Louisiana DUI Laws, Limits, and Penalties
In Louisiana, there is an absolute zero tolerance for drinking or driving under the influence for all ages. Safety is one of Louisiana’s highest priorities. If you get caught driving under the influence or while intoxicated in Louisiana, you will get charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). It is so important to avoid any alcohol consumption at all costs. Especially before going behind the steering wheel and risking your life and the lives of others on the road
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Test
Once pulled over, you will have to undergo a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test to determine the alcohol percentage in your body. In Louisiana, if you are over 21 years of age and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, you are intoxicated. If you are caught under age 21, a reading over 0.02% is deemed intoxicated. You will be charged with a DWI in all of these scenarios.
Louisiana DUI Penalties
Below we provide a breakdown of the penalties in Louisiana if caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol if you’re age 21 and older. These offenses listed below are for first, second and third time offenders:
First offense:
- License suspended for one year
- Pay a $100 reinstatement license fee
- Show proof of financial responsibility for three years after the date of conviction
Second offense:
- License suspension for up to 2 years
- Pay a $200 reinstatement license fee
- Show proof of financial responsibility for three years after the date of conviction
- Mandatory 48 hours in jail and up to 6 months of additional jail time
- Pay a $1000 fine
Third offense:
License suspension for up to 3 years
- Pay $300 to reinstate license
- Proof of financial responsibility for three years after the date of conviction
- Spend 1-5 years in jail, possibly
- Possible home confinement
- Pay $2000 in fees
- Participate in a 4-week inpatient substance abuse program, plus 4 weeks in an outpatient substance abuse program
- Enroll in 40 hours plus of community service projects
Ignition Interlock Device
If you receive several DWIs and DUIs and refuse to take a chemical test, you will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on your vehicle. An IID is an instrument that measures your BAC, which you must blow into a small tube before starting your car. If your alcohol measurements are unlawful, the device will not begin to your ignition. If you ever need an IID in Louisiana, you will be solely responsible for installing and maintaining the device.
Conclusion:
If you receive multiple DWIs and DUIs, or if you refuse to take a chemical test, then you will be required to pay certain fees, participate in substance abuse programs, enroll in community service projects, and have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle.
You must also bear the responsibility of installing and maintaining the IID. Therefore, it is important that you abide by all laws and regulations in order to avoid the consequences of a DWI or DUI.
It is important to remember that there are serious consequences for not following required IID regulations, so be sure to adhere to them at all times if you have an IID installed on your vehicle.
