Louisiana Senate advances bill to ban using cell phones on public roads while driving

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A bill that would prohibit the use of any form of a cellular device while driving on public roads has passed the Senate.

According to SB98, using a cell phone while driving on any roadway in Louisiana would become illegal. Any person who violates the law would be charged $25 for all fines collected for the first violation and $50 for all other violations after that.

The ban would include using social media, sending messages and "engaging in a call" except when using a hands-free device such as a headset or Bluetooth features in the vehicle.

According to the proposed bill, the only exceptions allowed while operating a vehicle would be to contact law enforcement to report an accident or crime or to request help.

If a violation occurs in a school zone, it would be a primary offense and could come with a fine of no more than $500 on the first offense. Each violation after would cost no more than $1,000 and a suspension of driver's license. If the person is involved in a crash, the fine would be doubled.

If a violation happens outside of school or work zone, it will be considered a secondary offense. The first penalty should not be less than $50 but not more than $100 and not more than 15 hours of community service. For every additional violation, the fine would be not less than $100 but not more than $300 and up to 60 hours of community service.

The proposed bill would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, if passed.

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