Using a mobile phone while driving in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Operating a wireless device while driving is banned unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary, including holding the device, texting and social media use. Hands-free calls are allowed. The fine is USD 100 outside school and highway construction zones.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $100.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary: writing, sending or reading texts, e-mails or other text-based messages, and using social media, are prohibited. Fine USD 100, or USD 250 in a school zone or highway construction zone (doubled after a crash). [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | Secondary in most places: police may cite it only after stopping a driver for another traffic violation. It is a primary offence in school zones and highway construction zones. [1] |
Notes
- Holding or physically supporting a wireless telecommunications device in the hands counts as operating it, unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary. Earpieces, headphones and wrist-worn devices used to talk or listen are excepted.
- A call is allowed with a hands-free wireless telephone. Texting, social media, photos, video and manual entries are banned.
- Outside school and highway construction zones the offence is secondary: it can be enforced only when the driver is stopped for another violation. The judge may reduce the fine to USD 50 with community service. In a school or construction zone it is a primary offence with a fine of USD 250 (reducible to USD 100). The fine doubles if the driver is in a crash at the time.
- The statute calls a violation a nonmoving violation and states no penalty points. The number of points was not confirmed from an official points schedule.
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 32:59 - Use of wireless telecommunications device prohibited; exceptions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Banned | Hands-free calls allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: Texting only Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School zones: Banned in school zones Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Highway work zones: Banned in work zones | Allowed (not under 18) | USD 25 to 250 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: No (texting only) Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School crossing zones: Banned in zones | Allowed | USD 25 to 99 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.