DUI Suspension & Penalties in Louisiana

Drunk driving has serious penalties in every state.

Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development provides oversight for the state's driving under the influence (DUI) suspension rules, regulations and associated penalties. Aim of the laws is to lower or eliminate the number of people who put innocent pedestrians and other drivers at risk of injury or death when they drive under the influence. Residents and visitors to the state are required to adhere to the rules and regulations.

DUI Convictions

Louisiana can punish drivers who reside in the state if they are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) by one of the state's district, city, municipal or magistrate courts. Drivers can also be penalized or have their license suspended if they are convicted of a DUI by a federal court. Blood alcohol content (BAC) levels must be at least .08 or higher before penalties and suspensions are assessed.

License Suspensions

Drivers, regardless of age, who are convicted by Louisiana courts of driving while intoxicated (DWI) will have their driver's license suspended. The first DWI conviction causes the driver to have his license suspended for 90 days or three months. A driver who receives a first DWI conviction but who has a BAC at .20 or higher, has his license suspended for 730 days or two years. Second DWI convictions with a BAC below .20 earn a one-year license suspension; the third DWI earns a two-year suspension. Second DWI convictions with a BAC at .20 or higher receive a four-year license suspension.

Underage DUIs and DWIs

Individuals under the age of 21 years who are convicted in the courts of driving a vehicle with a BAC between .02 and .079 after August 15, 2007 will have their record coded with a driving while intoxicated (DWI). Offenses prior to August 15, 2007 are coded as Under-age driving under the influence (UDUI). Fine for the first UDUI is $60. Fine for the first DWI is $100. Second DWI convictions receive a $200 fine while the third DWI conviction costs the driver a $300 penalty. Convicted drivers must also attend a 30-hour classroom driver education course. In place of the classroom course, they can also attend a 6-hour pre-licensing course if they were 16 years old when the offense occurred.

References

• Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development
• DUI Laws