Shreveport Drivers Need To Know About This New Law Before Picking Up The Phone

All Shreveport Drivers need to know about this new state law before it changes the roads forever. Starting in August, a new law will prohibit drivers in Louisiana from using their cell phones in almost any way. For now, the state is issuing warnings, but be prepared because, in 2026, this law could cost you a significant amount.

Understanding Louisiana's New Hands-Free Phone Law

State law in Louisiana will now punish any drivers who even touch their phones while driving. Okay, maybe touching your phone is incorrect, but using your phone while driving in almost any context is now flat out illegal.

You can still make calls using handsfree controls that don't require you to touch the phone itself, but using a cell phone for "engaging in a call... writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication, whihc means using a text message, instnant messgae, [e-mail], or other text." are illegal while driving.

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The law digs deeper and actually now makes it illegal to use your phone to record or photograph while driving. If you want to post videos of your late-night cruise, be ready to make your story private.

Is CarPlay Illegal Now?

Under the new law, certain functions of CarPlay or Android Auto would now be considered illegal. The hands-free clause applies to any device that allows the driver to utilize functions of the phone, such as making calls or getting directions. But the wording of the law makes it clear that these attachments, CarPlay/Android Auto, cannot be touched by hand and only by voice.

So Shreveport drivers will still be able to reply to texts, make calls, and get directions from their smart car display, as long as it's never done by hand. It won't be until August of 2025 that the law goes into effect statewide, but until 2026, the only penalty is a warning. After the new year, each penalty will cost $100-$250.