‘No Touch’ Louisiana Law Carries Big Fines

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - A certain Louisiana law forbids you to touch an item while performing a certain action, and if you do, you could be fined heavily. We have all the details.

Some laws in Louisiana make you scratch your head and wonder how they became laws, but not this one, it seems to be a commonsense law.

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In 2016 a law was passed in Louisiana that makes it illegal to do something while driving. In fact, driving is one of the most dangerous things a person will do during their lifetime. Just think about it, you take your life into your hands and others every time you get behind the wheel.

So, it makes sense that the government would make laws to make driving as safe as possible. This particular law may feel like no big deal to some, but others know it can save lives.

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Louisiana law RS 32:300.5 says that drivers in the Bayou State, whether residents or out of state travelers, can't touch any devices that can be used for texting or social media posting while operating a motor vehicle.

This also includes while stopped for a redlight or stop sign. If you are behind the wheel operating a motor vehicle you better keep your hands off, or you could face big fines if caught in the act.

Louisiana law RS 32:300.5 says in part:

A.(1) Except as provided in Subsection B of this Section, no person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication... (2) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to access, read, or post to a social networking site. (3)(a) "Wireless telecommunications device" means a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand alone computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is readily removable from the vehicle and is used to write, send, or read text or data through manual input...

Doing this action could carry big fines if you are caught up to and over $1,000. Louisiana law RS 32:300.5 goes on to say:

 C.(1) The first violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. (2) Each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. (3) If the person is involved in a crash at the time of violation, then the fine shall be equal to double the amount of the standard fine imposed in this Subsection and the law enforcement officer investigating the crash shall indicate on the written accident form that the person was using a wireless telecommunications device at the time of the crash.