See a White Cloth Hanging From a Car Window? Here’s What It Means

LOUISIANA - If you've ever driven down I-10 or Hwy 90 and spotted a car pulled over with a white towel or T-shirt hanging out the window, you might have wondered what was going on.

Is the driver having car trouble? Are they trying to get somebody's attention? Or is there some kind of meaning behind that piece of white cloth?

It actually a way for the driver to communicate, and it can mean a few different things. And while you might not see this every day around Lafayette and Acadiana, it's an interesting bit of driving history worth knowing before your next road trip.

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What Does A White Cloth Hanging From A Car Window Mean?

In certain situations, a white cloth hanging from a car window or door handle can serve as an informal distress signal.

The idea is pretty simple...If your vehicle breaks down and you need help, a piece of white fabric can make your car more noticeable to passing motorists and law enforcement.

READ MORE: Is It Legal to Flash Your Headlights to Warn About Police?

In North Carolina for example, the state's driver handbook specifically advises motorists whose vehicles break down to pull completely off the road, tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or left-door handle, and raise the hood.

However, driver's across the U.S. including Louisiana often use this method to signal vehicle issues. Displaying a white cloth or t-shirt can also signal that the owner of the vehicle has left to get help and will return.

So, if you spot a car on the shoulder with a white towel hanging from it, the driver could be trying to let others know they're dealing with car trouble.

White Cloth On Car Window

What Should You Do If You See A Car With a White Cloth In Louisiana?

Let's say you're cruising down I-10 between Lafayette and Baton Rouge, heading toward Lake Charles, or making your way along one of Acadiana's smaller highways when you notice a vehicle pulled over with a white shirt hanging out the window.

What should you do?

First, don't slam on your brakes or make a sudden stop in traffic. Your safety and the safety of everyone around you should come first.

READ MORE: 6 Crucial Louisiana Speeding Laws You Need to Know

If the vehicle appears to be stranded, you can contact the appropriate authorities or roadside assistance service and provide the location. If the situation looks dangerous or someone appears to need immediate medical help, call 911.

You also don't need to get out of your vehicle or approach a stranger if doing so would put you at risk.

Most of us have enough to think about when we're driving through Acadiana. Between construction zones, heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and the occasional pothole, there's plenty to keep our attention.

A white cloth hanging from a car window might look like an odd sight, but in some cases, it can be a simple way of saying that a driver needs help.