Louisiana has several different distracted driving laws. There's some overlap, but generally, the laws prohibit texting and interacting with social media for all drivers, and prohibit talking on a cell phone for certain drivers and in certain locations for all drivers.
Some of Louisiana's distracted driving laws apply only to beginner drivers. Here are the restrictions that apply to all drivers.
Louisiana's distracted driving laws prohibit all drivers from operating a vehicle while using a wireless telecommunication device to:
So, basically, this prohibition covers all kinds of text messaging and ways that a driver might interact with an electronic device.
Louisiana doesn't have a general ban on phone calls while driving. However, the distracted driving law does prohibit drivers from engaging in calls while in a school zone and during posted school hours.
Louisiana's distracted driving laws contain a number of exceptions. These include:
Although these exceptions are written into the law, they don't come up very often.
For a first violation, the motorist is looking at up $500 in fines. A second or subsequent violation carries a 60-day license suspension and up to $1,000 in fines. And if a violation involves a collision, the fines are doubled.
Hands-free requirement. Motorists who hold a class E learner's or intermediate license are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving unless the motorist is using hands-free technology.
Exceptions. The learner's and intermediate license restriction doesn't apply to calls made to report an emergency or criminal activity.
Penalties for learner's and intermediate license violations. For a first violation, the motorist faces a maximum $500 fine. A second or subsequent violation carries up to $1,000 in fines. And if a violation involves a collision, the fines are doubled.
No texting or phone calls. For motorists who are under the age of 18, it's illegal to text or talk on a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
Exceptions. The underage cellphone and texting ban doesn't apply to reporting emergencies and criminal activity.
Penalties for underage violations. For a first violation, the motorist faces a maximum $250 fine. A second or subsequent violation carries a 60-day license suspension and up to $500 in fines. For violations involving accidents, the fines are doubled.