Distracted Driving Laws in Louisiana

1. What is the legal age to have a cell phone while driving in Louisiana?


In Louisiana, it is illegal for drivers under the age of 17 to use a cell phone while driving, regardless of whether it is hands-free or not.

2. Does Louisiana have a law prohibiting texting while driving?


Yes, the state of Louisiana has a law prohibiting texting while driving. The law prohibits all drivers from writing, sending, or reading text-based communications, including emails, while operating a vehicle.

3. Is it illegal to use a handheld device while driving in Louisiana?


Yes, it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving in Louisiana.

4. What are the fines for distracted driving in Louisiana?


The fines for distracted driving in Louisiana are:

•First offense – fine of up to $500 plus court costs

•Second offense – fine of up to $1000 plus court costs

•Third offense – fine of up to $2000 plus court costs

5. Does Louisiana allow hands-free talking on devices while driving?


Yes, Louisiana does allow hands-free talking on devices while driving. The state law prohibits drivers from using any handheld wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free calling is allowed, but it must be operated in a manner that does not require the driver to divert his or her attention from the safe operation of the vehicle.

6. Does Louisiana have a law prohibiting the use of social media while driving?


Yes, Louisiana does have a law prohibiting the use of social media while driving. This law is part of the state’s Distracted Driving Law and it prohibits all forms of handheld device use, including social media, while driving.

7. Is it illegal to talk on the phone while driving in Louisiana?


Yes, it is illegal to talk on the phone while driving in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, it is illegal to use a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle in Louisiana. This includes talking on the phone, texting, browsing the Internet, or any other similar activity.

8. Is it illegal to make phone calls while stopped at a red light in Louisiana?


No, it is not illegal to make phone calls while stopped at a red light in Louisiana. However, state law does prohibit texting while driving, so use caution and do not text while stopped at the red light.

9. Are there any state laws in Louisiana requiring hands-free headsets for drivers?


Yes, Louisiana does have a hands-free law that requires drivers to use a hands-free headset or other device when talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle in the state. The law states that drivers may not hold a cellular phone with their hands, or use any part of their body to support the device while they are driving. It also prohibits the use of any other type of wireless communication device, such as texting or emailing while operating a vehicle.

10. Does Louisiana have a law prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving with a learner’s permit?


Yes. Louisiana law prohibits all drivers younger than 17 years of age from using cell phones while driving, regardless of whether they have a learner’s permit. However, drivers between the ages of 17 and 20 may use a hands-free device while driving with a learner’s permit.

11. Is it legal to use GPS navigation systems while driving in Louisiana?


Yes, it is legal to use GPS navigation systems while driving in Louisiana.

12. Does Louisiana have a law against any type of driver distraction?


Yes, Louisiana has a law against any type of driver distraction. The law prohibits the use of cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, except for hands-free devices. Additionally, the law prohibits texting while driving.

13. Are there any restrictions on phone use in school zones in Louisiana?


Yes, there are restrictions on phone use in school zones in Louisiana. Drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving through a school zone, except for making an emergency call or using a hands-free device. Additionally, it is illegal to text while driving in any school zone throughout the state.

14. Does Louisiana have an administrative license suspension for distracted driving violations?


Yes, Louisiana has an administrative license suspension for distracted driving violations. The length of the suspension can range from 90 days to two years, depending on the severity of the violation.

15. Is it illegal to drive without a hands-free device in Louisiana?


Yes, it is illegal to drive without a hands-free device in Louisiana.

16. Does Louisiana have an underage cellphone law which prohibits those under 18 from talking on their phones or texting while driving?


Yes, Louisiana does have an underage cellphone law which prohibits those under 18 from talking on their phones or texting while driving. This law was enacted in 2014.

17. Are there any restrictions on eating and drinking while driving in Louisiana?


Yes. Louisiana prohibits eating and drinking while driving. The law states that “No person shall drive a motor vehicle while consuming an alcoholic beverage or while eating, drinking, smoking, or using any type of electronic device.”

18. What is the penalty for distracted driving violations in Louisiana?


The penalty for a first offense of distracted driving in Louisiana is a $175 fine. Subsequent offenses may increase the fine to $500. Additionally, a driver can have their license suspended or receive jail time depending on the circumstances of the offense.

19. Are police officers allowed to pull over drivers for using their cell phones in Louisiana?


Yes. Louisiana has a “hands-free” law which states that drivers are not allowed to use their cell phones while driving, unless it is a hands-free device. Police officers can pull over drivers who are seen using their cell phones without a hands-free device.

20. Does Louisiana impose any restrictions on children under 18 using their cell phones in the car?


Yes, Louisiana does impose restrictions on children under 18 using their cell phones while driving. According to state law, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, drivers under the age of 17 are prohibited from using any type of wireless communications device, even hands-free devices, while operating a motor vehicle. Violations of this law may result in a fine and/or other penalties.