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Louisiana DUI Laws

Louisiana DUI Defense

What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Louisiana (LA) law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

10 years

Prior offenses count within

⚠

30 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

In Louisiana, you have 30 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically , even if the criminal case is later dismissed.

First Offense Penalties in Louisiana

Jail TimeUp to 6 months (minimum 48 hours if BAC 0.20+)
Fines$300 – $1,000
License Suspension90 days
Ignition InterlockRequired for 12 months if BAC 0.15+

Implied Consent & Test Refusal

Like all 50 states, Louisiana has an implied consent law, by driving on Louisianaroads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.

Refusal Penalty

180-day license suspension (for first refusal, doubled if under 21)

Louisiana-Specific Detail

Louisiana allows first-offense DUI charges to be eligible for diversion or expungement in some jurisdictions. The state's legal drinking culture makes DUI enforcement practices vary significantly between parishes.

Is your Louisiana DUI defense on track?

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DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Louisiana DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Louisiana defense topics

Facing a different charge in Louisiana? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in LouisianaAssault in LouisianaDomestic Violence in Louisiana

Important: This page provides general legal information about Louisiana DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Louisiana-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.