On August 1, 2025, it got way easier for officers to justify pulling you over.

The Louisiana Legislature passed the distracted driving bill, which says you can only use a cell phone hands-free, like through Bluetooth or speakerphone. As a former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney, I can tell you to put that phone down while driving. You cannot hold a cell phone for any reason while driving, including talking. It took several years to pass this law because lawmakers were concerned about officers using the phone ban as an excuse to perform traffic stops. I think that fear still exists, but they disagree.

My name is Larrion Hillman, and I’m a criminal defense attorney in Northwest Louisiana. Remember, keep calm, and don’t pick that phone up while driving.