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Louisiana Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: Louisiana bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Louisiana bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect August 1, 2025 (HB 519 / Act 288). R.S. 32:59 bars operating a wireless device while driving; 32:300.5 was repealed.

Official source: legis.la.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Louisiana

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArkansasConditional
In Arkansas, texting and social-media use while driving is banned for all drivers (A.C.A. 27-51-1504). Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device at all; drivers 18–20 are hands-free only. All drivers — including adults — are additionally barred from using a wireless device when passing a school building or school zone during school hours when children are present (27-51-1605) and in a highway work zone (27-51-1606).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
MississippiConditional
Mississippi bans texting while driving but not handheld calls. Miss. Code 63-33-1 bars texting and social media use on a handheld phone while driving. Adults may still hold the phone to talk.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: billstatus.ls.state.ms.us · Full Mississippi rule →
TexasConditional
Texas bans reading, writing, or sending texts or other electronic messages while driving (Tex. Transp. Code 545.4251). …
Verified Sep 9, 2026 · Source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov · Full Texas rule →

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