Louisiana ignition interlock & DUI requirements

What Louisiana law requires

Louisiana's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.

Primary source: La. R.S. 32:378.2

Ignition interlock requirement

Mandatory as a condition of probation for a first offender whose sentence is suspended: under La. R.S. 14:98.1(A)(1)(d), imposition or execution of the first-offense sentence shall not be suspended unless the offender is placed on probation with minimum conditions including that 'the court shall order that the offender not operate a motor vehicle during the period of probation, for no less than six months, unless any vehicle ... is equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device.' If the BAC was 0.15 percent or more, R.S. 14:98.1(A)(2)(b)/(3)(b) impose a two-year license suspension and R.S. 32:378.2(B)(1)(a)(ii)(aa) requires the interlock during that entire two-year suspension (restricted license). Separately, R.S. 32:378.2(A) states the court 'may' require an interlock for a person on probation under R.S. 14:98.1 and 'shall' for R.S. 14:98.2; the specific probation condition in 14:98.1(A)(1)(d) is the operative first-offense mandate. For a first offender who serves the sentence without probation, no statutory interlock mandate was found (OMV's DWI-conviction suspension table lists no interlock period for a first DWI under 0.15).

Approved interlock providers

Vendors listed here appear on the Louisiana licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.

Official approved-vendor list: Louisiana agency vendor list

SR-22 requirement

An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Louisiana does, the sources below say so.

SR-22. The OMV Suspensions page lists, for reinstatement after a DWI/UDUI conviction, 'File Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for 3 years from the date of conviction', and for a chemical-test refusal suspension 'for 3 years from the date of arrest'. The Disqualifications page states the reinstatement fee and SR22 requirements for disqualifications and suspensions are the same.

Compare SR-22 rules in every state

Program costs

Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.

Frequently asked questions

Is an ignition interlock required after a first DWI in Louisiana?

Under La. R.S. 14:98.1(A)(1)(d), a first-offense sentence may be suspended only if the offender is placed on probation with conditions that include a court order not to operate a vehicle for at least six months of probation unless it has a functioning ignition interlock device meeting R.S. 32:378.2. If the BAC was 0.15 percent or more, R.S. 32:378.2(B)(1)(a)(ii)(aa) requires the interlock for the entire two-year license suspension.

How long does the interlock stay installed in Louisiana?

R.S. 14:98.1(A)(1)(d) sets a minimum of six months of probation for a first offense; R.S. 14:98.2(A)(1)(d) sets not less than six months from conviction for a second offense. Where the BAC was 0.15 or more, R.S. 32:378.2(B)(1)(a)(ii) requires the device for the full two-year (first offense) or four-year (second offense) suspension. The OMV lists interlock periods of 180 or 730 days for administrative 'submit' suspensions when an interlock is required.

What does Louisiana charge to reinstate a license after a DWI?

The Louisiana OMV Suspensions page lists reinstatement fees of $100 for a first DWI, $200 for a second, $300 for a third or subsequent, and $60 for underage DUI, after serving the mandatory suspension and filing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22). Administrative 'submit' and refusal suspensions carry a $50 fee, and an ignition interlock installation agreement is required where the interlock is a condition of reinstatement.

Does Louisiana require an SR-22 after a DWI, and for how long?

Yes. The Louisiana OMV Suspensions page states that reinstatement after a DWI or UDUI conviction requires filing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for 3 years from the date of conviction; after a chemical-test refusal suspension, the SR-22 runs 3 years from the date of arrest. OMV's Disqualifications page states the SR-22 requirements for disqualifications and suspensions are the same.

Is there help with interlock costs in Louisiana?

La. R.S. 15:307.1 requires the Office of State Police to maintain an ignition interlock affordability plan. A person who is eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, SSDI, Social Security income, or an indigent-defender order with income below 125 percent of the federal poverty level pays no more than 50 percent of the service center's installation, monthly calibration, lease, and removal fees; providers may not refuse service, and complaints go to the State Police Applied Technology Unit.

Sources

1. La. R.S. 32:378.2 – Ignition interlock devices; condition of probation for certain DWI offenders; restricted license (Louisiana State Legislature)
2. La. R.S. 14:98.1 – Operating while impaired; first offense; penalties (Louisiana State Legislature)
3. La. R.S. 14:98.2 – Operating while impaired; second offense; penalties (Louisiana State Legislature)
4. La. R.S. 15:307.1 – Ignition interlock affordability (Louisiana State Legislature)
5. Louisiana OMV – Approved Interlock List (manufacturers approved by State Police Applied Technology)
6. Louisiana OMV – Suspensions (DWI suspension periods, interlock periods, SR-22, reinstatement fees)
7. Louisiana OMV – Driver Reinstatement
8. Louisiana OMV – Disqualifications
9. Louisiana OMV – Links page (link to Approved Interlock Installers list)