Look Ma, No Hands :: Understanding Louisiana’s New Hands Free Law While Driving
Starting August 1, 2025, a new law will go into effect, prohibiting the usage of cellular devices while operating a vehicle in the state of Louisiana. This means that it will be illegal to talk, text, use social media or any other applications while the phone is in your hand while simultaneously driving. If you happen to be stopped at a red light or parked, phone usage is allowed. Furthermore, hands-free options such as speakerphone and/or Bluetooth can be used while the vehicle is in motion. Dash-mounted devices, earbuds, and headphones are permitted as well.
House Bill 519, which is now Act No. 288, was passed by lawmakers to curb the ongoing issue of distracted driving. I cannot tell you how many times I see drivers on their phones as I am sitting in the passenger seat. When I’m riding with my husband, I always ask him to stop the car if he needs to use the phone or hand it to me if an urgent message needs to be sent or call made.
As of now, only written warnings will be given until the end of the year. Effective January 1, 2026, however, here are the details for incurred fines:
- Fines begin at $100 but can be reduced with community service hours.
- Violations that occur within school or highway construction zones carry fines of $250 for the first offense and $500 if a crash is involved.
- Drivers cannot be stopped for solely phone holding in these zones. They have to be pulled over for something else and charged with a secondary offense.
These days it’s rare to see someone without a cellular device, but as the old saying goes – “There’s a time and place for everything.” As a New Orleans driver, you HAVE to be defensive in the BEST way. Whether it’s dodging potholes, waiting seconds before proceeding from a red to green light, or even sharing the road with bikers and pedestrians, having one less distraction is a plus.
I’m sure this will take some getting used to for some, but I like the intention of having less phones in hands while driving. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as reporting hazards, making emergency calls to 911, and let’s not forget the ride share and delivery drivers.
Modern living calls for modern conveniences, but I hope all drivers – commuters, package delivery, ride shares, food delivery, public transit and the like – use caution when getting behind the wheel and don’t allow the “computer in your pocket” to be a cause for distraction. Do the right thing and be a law abiding citizen.
