Am I allowed to use my cellphone while stopped at a red light? What to know in Louisiana

[Desmond Milligan 0]

If you've ever been stopped at a particularly long red light, you've probably felt it was okay to check your phone while you're stopped.

In several U.S. states, it's actually illegal to use a handheld cellphone when stopped at a red light.

States with such prohibitions include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon and Pennsylvania, among others.

Can I use my phone while stopped at a red light in Louisiana? What to know

In Louisiana, it was generally legal to use your phone while stopped at a red light, however, it is illegal to hold your phone while driving.

A new law that took effect Aug. 1, 2025, requires that drivers use their phones hands-free while operating a vehicle, meaning drivers can use features like Bluetooth or dash-mounted device.

Although, drivers can hold and use phones when "lawfully stationary," meaning that a motor vehicle is stopped, in park or neutral, standing while in gear and not moving, as well as in a travel lane or on the shoulder of a public road or highway, according to BillTrack50.

This also includes instances where the action is necessary to observe or avoid conflict with traffic or in compliance with the directions of law enforcement or a traffic control device or signal, says BillTrack50.

Bristol Township is the latest Bucks County municipality to add an automatic red light camera program

There are exceptions for emergencies, like calling 911, and for first responders using their devices as part of their duties.

Additionally, until Jan. 1, 2026, officers will only issue warnings for violations of the new law, with fines starting on that date.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is it illegal to use your phone while stopped at a red light? Law here

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