Everything You Need to Know About Louisiana’s Texting and Driving Laws

Under Louisiana’s texting and driving law, texting while driving is a primary offense and carries a minimum $500 fine for adult drivers.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Texting and driving is a primary offense in
Louisiana
that carries a hefty minimum fine of $500 for adult drivers’ first offense and increased fines and license suspension for subsequent violations. These already high fines double if the violation results in a collision.
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What are the texting and driving laws in Louisiana?

Texting while driving is a primary offense in Louisiana. This means an officer can pull you over and give you a ticket just for using a handheld device—even if you’re not committing any other moving violations. 
Texting and driving is only one part of what’s covered under Louisiana’s distracted driving law, though. Currently, Louisiana prohibits all of the following while driving:
  • Reading, writing, or sending text messages
  • The use of any social media
  • Use of any and all wireless devices, even hands-free, by drivers under the age of 16
  • Use of cell phones by drivers under 18, drivers with learner’s permits, and new drivers of any age for one year after receiving their license
  • Use of cell phones and/or portable electronic devices in active school zones

What are the penalties for texting and driving in Louisiana? 

Louisiana has some of the steepest penalties for texting and driving in the country. They change depending on the driver’s age, the number of times the driver has committed the offense, and whether the violation results in a collision. 
Here’s how it all breaks down:
Age
Offense
Fine
Additional penalty
Adult driver
1st offense
$500 ($1,000 if offense results in a collision)
None
Adult driver
2nd and subsequent offenses
$1,000 ($2,000 if offense results in a collision)
60-day license suspension
Driver under 18
1st offense
$250 ($500 if offense results in a collision)
None
Driver under 18
2nd and subsequent offenses
$500 ($1,000 if offense results in a collision)
60-day license suspension
In addition to the already-high fines listed above, offenders will also be responsible for all court costs and administrative fees associated with their violation of Louisiana’s distracted driving law.

Are there exceptions to Louisiana’s texting and driving law? 

Yes. Louisiana allows drivers to use GPS and other navigation systems, and to use handheld phones in their vehicle if they are: 
  • Reporting an emergency
  • Getting help when their personal safety is at risk
  • Reporting emergency information or criminal activity to the police
  • Legally parked
  • Using a cell phone as part of their job while operating an emergency vehicle
Unlike many other states, Louisiana does not allow drivers to check texts while stopped at a stop sign or red light. Researchers have found that checking their phones can leave drivers distracted for up to 30 seconds after putting the phone down, so even a quick check, when you stop at a sign or light, is still a distraction. 
If you need to check or send a text while driving in Louisiana, pull over and legally park your car first. 

Are there special rules about texting and driving for young drivers? 

Yes. Fines are lower in Louisiana for young drivers who violate distracted driving laws. That said, Louisiana includes additional restrictions on the use of cell phones and other handheld devices for drivers under 18.  
Key Takeaway Texting while driving in Louisiana is illegal, but you can still use your phone for a few essential functions, such as checking GPS or emergency alerts. 

Can texting and driving raise my insurance premium?

Not only are the fines for texting and driving in Louisiana high, but getting a ticket for distracted driving can also cause your
car insurance
premiums to go up.
While Louisiana is among only a few states that don’t apply points to your license in the event of a distracted driving violation, your insurance provider will be notified of each offense. Your driving record and your insurance company’s policies will then determine how much your rates will increase.
On average, the annual rate in Louisiana for a driver with a clean record is $2,001. After receiving a single ticket for texting and driving, that rate increases to $2,243.
Keep your insurance rates low and put your phone away while you’re behind the wheel. Not only will this help you maintain a clean record (which can earn you
a safe driver discount
with your insurance company)—it’ll also keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safer on the road. 
“When using
Jerry
, I was impressed at how their representative took care of my situation. He was so knowledgeable about my state’s insurance laws!” —Rabi B. 
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FAQs

You can’t go to jail for texting and driving in Louisiana unless your distracted driving caused a more serious violation, such as vehicular manslaughter. However, repeated texting and driving offenses could lead to your license being suspended.
Texting while driving is among the leading forms of distracted driving. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving causes about 3,000 deaths a year—and that number seems to be on the rise. For instance, 2019 saw a 9.9% increase in distracted driving fatalities compared to the previous year.
No. Texting, social media use, and other engagements with cell phones and handheld devices are only legal when a vehicle is legally parked.
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