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New Iberia council introduces ordinance banning driving through standing water with electronic surveillance enforcement
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance amending section 86-130 to prohibit driving that creates wakes in standing water following recent floods; council members discussed a $1,000 fine and public education steps.
The City Council introduced an ordinance amending and reenacting section 86-130 of the City of New Iberia code of ordinances to prohibit the operation of vehicles in standing water and to provide enforcement, including electronic surveillance.
Council members said the measure is intended to reduce dangerous driving during flood events and to protect vehicles and residents. The mayor’s office described the ordinance as part of a package of policies adopted after “recent floods.” Councilman David Merrill said the rule would discourage drivers from speeding through flooded streets: “You shouldn't be driving that fast when you got streets full of water like that.”
Council discussion referenced specific penalties for creating a “wake condition” during a flood event; one council member said the ordinance carries a $1,000 fine for creating a wake that contributes to flooding damage. Council members said the ordinance will be paired with public-education efforts so residents know the new rule is in effect.
The council opened a public hearing on the ordinance and received no public comments before closing the hearing. The council then moved the item forward for the next step in the ordinance process and asked staff to carry out public outreach before the scheduled public hearing on June 3, 2025.
The ordinance is being presented as preventive and educational as well as punitive; council members said the goal is to change driver behavior during high-water events rather than to prioritize fines.
