Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
WGNO
Louisiana Senate advances bill to ban using cell phones on public roads while driving
By Keymonte Avery,
9 days ago
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 not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2025, if passed.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter .
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Most Popular
Comments / 0