If you’ve made a quick text, call, or checked your phone while driving this month, you may want to read up on  Louisiana’s new Hands-Free Driving Law.

As of August 1, 2025, it is illegal to use a handheld cellphone while your vehicle is moving on any public roadway. That means no scrolling, swiping, texting, or TikTok-ing while behind the wheel. 

And before you say, “But Eric, I’m a great multitasker,” let me do my best cop impersonation and stop you right there. Louisiana’s auto insurance rates are already the highest in the nation, and distracted driving is a big reason why. 

The new law has several nuances that you need to know, so let’s start practicing avoiding distractions and read up on some important points you need to know.

Key Points of the Law

• Signed by Governor Jeff Landry and passed as HB 519, the law prohibits holding your phone while your vehicle is moving on any public roadway.

• Voice calls are permitted, but only through hands-free technology like Bluetooth.

• Texting, emailing, browsing social media, or using apps while driving are all now ticketable offenses.

• The law has exceptions for emergencies (reporting traffic, criminal, or medical emergencies) and certain professional drivers (like rideshare operators or emergency officials).

• The law doesn’t apply when your vehicle is stationary 

Penalties for Breaking the Law

• Outside school/construction zones: $100 fine.

• Inside school/construction zones: $250 fine.

• Causing a crash while breaking this law? Double the fine.

When Does It Really Kick In?

• Now through Dec. 31, 2025: Warnings only.

• Jan. 1, 2026: Tickets start rolling out, but only as a secondary offense (they have to pull you over for something else first).

• School or construction zones: This is where they can pull you over just for a hands-free violation.

Why the Change?

By standardizing rules across Louisiana, the state aims to make roads safer for everyone. This comes in line with national initiatives to reduce distracted driving fatalities. Louisiana now joins over 30 other states with a similar law. (Hey, at least we’re not last.)

What Does This Mean for Accident Victims? 

If you’re injured in a crash involving a distracted driver, this hands-free law could play a significant role in your case. Police reports will now note if a phone violation was involved, and higher fines apply if a crash occurs during a violation. This can help establish fault and strengthen your claim if you’ve been hurt by a driver who wasn’t focused on the road.

Win a Hands-Free Phone Holder!

E. Eric Guirard Injury Lawyers is all about making the road safer (and keeping your bank account intact), so we are giving away several hands-free phone holders.