Drive and Read a Book? Is it Legally Possible in Louisiana?

In 2025, Louisiana's legislative focus remains on enhancing road safety through stricter distracted driving laws. House Bill 519, introduced by State Representative Brian Glorioso, aims to prohibit the use of handheld wireless devices while driving, mandating hands-free operation instead. The bill has passed the House and is under Senate consideration .

This legislation emphasizes safety by targeting manual device usage but does not address the nuances of autonomous driving technologies. Currently, Louisiana law requires drivers to maintain control and attention, even when using advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Tesla's Autopilot.

Developments in Other States 

Some states are proactively establishing regulations for fully autonomous vehicles. According to a recent story in Route50, in 2024, Alabama, Kentucky, and South Dakota enacted laws permitting the operation of fully autonomous vehicles, provided they meet specific safety and insurance criteria . These laws often require a human operator to be present and attentive, even if the vehicle can operate independently. 

Florida has taken a unique approach. The Miami Herald reports Florida's laws allow drivers to engage in activities like texting while using certain autonomous features, such as Tesla's Autopilot, under specific conditions. However, this is an exception rather than the norm, and most states maintain strict regulations requiring driver attention at all times.

Louisiana's Position on Autonomous Driving 

Louisiana has yet to introduce legislation specifically addressing fully autonomous vehicles. The state's current laws focus on mitigating distracted driving through hands-free mandates. While these laws are a step toward accommodating new technologies, they do not permit drivers to disengage entirely from the driving task.

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As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, Louisiana may consider legislation to address the operation of such vehicles. However, until then, drivers are expected to remain attentive and in control, regardless of the vehicle's capabilities. 

So Where Does Louisiana Stand?

While the idea of reading a book during your commute in an autonomous vehicle is appealing, current laws in Louisiana and most other states do not permit such disengagement. But, as technology advances, legal frameworks will need to adapt to ensure both innovation and safety on the roads.