Louisiana Implements New Hands-Free Driving Law

News Summary

Starting August 1, Louisiana’s new hands-free driving law will prohibit drivers from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle. Signed by Governor Jeff Landry, the law permits hands-free calls but bans texting and app usage while driving. With fines reaching up to $250 in specific zones and enforcement starting in 2026, the legislation aims to enhance road safety amidst rising distracted driving concerns. The law will be treated as a secondary offense, ensuring that drivers can only be stopped for additional infractions.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Louisiana’s new hands-free driving law is set to take effect on August 1, officially making it illegal for drivers to use their phones while behind the wheel, except for hands-free calls and navigation purposes. The legislation, which aims to reduce distracted driving incidents in the state, was signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry on June 30. The law is formally known as House Bill 519 or Act No. 288, and its implementation marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to road safety.

The driving law specifically prohibits the holding of any handheld device while operating a vehicle. However, drivers are permitted to make voice calls using hands-free systems, including devices like the Apple Watch. While hands-free operation is allowed, activities like texting, emailing, and accessing apps remain illegal while driving, even if the phone is connected to a hands-free system. Drivers can use their phones when the vehicle is stationary, such as when parked or stopped at a red light.

In addition to its prohibition against cell phone usage, the law provides exceptions for emergency situations. Individuals reporting emergencies or traffic collisions are exempt from the restrictions. Moreover, emergency officials, first responders, and certain professional drivers using mounted communication devices are also allowed to use their phones while driving.

This law was introduced in response to rising concerns over distracted driving behaviors and their impact on road safety and auto insurance costs. Lawmakers argue that increased cell phone use while driving significantly heightens accident risks, which subsequently affects insurance rates. Prior attempts to pass similar legislation were unsuccessful due to apprehensions about policing practices regarding distracted driving. To address these concerns, a compromise was made in the new law that prevents law enforcement officers from stopping drivers solely for cell phone use unless they are in explicitly designated zones.

Under the new law, violations are subject to fines, with penalties reaching up to $100 or $250 in school and construction zones. However, fines will not be enforced until January 1, 2026. A grace period will allow police to issue warnings during the time leading up to full enforcement of the law.

Once in effect, the hands-free driving law in Louisiana will be treated as a “secondary offense”, meaning it cannot be the sole reason for a traffic stop. This ensures that law enforcement officers will need additional infractions to initiate a stop regarding cell phone use.

Louisiana lawmakers have acknowledged that more than 30 other states have already adopted similar hands-free driving laws as a method of enhancing road safety. In a proactive approach, the Louisiana State Police and the Department of Transportation will actively collect and track data related to distracted driving incidents. This data will help inform future legislative actions, with annual reports planned from 2027 to 2032 to assess the impact of the new law on road safety and accident rates in Louisiana.

The introduction of this law is anticipated to not only improve safety on Louisiana’s roads but also to contribute toward decreasing insurance costs linked to accidents, demonstrating the state’s commitment to tackling distracted driving challenges.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Unfiltered with Kiran: Louisiana Hands-Free Driving Law
• WWLTV: Louisiana Hands-Free Driving Law Update
• WBRZ: Bill to Outlaw Distracted Driving
• KALB: LA House Lawmakers Advance Bill
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Distracted Driving