Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous habits on Louisiana roads. A quick text, a glance at a notification, or holding a phone for directions can take a driver’s attention away from the road long enough to cause a serious crash.
Attorney Jay Suire with The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation recently joined Midday with Darla on KADN News 15 to discuss Louisiana’s hands-free cell phone law and what drivers need to understand about using mobile devices behind the wheel.
What Is Louisiana’s Hands-Free Cell Phone Law?
Louisiana’s hands-free cell phone law limits how drivers can use wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. In general, drivers are not allowed to hold or manually use a cell phone while driving unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary.
This means drivers should avoid holding a phone to make calls, texting, scrolling, browsing apps, checking social media, taking photos or videos, entering information manually, or physically supporting a wireless device while driving.
The purpose of the law is simple: keep drivers’ hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and attention where it belongs.
What Does “Hands-Free” Mean?
Hands-free use generally means using technology that allows you to communicate or navigate without holding the phone in your hand. This may include Bluetooth, speakerphone, voice commands, mounted devices, or a hands-free navigation setup.
Drivers should set up navigation, music, calls, or other phone functions before they begin driving. If something requires you to pick up the phone or manually type while on the road, the safest choice is to pull over in a safe location first.
For a more detailed breakdown of the law, you can also read our related article: Louisiana’s New Hands-Free Cell Phone Law.
Can You Use Your Phone at a Red Light?
One common question drivers have is whether they can use their phone while stopped at a red light or in traffic. Under the hands-free law, “lawfully stationary” generally means the vehicle is stopped, parked, or safely pulled over, not simply paused in traffic.
If you need to send a message, adjust directions, or handle your phone, it is best to pull over somewhere safe before using the device.
Are There Exceptions to the Law?
Yes. Louisiana’s hands-free law includes limited exceptions. Drivers may use a wireless device in certain situations, including:
- Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, serious road hazard, or other emergency
- Calling 911 to report a crime in progress
- Using a hands-free navigation system
- Using the device while lawfully stationary
- Certain official uses by emergency responders and law enforcement
Even when an exception applies, drivers should use caution and avoid anything that takes their attention away from driving longer than necessary.
What Are the Penalties for Violating the Law?
Violations of Louisiana’s hands-free law can result in fines. Penalties may be higher if the violation occurs in a school zone or highway construction zone. If a driver is involved in a crash while violating the law, the fine may be doubled, and the investigating officer may note device use on the accident report.
Beyond fines, the bigger concern is safety. Distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, fatal crashes, and long-term consequences for everyone involved.
How Cell Phone Use Can Affect an Accident Claim
If a driver causes a crash while using a cell phone, that conduct may become important evidence in an injury claim. Phone use, witness statements, traffic camera footage, accident reports, and other evidence may help show that distracted driving contributed to the crash.
For injured victims, this can matter when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses.
The attorneys at The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation help injured people understand their rights after crashes involving distracted drivers, negligent drivers, and insurance companies that may try to minimize the claim.
What Should You Do If You Are Hit by a Distracted Driver?
If you believe another driver was using a phone before or during a crash, take steps to protect yourself and your claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Tell the investigating officer if you saw the other driver using a phone
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
Evidence can disappear quickly after a crash. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner your legal team can begin investigating what happened.
Watch the Full KADN Segment
To learn more about Louisiana’s hands-free cell phone law, watch Attorney Jay Suire of The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation on Midday with Darla on KADN News 15.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation
If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation is here to help. Since 1977, our team has fought for injured people across Lafayette, Acadiana, and Louisiana.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. If we do not win, you do not pay.
