📅 2026 Update: Changes to Louisiana Traffic Fines and DWI Laws

Since the original article was written, Louisiana has made significant updates to its traffic fines and DWI laws. These changes include new penalties for repeated offenses and a repeal of additional fines that were previously imposed. The information from the earlier article continues further down the page.

🚨 Act 117 of 2026

Effective August 1, 2026, Act 117 of 2026 will increase penalties for third and fourth DWI offenses. If prior DWI convictions were for the same crimes, offenders will face harsher consequences. This act aims to deter repeat offenders and enhance public safety.

❌ Repeal of Additional Fines

As of April 17, 2026, HB 56 of 2026 has repealed additional fines that were previously applied to DWI offenses. This change reduces the financial burden on offenders while still holding them accountable for their actions.

⏳ Increased Minimum Sentence for Second Offense

With HB 82 of 2026, signed into law on May 15, 2026, the minimum sentence for a second-offense DWI has increased from one year to two years of imprisonment. This change, effective August 1, 2026, reflects a stricter approach towards repeat offenders.

💰 Current DWI Fines

The fines for DWI offenses have also seen updates. For a first offense, the fine ranges from $300 to $1,000, increasing to $750 to $1,000 if the BAC is 0.20% or higher. Second offenses carry a fine of $750 to $1,000, while third offenses incur a fine of $2,000.

📌 Key Changes Summary

  • 🚨 Increased penalties for third and fourth DWI offenses.
  • ❌ Repeal of additional fines for DWI.
  • ⏳ Minimum sentence for second-offense DWI increased to two years.
  • 💰 Current fines for DWI range from $300 to $2,000 based on the offense.
  • 🔑 Focus on stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

💡 Tips for Navigating DWI Laws in Louisiana

Review your situation carefully with your attorney to understand the implications of Louisiana's DWI laws.

📝 Understand Your Fines

Know the specific fines associated with your DWI offense. For a first offense, fines can range from $300 to $1,000. If your BAC is 0.20% or higher, expect higher fines.

⏱️ License Reinstatement

After serving your suspension, remember you must pay a reinstatement fee: $100 for first offenses, $200 for second offenses, and $300 for third or subsequent offenses.

🚦 Ignition Interlock Devices

If you have a BAC of 0.15% or higher during your first offense, an ignition interlock device will be required for the first 12 months of a two-year suspension.

👥 Substance Abuse Programs

Participation in a substance abuse program may be mandated as part of your probation. This requirement aims to reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses.

⚖️ Legal Aid Availability

If you need assistance, look for nonprofit organizations that may offer legal help with DWI charges. Availability can vary based on your location.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Various services can assist individuals dealing with DWI issues in Louisiana. These services help with legal documents and advice related to traffic laws. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026, and while star ratings provide insight, they can change over time, as unhappy customers tend to voice their experiences more often.

🥇 1. LawDepot

LawDepot has been rated 4.0. It is known for offering customizable legal document templates that can be useful for individuals facing DWI charges. However, users have reported that its subscription model may lead to unexpected charges.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a 4.5 rating. Users appreciate its online legal document preparation and legal advice services, which can be beneficial for navigating DWI laws. Like LawDepot, Rocket Lawyer's subscription model may also result in unplanned fees.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

Many offenders may qualify for free resources, including state-approved substance abuse programs and legal aid from nonprofit organizations. These services can help individuals address their DWI charges and may be available in various locations.

🔎 Comparison Factors

  • 📄 Types of documents offered.
  • 📞 Availability of legal advice.
  • 💳 Pricing structure and potential hidden fees.
  • 📝 User reviews and feedback.
  • 📍 Geographic availability of services.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is the penalty for refusing a chemical test?

Refusing a chemical test results in a one-year license suspension for the first offense and a two-year suspension for subsequent offenses.

🚗 What happens to my license after a DWI?

Your license can be suspended for different periods: up to 12 months for a first offense, 24 months for a second, and 36 months for a third offense.

👤 Can underage drivers be charged with DWI?

Yes, drivers under 21 years old with a BAC of 0.02% or higher can be charged with DWI in Louisiana.

⚖️ What are the penalties for vehicular homicide?

Causing a death while impaired could lead to 5 to 30 years in prison and fines between $2,000 and $15,000.

📜 How long must I carry SR-22 insurance?

After a DWI conviction, you must provide proof of SR-22 insurance for three years from the date of conviction.

🔄 Can I get my license reinstated early?

You must serve the full suspension period before applying for reinstatement, regardless of the circumstances.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to DWI Laws

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of DWI laws in Louisiana, including penalties and the handling of DWI offenses.

For more details, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



A Brief Introduction to Louisiana Traffic Fines



 

Louisiana Traffic Fines


 



Louisiana traffic fines can be an potentially financially crushing depending on your own finances. Get enough of them and it’s entirely possible that your driver’s license will be revoked, which can be a death sentence on many persons’ careers and livelihoods. Thankfully, there is some good news available. The Louisiana traffic fine system is one of the more common sense and easier to navigate of all the states, so understanding and paying your Louisiana traffic fine should be simple, though by no means painless. 



 



 



Types of Louisiana Traffic Violations?



 



 



The state government divides Louisiana traffic violations into two easy-to-understand groups—moving violations and non-moving violations. In general, if you car was moving, you committed a moving violation. If your car was parked, it was a non-moving violation. Here are some examples from both categories:



 



 



Moving Violations:



 



 



•Driving above the posted speed limit



 



 



•Driving at or below the posted speed limit in conditions such as severe rain which make this behavior reckless



 



 



•Moving too slowly



 



 



•Ignoring stop signs, traffic lights, and railroad crossing



 



 



•Driving too closely to another vehicle



 



 



•Improper passing



 



 



•Improper turning



 



 



Non-Moving Violations:



 



 



•Parking in front of a fire hydrant



 



 



•Parking in a handicapped person zone



 



 



•Parking without paying the associated meter or lot charges



 



 



•Parking in a no-parking zone



 



 



Associated Costs of Louisiana Traffic Fines



 



 



Louisiana traffic fines are easier than most because they’re assigned-by-block to the moving and non-moving violation groups. That means that all moving violations incur the same Louisiana traffic fine, and all non-moving violations incur the same Louisiana traffic fine. In the case of moving violations, that cost is $127 and in the case of non-moving violations, in is $108.



 



 



This may sound surprising, but it is true. If you drive 19 mile over the speed limit, you have to pay $127 to the courts in Louisiana traffic fines, and if you drive only 1 mile over the speed limit, you still have to pay $127 in Louisiana traffic fines.  This takes all the guess work out of paying your Louisiana traffic fines, so you have no excuse for not doing it today.



 



 



Points System



 



 



Another element making Louisiana’s traffic laws so simple is that it doesn’t participate in a point-system, adding “points” to the licenses of drivers who have violated traffic laws, so that when a certain amount is reached, the license is revoked. This makes it easier on drivers who’ve only committed a one-time mistake and who mainly have to worry about their Louisiana traffic fines.



 



 



Exceptions



 



 



Not all traffic violations are so simple under the Louisiana traffic law system. Most moving violations require court appearances, where the appropriate Louisiana traffic fine will be assigned. Some violations which may seem to be moving violations are instead treated as criminal cases, such as Driving Under the Influence charges. Whatever your Louisiana traffic fine is, be sure to follow the directions on your ticket.