BATON ROUGE – Ahead of Monday's solar eclipse, state highway leaders reminded drivers it's illegal to use the shoulders for anything other than pulling over during an emergency.

It's likely people will want to pull over to see the event around midday but DOTD asked drivers not to. In a message that should seem obvious – but probably isn't – the state suggested motorists exit interstates and busy highways to see the solar eclipse.

“… Our main priority is safety for travelers of all modes and ensuring they have access to available resources that will help plan their commutes to view the eclipse,” DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said.

Listing even more obvious warnings that will likely be ignored, DOTD reminded drivers to not stop on interstates, don't take pictures while driving or wear those solar eclipse glasses while in the driver's seat.

Less obvious, DOTD asked drivers to turn on headlights during the solar eclipse as some automatic light features may not recognize the darkness.

This is the full list from DOTD:

• Don’t stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder during the event.

• Exit the highway to a safe location to view and/or photograph the eclipse.

• Don’t take photographs while driving!

• Don’t try to wear opaque eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.

• Turn your headlights on -- do not rely on your automatic headlights when the eclipse blocks out the sun.

• Watch out for pedestrians along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside the roadside in the hours around the eclipse to get the best view.

• Prepare for extra congestion especially on the interstates in the path on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.

• Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the main path if you can.

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