Louisiana Requirements
Louisiana is a popular vacation spot, especially for big parties like Mardi Gras. But there are still strict laws in place to deter people from drinking and driving. Louisiana has strict DWI laws, and they’ve grown stricter over the years. In 2015, suspension periods were lengthened for most offenses.
The LA Ignition Interlock Program
Louisiana suspends driver’s licenses after all DWI offenses, but some offenders can get back on the road during their suspension period. To do so, they’re required to install an ignition interlock device and meet a variety of other criteria.There are financial and administrative penalties. Some offenders may be eligible to regain their driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device approved by the state.
What Happens if I Get a DWI in Louisiana?
DWI offenses are treated very seriously in Louisiana. These laws are in place to hopefully deter people from drinking and driving.
A second-time DWI offender may have their license suspended for one years, and four years if their BAC is over .15 percent. In addition, there are financial penalties and other requirements like treatment programs and potential community service. To regain driving privileges, drivers are required to install an IID from an approved provider like Intoxalock. They must present proof of installation before acquiring a restricted license.
Recently, Louisiana updated their interlock program to decrease recidivism. Now, their interlock program is compliance-based, which means time can be added to an offender’s interlock term for certain violations. Offenders will also have to have their device calibrated every 30 days. The violations include: tampering, circumventing the device once during installation, failure to have proper service every 30 days more than twice during the period of installation, 3 or more initial or retest breath test failures or failures to retest during a 30-day period, or any unauthorized removal of the device. Any of these violations can result in a 30-day extension for first-time DUI offenders, and a 6-month extension for repeat DUI offenders.
The recent updates also eliminate the waiting period for hardship licenses for offenders with a BAC at or above .15 percent.
First DWI Offense
- 365-day license suspension
- May be required to complete a classroom course
- Fine up to $1,000
- 10 days six months in jail
- Ignition interlock may be required to regain license
- Community service or house arrest may be mandated instead of jail time
- Offenders with a BAC of .15 or greater will have their license suspended for 2 years
Second DWI Offense
- 30 days minimum up to six months in jail
- Driver improvement or substance abuse treatment may be required
- Must pay between $750-$1,000 in fines
- Suspension of driver’s license for two years
- Interlock required for six months and potentially longer
- Community service or house arrest may be mandated instead of jail time
- Offenders with a BAC of .15 or greater will have their license suspended for 4 years
Third DWI Offense
- License suspended for at least three years (more if their BAC is more than .20)
- Driver improvement or substance abuse treatment may be required
- One to five years of jail time
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Interlock required during suspension and treatment (and possibly longer)
- Community service or house arrest may be mandated instead of jail time
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DWI Test in Louisiana?
Louisiana still has consequences for offenders who refuse to submit to a breath, urine, or blood test when stopped for suspected DWI. If a driver refuses the test, they can be penalized with a one-year license suspension, and their license will be immediately seized. If the driver has a past refusal within 10 years, their license will be suspended for two years and they will be required to have an IID for six months. Offenders are eligible to get a hardship license if they install an ignition interlock device.
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Louisiana?
Some offenders may be eligible to regain their driving privileges if they agree to install an ignition interlock device. They must comply with the state’s interlock requirements or risk their interlock term being extended. They may also be required to meet other criteria, including:
- Install an IID at an approved provider and provide proof to the court or office of motor vehicles
- Pay any applicable fines
- Provide proof of SR-22 insurance
- Complete any mandated treatment programs or community service
The court may require additional criteria depending on the specifics of the incident.
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The Process: What to Expect
1. Consult with Legal Counsel
2. Get an Assessment
3. Obtain proof of SR-22 insurance
4. Schedule interlock install
5. Regular monitoring
6. Device removal
Interlock Cost in Louisiana
Louisiana has recently established an Affordability Program for eligible offenders with an IID. They can receive a 50% discount on installation, calibration, removal and leasing costs for their IID if they prove they are eligible to receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSDI, SSI, or indigent public defender program.
Find an Install Location Near You
Expert DWI Attorneys in Louisiana
Allen Smith Criminal Defense
Alexandria, LA 71301
Andre LaPlace, Attorney at Law
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Lawrence Law
Monroe, LA 71201
Sallinger Law Firm
Lafayette, LA 70503
Louisiana FAQs
An ignition interlock device is a built-in breathalyzer that safeguards against impaired driving by requiring a breath sample before enabling the vehicle's ignition.
Louisiana requires some drunk driving offenders to install an ignition interlock device in order to get their driving privileges back. Convicted offenders who are required to install an IID must cover the cost and return to the service center for calibration every 60 days.
Costs may vary depending on the type of vehicle you have and what device and provider you go with. Intoxalock customers can expect to pay a deposit of $79.99 to $115.99, plus a $29.99 setup fee. The devices cost between $49.99 to $199.99 monthly to lease.
If you are required by the court to install the device, you will need to make an appointment at your chosen service provider. You may need to provide a signed consent form from the vehicle’s owner if you are not the owner. The sales agent may also need your probation or court contact information.
In addition to the probation or court contact information and signed consent form, you should bring your Louisiana driver’s license or identification card.
Intoxalock has many locations throughout Louisiana, and our state specialists can help you find one that is convenient for you. With 130 locations in-state, you should have no trouble finding one near you.
You can visit the service center where the device was installed for your removal.
Your monitoring authority should provide you with removal paperwork that you should share with Louisiana-Compliance@intoxalock.com prior to your appointment.
Check the Louisiana state page for a fuller picture of penalties for DUI.
No, LA does not offer financial assistance for interlock users.
Check out the list of experienced Louisiana DWI attorneys we partner with.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
Our state specialists are available to answer questions 24/7. To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
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