New Hands-Free Driving Law in Louisiana: Fines, Rules & Crash Risks Explained

Cellular devices help make life more accessible and provide a variety of benefits. Whether it is changing the location on the GPS mid-trip or taking an emergency phone call from a babysitter, our devices are always connected. It is important, however, to understand how those devices and operating a motor vehicle collide. The new hands-free driving law in Louisiana in 2026 could result in fines for violations. Knowing applicable restrictions can keep you out of trouble.

The New Hands-Free Law

Under Louisiana’s new law, it is illegal to operate a wireless communications device when you are driving on a public road or highway. While this mostly applies to a cell phone, it also includes other devices like stand-alone computers, a personal digital assistant, a device that only sends text messages, and similar devices.

The law prohibits the following:

• Being on a call, including talking or listening to a call
• Entering names or numbers manually to begin a call
• Writing, sending, or reading a text message or any text-based communication
• Opening, reading, or posting on social media
• Opening, viewing, editing, creating, or posting any image or video
• Opening, reading, viewing, creating, transmitting, or retrieving any data from an app or other media
• Using any app or feature on a wireless communications device that requires manual entry of any form of text, including symbols or commands
• Physically holding or supporting a device in one or both hands.

The restrictions do not apply when:

• You make a call hands-free.
• The device you are holding is an earpiece, a headpiece, or a wrist device used for talking or listening during a call.
• The vehicle is legally stationary, meaning it has stopped or is in park or neutral, and is on the road shoulder or in a travel lane.
• You are reporting a traffic accident, an emergency, or a hazard on the road.
• You are reporting a situation where you believe someone is in danger of serious injury or death.
• You are using an affixed device to relay information from the transit of a for-hire driver or another operator to the dispatcher of that operator.
• You are authorized to use the device on duty as an emergency services provider.
• You are viewing information on a GPS for navigation purposes, hands-free
• You are dialing 911 to report a crime that is actively being committed

Consequences of Violating the Hands-Free Law

This law took effect in August of 2025. For the rest of 2025, violations of the law resulted in a written warning to help drivers adjust to the change. Starting January 1, 2026, any violations of the law will result in a fine. The penalties include:

• $250, if the offense occurred in a school zone or construction zone on a highway, or $100 and up to 15 hours of community service
• $100, if the offense occurred in another location, or $50 and up to 15 hours of community service

The fine imposed is doubled if the violation occurred and the driver was involved in a crash.

Reducing the Risk of Distractions in Driving Offenses

The goal of this law is to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road and make Louisiana’s roads safer. The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported the following collisions in Louisiana in 2025 involving distracted and inattentive driving:

• 57,111 property damage-only accidents
• 11,700 possible injury crashes
• 6,866 suspected minor injury crashes
• 975 suspected serious injury collisions
• 157 fatal injury crashes

These were out of the state’s approximately 105,260 property damage-only accidents, 35,440 suspected injury crashes, and 715 fatal crashes. Distracted driving is an incredibly common cause of property damage crashes in the state, causing over 54% of these accidents. They also caused nearly 22% of fatal crashes.

In 2026, CARTS also reported that there were 10 commercial motor vehicle crashes that were caused by cell phone distractions. Commercial vehicle accidents are more likely on freight routes like I-10 or I-12.

FAQs

Is It Illegal to Eat While Driving in Louisiana?

It is not illegal to eat while driving in Louisiana. The new hands-free law in the state applies to electronic devices, not food. However, eating while driving is a form of distracted driving and can take your focus off the road. If you cause a vehicle accident while you are eating and distracted, you can be held liable for the damages you caused, which is on top of your own injuries and other damages.

What Is the Hands-Free Law in Louisiana for 2026?

The hands-free law in Louisiana for 2026 makes it illegal to use a wireless communications device while driving, unless the device is used for a hands-free call. Drivers can only use a phone or other device when the vehicle is legally stationary or if they are not on a public highway or road. There are also exceptions for calling to report an accident or a crime, viewing a GPS hands-free, or reporting a situation where someone is in danger.

Can You Hold Someone Liable for Driving Distracted in Louisiana?

You could hold someone liable for distracted driving in Louisiana if you can prove the crucial elements. This includes having the duty and responsibility of care and breaching that duty because they were distracted, their distraction was a significant cause of the collision, and there were injuries or other tangible damages in the collision because of that breach. If these elements are not proven, it is unlikely you can hold the driver liable.

How Do You Prove Distracted Driving?

There are several ways you can prove distracted driving after a crash, although it depends on the method of distraction. Eyewitnesses and footage from the crash can help prove many types of distractions, including inattention. The existence of items in the vehicle, like food, clothes, drinks, make-up, or other things, can point to distraction. Phone records can help show whether the driver was distracted by their phone. Consulting with an attorney can help hold the party responsible.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer at Murphy Law Firm

If you are in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to hire a dedicated car accident lawyer in Louisiana. A lawyer makes it easier to file a claim against the driver and prove that their use of a cell phone or other form of distraction was the reason for the accident and your injuries. At Murphy Law Firm, we have 150 collective years of legal experience and can pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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