To promote public safety and awareness, the NOPD's Traffic Division will be conducting vehicle checkpoints within Orleans Parish to monitor seat belt usage by all occupants of automobiles.
As a reminder, Louisiana Law requires all occupants of an automobile in operation to properly wear seat belts. Louisiana law additionally requires all drivers to be properly licensed and to have proof of insurance and registration within the vehicle.
In addition to seat belt usage, the NOPD will also use these checkpoints to verbally provide information regarding the current stay-at home order in place within Orleans Parish due to the current COVID-19 public health crisis.
On March 16, 2020, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a proclamation limiting gatherings and closing certain establishments. This proclamation was recently extended through May 16.
The New Orleans Health Department issued further guidance on March 20 mandating residents to stay home except for essential needs such as health care, food, supplies or essential jobs. Personal recreation is allowed, but not in groups. Citizens are urged to avoid close contact with others when leaving home for essential activities.
These checkpoints will be conducted through the duration of the city's stay-at-home order. Motorists can expect to experience minimal delays at these checkpoints.