisory personnel shall be prosecuted for any violation of this Section.

(3) Any rail carrier violating the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall be fined as provided for in R.S. 48:391(A)(3).

B. (1) Any railroad or public agency may, by formal application to the department, request a variance from the requirements of this Section or have different regulations provided in connection with operation over a specific crossing where local conditions so require. The application shall list any public agencies within the geographic area or any railroads which may be affected by the variance and shall detail any previous steps which may have been taken in an attempt to reach an agreement on or alternative to the proposed variance.

(2) The department shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and administration of the application process provided in this Subsection.