What Louisiana does when you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Louisiana is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If a police officer stops you and your license is suspended, you will be arrested, your vehicle may be towed, and you face jail time, fines, and a longer suspension. The exact penalty depends on why your license was suspended in the first place and whether this is your first offense.

Louisiana's Department of Motor Vehicles (LDMV) suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, and other reasons. Driving anyway does not make the underlying problem go away — it adds new criminal charges on top of it.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on a suspended license in Louisiana is a crime that results in arrest, vehicle impound, jail time, and fines starting at $300 for a first offense.
  • A second or third offense within ten years carries mandatory jail time of at least 30 days and fines up to $1,000.
  • Your suspension will be extended by at least one additional year from the date you are convicted of driving suspended.
  • You can request a hardship license (called a Restricted Driving Permit) from the LDMV if you meet specific work or medical needs, but you must have a valid reason and proof of insurance.
  • The fastest way to restore your license is to resolve the original reason for suspension — paying fines, clearing child support arrears, or completing a DUI program — then requesting reinstatement from the LDMV.

Criminal penalties for driving suspended in Louisiana

A first offense of driving with a suspended license in Louisiana carries a fine of $300 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. You will also be arrested on the spot, and your vehicle will be towed at your expense. The arrest goes on your criminal record.

A second offense within ten years of the first conviction means a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,000, and possible community service. A third or subsequent offense within ten years carries a mandatory minimum of 60 days in jail and a fine of $750 to $1,000. Each conviction also extends your suspension by at least one additional year from the conviction date.

If your suspension was due to a DUI, the penalties are harsher. Driving with a DUI-related suspension is treated as a separate felony in some cases, particularly if you have prior DUI convictions or if you cause an accident while driving suspended.

How your suspension gets longer when you are convicted

When you are convicted of driving with a suspended license, Louisiana law requires the LDMV to extend your suspension by a minimum of one year from the date of conviction. This happens automatically — you do not have to do anything to trigger it. If your original suspension was set to end in six months, it will now end one year after your conviction date instead.

This extension applies even if you later resolve the original reason for your suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines and you pay those fines, your license still will not be reinstated until the one-year extension period has passed. The conviction for driving suspended becomes its own separate suspension.

Restricted Driving Permits for work and medical needs

Louisiana allows you to request a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) if your suspension is not related to a DUI, reckless driving, or certain other serious violations. An RDP lets you drive only for specific purposes: work, medical treatment, court-ordered programs, or school. You cannot use it for any other reason.

To request an RDP, you must go to your local LDMV office in person with proof of insurance, a valid form of ID, and documentation of your need — such as a letter from your employer, a medical appointment card, or a court order. You will also need to pay a fee, which varies by parish but is typically $50 to $100. The LDMV will review your request and either approve or deny it within a few days.

An RDP does not remove your suspension. It only allows you to drive for the specific purposes you listed. If you are stopped and you are driving outside those purposes, you will still be charged with driving suspended. Keep your RDP with you at all times when you drive, along with your proof of insurance.

Steps to get your license reinstated

The path to reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended. You must resolve the underlying reason before the LDMV will restore your driving privileges.

If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines: Contact the court that issued the fine and pay it in full, or set up a payment plan. Once paid, request a reinstatement from the LDMV. Bring proof of payment to your local LDMV office.

If your suspension was for unpaid child support: Contact the Office of Family Support (OFS) and bring your arrears current or establish a payment plan. The OFS will notify the LDMV once you are in compliance. Reinstatement is automatic after that notification, though you may need to request it in writing.

If your suspension was for a DUI: You must complete a DUI education program (usually a one-day or multi-week course depending on your conviction), pay any fines, and serve any required suspension period. Some DUI suspensions are mandatory and cannot be shortened. After you complete the program and the suspension period ends, request reinstatement from the LDMV and provide proof of program completion.

If your suspension was for accumulating too many points: You must wait out the suspension period (usually six months to one year). Once the period ends, request reinstatement from the LDMV in writing or in person.

After you resolve the original reason, go to your local LDMV office with proof of resolution, your ID, and payment for the reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100). Reinstatement is not automatic — you must request it.

Insurance requirements when driving is restored

Once your license is reinstated, you will need to maintain continuous auto insurance. If your suspension was due to a DUI or serious violation, Louisiana may require you to file an SR-22 form with the LDMV. An SR-22 is a certificate from your insurance company proving you carry the state's minimum liability coverage. You must keep this on file for three years (or longer for DUI cases).

If you let your insurance lapse after reinstatement, your license will be suspended again automatically. Insurance companies that write SR-22 policies are more expensive than standard insurers, so budget for higher premiums. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates than others — it is worth calling around.

What to do if you are stopped while suspended

If a police officer stops you and your license is suspended, do not lie or try to leave. Tell the officer your license is suspended. You will be arrested. Ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any other questions. Do not consent to a search of your vehicle unless the officer has a warrant.

You will be taken to a police station or jail for booking. You may be released on your own recognizance (your word that you will appear in court), or you may have to post bail. A bail hearing will be set, usually within 72 hours. At that hearing, a judge will decide whether to release you and under what conditions.

Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Many offer free consultations. If you cannot afford one, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance. Do not plead guilty without talking to a lawyer first — the consequences are serious and may include jail time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a hardship license if my suspension is for a DUI?

No. Louisiana does not allow a Restricted Driving Permit for DUI-related suspensions. You must wait out the full suspension period, which is typically one year for a first DUI offense. After that, you can request reinstatement from the LDMV.

What happens to my car if I am arrested for driving suspended?

Your vehicle will be towed and impounded. You will have to pay the towing fee (usually $150 to $300) and daily storage fees (usually $25 to $50 per day) to get it back. These fees are separate from any fines or jail time you face for the criminal charge.

If I pay my fines, will my suspension end right away?

Not if you have already been convicted of driving suspended. Paying the original fine resolves that debt, but your license will still be suspended for one additional year from your conviction date. If you have not yet been convicted, paying the fine may allow you to request reinstatement sooner.

Do I need SR-22 insurance if my suspension was not for a DUI?

Not usually. SR-22 is required mainly for DUI convictions and some serious violations. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or points, you will need standard auto insurance but not an SR-22. Check with the LDMV or your insurance agent to be sure.

Can I drive to the LDMV office to request reinstatement if my license is still suspended?

You can drive directly to the LDMV office to request reinstatement, but it is safer to have someone else drive you or use a rideshare service. If you are stopped on the way, you will be arrested even though you are heading to fix the problem. Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally.