{"id":373691,"date":"2016-05-19T19:33:22","date_gmt":"2016-05-20T00:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/louisiana-law\/what-are-the-louisiana-dwi-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-01-31T00:35:48","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T05:35:48","slug":"what-are-the-louisiana-dwi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/what-are-the-louisiana-dwi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana DWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Louisiana DWI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Louisiana has an easy reputation and a laid-back atmosphere. Alcohol is also readily available in ways many states prohibit. As open container laws are lax, drive-through cocktails and street vendors dot the more populated areas.<\/p>\r\n

Louisiana’s more lenient stance on alcohol has come with dire consequences the state has been working to rectify. More than 40% of fatal car accidents<\/a> in 2021 were alcohol-related, significantly higher than the national average of 31%<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

To boost public safety, Louisiana has strict laws about driving under the influence (DUI). It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Louisiana’s driving while intoxicated (DWI) law imposes a jail sentence for most offenders. Other penalties include significant fines and driver’s license suspension.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you live in Louisiana or are just visiting, understand the state’s DWI laws. The following information covers state DWI law, including blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and violation penalties.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n1 year \/ 2 years \/ 3 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, or Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: <\/b>State laws are constantly changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/i><\/p>\r\n

Louisiana DWI Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Louisiana may refer to impaired driving as DUI, DWI, or OWI, but they are all the same offense.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Louisiana prohibits anyone from operating a "motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance<\/a>" when:<\/p>\r\n