Shoulder For Emergency Use Only: Ask The Trooper

It is illegal to use the shoulder of an Intestate highway for any reason other than an emergency, according to Louisiana State Police Troop I spokesperson Brooks David, who talked with Nathan Pike and Bernadette Lee on a Wednesday edition of "Ask the Trooper."

The shoulder is intended for those situations when "your car breaks down or if you're being pulled over by a law enforcement officer of whatever it might be," David said. "It's not for phone use," even if you think you're doing the responsible thing by pulling over when taking a call.

David said troopers are encouraged to use good judgement, though, when enforcing this law. If a trooper comes up behind you, and you explain you didn't want to talk on the phone while driving,  "I do not foresee that being a problem at all."

Also discussed on Ask the Trooper:

• Why do drivers seem to drive faster during bad weather?
• What are the laws regarding texting and driving?
• What are the laws governing tinted windows?
• How can a person be charged with drunken driving but not with vehicular homicide if they hit a pedestrian in the road?

To listen to the full segment with David, click on the 'Play' button below.