Louisiana State Laws and IID Requirements
Louisiana has strict DWI laws in place, to deter drinking and driving. As of 2015, license suspension periods for DWI offenders were lengthened. Penalties include fines, jail time, and community service along with the license suspension.
Ignition Interlock Program in LA
Louisiana allows some DUI offenders to regain driving privileges if they enroll in the state’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program. Eligible offenders can drive if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider. The device must be calibrated every 30 days, and violations of the interlock requirements could lead to an extension of the interlock term.
Violations include: tampering, failure to have the device calibrated every 30 days more than two times during their initial interlock term, circumventing the device, 3 or more failures or failures to retest within 3 days, and removing the device without approval. These violations could result in a 30-day increase in the interlock term for first-time DUI offenders, and a 6-month increase for repeat DUI offenders.
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DWI Test in Louisiana?
First Offense
- License suspended for 365 days
- Classroom course may be required
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Jail time of 10 days to 6 months
- May need to install an IID
- In lieu of jail time, community service or house arrest could be mandated
- Offenders with a BAC at or above .20 may have their license suspension increased to 2 years
Second Offense
- Jail term of 30 days to six months
- May be required to enroll in a driver improvement course or substance abuse treatment program
- Fines of $750 to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspended for two years
- Must install an IID for six months (and possibly longer)
- In lieu of jail time, community service or house arrest could be mandated
Third Offense
- Driver’s license suspended for 3 years minimum (more if BAC is > .20)
- May be required to enroll in a driver improvement course or substance abuse treatment program
- Jail term of one to five years
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- IID required during suspension period, and possibly longer
- In lieu of jail time, community service or house arrest could be mandated
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Regaining Driving Privileges in Louisiana
Louisiana allows some offenders to regain driving privileges during their suspension period. The drivers must agree to install an ignition interlock device and also need to meet a variety of criteria. This criteria includes:
- Provide proof of interlock installation from a state-approved provider
- Must pay any required fines
- Need to show proof of SR-22 insurance
- May need to enroll in or complete any mandated community service or treatment programs
Other criteria may be required depending on the specifics of the incident.
ADS Interlock Devices in LA
When an interlock device is required by state law, all data is reported directly to the state’s monitoring authority. This is why states approve certain providers, and why an IID must be installed by an approved provider. ADS is an approved provider in Louisiana and meets all state criteria. ADS devices are easy to use and feature a simple operating system with bilingual prompts.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device, or IID, is often called a car breathalyzer. The devices are small and discreet, and installed into a vehicle’s ignition system. Once installed:
- The IID requires any driver to take a breath alcohol content (BrAC) test in order to start the car. If they fail the test, the car will not start.
- The IID will also request random retests during some tests in order to ensure the driver remains sober
How Long is a LA Interlock Device Required?
Typically this is dictated by statute and dependent on the circumstances of the incident as well.
Cost of IIDs in LA
Louisiana requires offenders to pay for the cost of their own interlock device. The devices are leased, not purchased outright. Typically, a device costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per day. Louisiana does offer financial assistance to eligible offenders. To qualify, offenders will need to apply and prove they’re eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, SSDI, or the indigent public defender program. If they qualify, they will receive a 50% discount on the cost of installation, calibration, leasing, and removal for their ignition interlock device.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.