Texting in Louisiana Now a Primary Offense

If you’re driving in Louisiana and just have to text your BFF about the hot Cajun you saw at the filling station, think again. Texting behind the wheel is now a primary offense in the state.

That means that a police officer can stop you for texting without any other reason to have a word with you. That’s right, you can be driving perfectly, observing the speed limit, doing everything you should be doing, but if you’re on your phone texting and the cop sees it, you can be pulled over.

At least in the short term, law enforcement in the state plans to focus on public awareness before taking out their ticket books. Blatant offenses, however, will be ticked immediately.

With the exception of emergency text messages, first offenders can be slapped with as much as a $200 fine, while subsequent offenses can climb to $500.

If you’re a minor (17 and under) and are even talking on a cell phone while driving, you can be stopped. That infraction is now a primary offense as well.

This kind of serious legal move against distracted driving will likely be played out on a state-by-state basis in the months to come as concerned citizens and activists (even Oprah) increasingly shine a light on the dangers of the behavior.

Like any other traffic citation, distracted driving offenses will go on your permanent driving record and will influence your insurance premiums. This is perhaps the number one behind-the-wheel risk in the public eye right now, even more so than driving under the influence.

If you are expecting an important message and your phone rings or chirps, just pull over. Waiting a few seconds or even having to call someone back is far preferable to causing an accident or, in the case of Louisiana, getting a ticket, paying a fine, and dealing with the insurance consequences of your actions.