by L.S. Watts

Created on: January 26, 2011   Last Updated: January 30, 2011

Thousands of people flock from all over to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans each year. If this is your first time attending New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration, it is wise to be aware of certain laws. Aside from hefty fines of over $200.00 for each violation, many times law enforcement will arrest you and let a judge sort it all out once the courts reopen after Mardi Gras. Nothing spoils a Mardi Gras vacation faster than spending it in Central Lockup and possibly paying out more than the trip intially cost.

Sleeping in the streets

It is a good idea to plan ahead and book a hotel or alternate place to stay when attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. The police don’t take kindly to those who choose to sleep on the streets. This will ultimately be a one way trip to the Central Lockup. So be sure your trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras includes a place to sleep indoors otherwise the New Orleans Police Department will find other accommodations for you that probably won't be to your liking.

Parking

Another reason why making plans to stay at a hotel is beneficial for anyone choosing to attend Mardi Gras is due to parking fines. It is best to find a hotel which is in walking distance to all of the events so that all you have to do is park at the hotel garage and not worry about blocking routes. If you must leave at any time during Mardi Gras, make sure the hotel gives you a vehicle pass. Parking fines are expensive in New Orleans and during Mardi Gras the fines cost even more.

Parking is not allowed within two blocks of the Mardi Gras parade route. New Orleans won’t hesitate to have your vehicle towed either. Getting your vehicle out of impound along with paying the parking fine can add up, not to mention sour the mood of enjoying Mardi Gras. Retrieving your car from Clairbourne Auto Pound is going to cost you at least $160.00 or more on top of city fines. Keep this in mind when choosing to stay at hotel not close to the Mardi Gras celebration or staying with local friends.

If you must park your car away from Mardi Gras events, remember a few basic laws when doing so. Do not park in front of fire hydrants or block driveways. For obvious reasons, do not park where it says do not park or park illegally period. New Orleans is quite strict about parking and even more so during Mardi Gras.

Drinking

For many people, drinking and Mardi Gras go hand in hand. New Orleans is tolerant of drinking in public. However, they do not allow patrons of Mardi

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