Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious car accidents across Louisiana. From texting and scrolling to holding a phone during a call, even a few seconds of distraction can have devastating consequences. To address this growing safety issue, Louisiana has officially implemented a statewide hands-free driving law, with full enforcement beginning January 1, 2026.
At Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers, we believe informed drivers are safer drivers. This guide explains what Louisiana’s hands-free law means, what is allowed and prohibited, how violations are penalized, and how the law can impact personal injury claims after a car crash.
What Is Louisiana’s Hands-Free Driving Law?
Louisiana’s hands-free driving law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or wireless device while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. The law requires drivers to use hands-free technology if they want to make calls, use GPS, or otherwise interact with a mobile device while driving.
This includes technology such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a phone mounted securely to the dashboard or windshield. The law was introduced to reduce distracted driving crashes by keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
While there was a warning and education period leading up to 2026, that phase has ended. Law enforcement officers can now issue citations and fines for violations.
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(504) 500-1111What Drivers Are NOT Allowed to Do
Under Louisiana’s hands-free driving law, drivers may not:
- Hold a phone to make or receive calls
- Text, type, or message while driving
- Scroll social media or browse the internet
- Manually input navigation while the vehicle is moving
- Pick up or hold a phone at red lights or in traffic
- Physically interact with a phone in any way while driving
Even briefly holding a phone can be considered a violation. The law is designed to eliminate the split-second distractions that often lead to serious accidents.
What IS Allowed Under the Law
The hands-free law does allow certain phone use — as long as the device is not held in your hand.
Drivers may legally:
- Make or receive calls using Bluetooth or voice-activated systems
- Use GPS or navigation on a mounted device
- Use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Make emergency calls, including calling 911
- Use voice commands without touching the device
One important detail: handheld phone use is only allowed when a vehicle is lawfully stationary, meaning legally parked or pulled over — not simply stopped at a red light or in traffic.
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(504) 500-1111Penalties for Violating Louisiana’s Hands-Free Law
Drivers caught violating the hands-free law can face fines and other consequences, including:
- First offense: $100 fine
- Violations in school or construction zones: up to $250
- Repeat violations: higher fines and potential additional penalties
Beyond fines, distracted driving citations can also lead to increased insurance premiums, points on your license, and complications if you are involved in a crash.
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(504) 500-1111Why Louisiana Enacted the Hands-Free Law
Distracted driving has consistently ranked among the top causes of traffic accidents and fatalities nationwide. Louisiana lawmakers passed the hands-free law to:
- Reduce distracted driving crashes
- Improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
- Align Louisiana with other states that already have hands-free laws
- Create clearer enforcement standards for police and courts
This shift reflects a growing recognition that handheld phone use behind the wheel is simply too dangerous to ignore.
If you’re curious how Louisiana compares to other states, check out our article Which states have hands-free driving laws?
How the Hands-Free Law Affects Car Accident Claims
If you are injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, a hands-free law violation can play a critical role in your personal injury claim.
1. Evidence of Negligence
A driver cited for violating the hands-free law may be considered negligent, especially when phone records, witness statements, or video footage confirm phone use at the time of the crash.
2. Stronger Liability Arguments
Traffic law violations can help establish fault and strengthen your case for compensation.
3. Insurance Claim Impact
Insurance companies often factor traffic citations into fault determinations. A hands-free violation may increase the value of an injury claim.
At Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate distracted driving accidents and pursue all available evidence to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Tips to Stay Compliant and Drive Safely
Following the hands-free law is straightforward with a few smart habits:
- Pair your phone with Bluetooth before driving
- Use a secure phone mount for navigation
- Set your GPS destination before starting your trip
- Rely on voice commands whenever possible
- Pull over safely if you need to physically use your phone
- Be especially cautious in school and construction zones
- These steps not only help you avoid fines — they help prevent serious injuries and save lives.
When to Contact a Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer
You should consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if:
- You were injured by a distracted or negligent driver
- A loved one suffered serious injuries or fatal harm in a crash
- Fault is being disputed by insurance companies
- You are facing mounting medical bills or lost income
At Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers, we fight for injured victims across Louisiana. We handle communication with insurers, investigate distracted driving violations, and work to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
How Louisiana’s Hands-Free Law Impacts Drivers in New Orleans
Driving in New Orleans presents unique risks that make Louisiana’s hands-free driving law especially important. Between narrow historic streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, streetcars, rideshare vehicles, and constant congestion, even a moment of distraction can lead to a serious crash.
High-traffic corridors like I-10, Claiborne Avenue, Canal Street, St. Charles Avenue, and Carrollton Avenue already require heightened awareness. During peak tourism seasons, festivals, and major events, handheld phone use dramatically increases the risk of rear-end collisions, pedestrian injuries, and intersection crashes.
The hands-free law is designed to reduce these risks by keeping drivers focused — an especially critical goal in New Orleans’ dense urban driving environment.
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, a violation of the hands-free law may strengthen your injury claim. You can learn more about your legal options by visiting Scott Vicknair’s New Orleans car accident lawyer page
For accidents involving severe or life-altering injuries, additional information is available here on our New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer page:
Distracted Driving Accidents in New Orleans
Distracted driving crashes in New Orleans frequently involve:
- Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents in downtown and tourist areas
- Intersection crashes caused by delayed reaction times
- Rideshare, delivery, and commercial vehicle accidents involving phone use
Because New Orleans is heavily surveilled with traffic cameras, businesses, and public venues, distracted driving — including hands-free violations — is often easier to prove through video footage, witness statements, or phone records.
At Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers, we investigate whether distracted driving played a role in your crash and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
New Orleans Hands-Free Driving Law FAQs
Are hands-free laws enforced during Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Yes. Louisiana’s hands-free driving law is enforced during Mardi Gras and all major New Orleans events. In fact, enforcement is often heightened due to increased traffic congestion, pedestrian activity, and public safety concerns. Drivers caught holding a phone during parades or festival traffic can still receive citations.
Can I hold my phone at a red light in New Orleans?
No. Even when stopped at a red light, holding your phone is considered a violation unless your vehicle is lawfully parked. Stop-and-go traffic, parade delays, and congestion do not qualify as lawful stationary use.
Does the hands-free law apply to rideshare and delivery drivers in New Orleans?
Yes. The law applies to all drivers, including Uber, Lyft, taxi, food delivery, and commercial vehicle operators. In fact, professional drivers may face greater liability if distracted phone use leads to an accident.
What if a distracted driver injured me in the French Quarter or downtown?
If a distracted driver caused your injury in high-pedestrian areas like the French Quarter, CBD, or Warehouse District, the violation of the hands-free law may be strong evidence of negligence. These cases often involve witnesses, surveillance footage, and police documentation that can support your claim.
You can speak directly with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer:
Can a hands-free violation increase compensation in my case?
It can. A citation for violating the hands-free law may strengthen liability arguments and influence insurance negotiations, especially when combined with injuries, medical records, and accident reconstruction evidence.
Talk to a New Orleans Distracted Driving Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver in New Orleans, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers understand local traffic patterns, enforcement practices, and how hands-free violations impact injury claims.
Our team fights for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term damages — and we do not get paid unless we win your case.
Final Thoughts
Louisiana’s hands-free driving law is a major step toward safer roads in 2026 and beyond. Understanding the rules — and following them — helps protect you, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
Hands on the wheel. Eyes on the road. We fight for the win.
