Louisiana Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records in Louisiana are official documents detailing a driver's history of traffic-related offenses in the state. Traffic violation laws in Louisiana are maintained by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Although traffic violations include infractions such as reckless driving, DUIs, driving without insurance, failing to yield, and running red lights, speeding remains one of the most common violations of Louisiana traffic laws among motorists. About 7.5% of drivers in the Pelican State have a prior speeding ticket on their driving record.

Although Louisiana does not use a traditional license points system like many other states, the state tracks traffic violations directly on offenders' driving records. Accumulating multiple violations may lead to penalties such as license suspension, higher insurance premiums, or mandatory driver improvement courses.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Louisiana?

Basic traffic violation records are generally considered public record and may be accessed by the public, subject to certain restrictions. One key restriction is outlined in the DPPA (Driver Privacy Protection Act), which stipulates that certain personally identifiable information, such as phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and addresses, be redacted.

Note that some traffic cases are handled in the district, city, parish, municipal, and New Orleans traffic courts, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense. Details of the traffic records maintained by these courts are also accessible to the public, except where sealed by the court.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Louisiana?

Louisiana does not provide a centralized system for the public to look up traffic ticket information. Hence, you may visit the website of the court with jurisdiction over the ticket to look up citation information. You may need to provide the citation number, driver's license number, full name, and date of birth. Alternatively, you may use third-party databases like publicrecords.us to perform a traffic ticket lookup.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

In Louisiana, you may pay traffic violations through several methods, depending on the issuing parish or court. Available options vary per jurisdiction but typically include:

• Online: Many parishes offer online payment portals. Check the website of the parish or traffic court listed on your ticket for instructions. For instance, the City of Baton Rouge and the City of New Orleans accept online payments for traffic citations.
• By Mail: You can mail your payment to the address provided on your ticket.
• In Person: Visit the traffic court or designated payment center in the parish where the violation occurred.
• By Phone: Some courts allow payments over the phone. Check your ticket or contact the court for availability.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may view and print your official Louisiana driving record by applying online via the OMV portal. To complete the application, you will need to provide the name, address, driver's license number, date of birth, class of license, and payment of $18 ($16 for the record and $2 for electronic commerce per Section 49:316.1 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes).

A Louisiana driving record contains three years of information for details such as:

• Personal Status
• Accident Statement
• Commercial Driver's License Status
• Offenses on Record

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Louisiana?

Moving violations are traffic violations committed by a motorist while their vehicle is in motion, while non-moving violations are traffic infractions not related to the vehicle being in motion. Examples of moving violations in Louisiana are:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Driving under the influence
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Following too closely
• Illegal passing
• Failure to yield
• Improper lane changes

Examples of non-moving violations are:

• Parking violations
• Broken tail lights or headlights
• Expired vehicle registrations
• Missing license plate
• Driving without insurance or a valid license
• Expired or no vehicle inspection sticker

Although offenders are fined for both moving and non-moving violations, fines are higher for moving violations. Also, moving violations may lead to increased insurance premiums, while jail time is a potential penalty for more serious moving violations, such as DUI and reckless driving.

How Long Does OWI Stay on Your Record in Louisiana?

An OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years in Louisiana. Despite this, Louisiana remains in the top ten for states with the highest rates of drunk driving-related death in the United States. The Pelican State records about 84 DUI arrests and 7.8 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

For a first conviction for an OWI offense, an individual may face a fine between $300 and $1,000 and jail time ranging from 10 days to 6 months. However, jail time may be suspended if the offender completes a court-approved substance abuse program and driver improvement course. The court may also require at least 32 hours of community service.

A second offense may be punished with a fine of $750 to $1,000 and 30 days to 6 months in jail, with a mandatory 48-hour jail sentence that cannot be suspended. Offenders must also complete 240 hours of community service, undergo a substance abuse evaluation, and install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

A third OWI is classified as a felony. Penalties include a jail time of between 1 and 5 years in prison, with at least 1 year served without probation or parole, a $2,000 fine, and home incarceration after release. Offenders are also required to undergo substance abuse treatment, perform community service, and may have their vehicle seized. A license suspension is also mandatory.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Louisiana?

Speed limits in Louisiana are established under the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 32. Per LRS 32:61, no individual may operate a vehicle on any highway in Louisiana over 55 mph unless a lower maximum speed is posted on the highways, except as:

• Interstate or controlled access highway: 75 mph
• Multi-lane divided highway: 65 mph

Note that school, construction zones, business, and residential district areas typically have lower speed limits, typically between 15 and 35 mph.

The penalties for speeding depend on how much over the speed limit a driver goes, whether the offense occurred in a special zone, and if the driver has any prior violations. For a typical first-time offense, the fine generally ranges from $100 to $300, with additional court costs often totaling between $100 and $150. In some cases, especially when the violation is considered minor, the court may allow the driver to complete a driver improvement course instead of more severe penalties.

However, speeding in construction zones or school zones carries harsher consequences. These areas are considered high-risk, and fines are usually significantly higher. Repeat offenders may face steeper penalties and be subject to license suspension, especially if the speeding resulted in an accident or involved reckless driving. While Louisiana does not operate on a traditional point system, speeding violations are recorded and may impact insurance rates.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Louisiana?

A speeding ticket typically stays on your driving record in Louisiana for 3 years.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may use the following defenses in court to fight against a Louisiana traffic ticket:

• Faulty or Inaccurate Equipment: Argue that the radar or laser device used to clock your speed was improperly calibrated or maintained, leading to inaccurate readings.
• Lack of Clear Signage: If speed limit or traffic control signs were missing, obscured, or not visible, you may argue you were unaware of the restriction.
• Mistaken Identity or Wrong Vehicle: If the officer cited the wrong vehicle or confused your car with another, such as in heavy traffic, you may present this as a defense.
• Necessity or Emergency: If you violated a traffic rule to avoid serious harm, such as swerving to avoid an accident or speeding due to a medical emergency, the court may consider it a valid reason.
• Officer's Subjective Judgment Was Wrong: In cases involving a judgment call, such as improper lane change or failure to yield, you may argue that your actions were safe and did not violate the law.

However, you should consider hiring an attorney to contest a traffic ticket in Louisiana if the violation involves a more serious offense, such as reckless driving, an OWI, or driving with a suspended license. Legal representation is also advisable if you have previous traffic violations on your record and face the possibility of harsher penalties, including license suspension or revocation. If the ticket is connected to an accident that resulted in injuries or significant property damage, an attorney may help protect your interests.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Louisiana is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC) and the Driver License Compact (DLC), two driver reciprocity agreements that allow participating states to share traffic law violation data. This means that if you get a ticket in another member state and fail to respond, Louisiana may suspend your driver's license until the issue is resolved. Similarly, traffic violations committed in another DLC state may appear on your Louisiana driving record.

If you have obtained an out-of-state traffic ticket, you may contest it in the following ways:

• Request a Hearing: You may have the option to appear in court, either in person or virtually, to fight the ticket. Check the issuing court's website or contact them directly.
• Hire an Attorney in That State: A local traffic attorney can often appear on your behalf, potentially saving you a trip. They may also negotiate a reduced charge or dismissal, especially for minor infractions.
• Request Deferred Disposition or Traffic School: Some states offer the option to attend traffic school or enter a deferred adjudication program to avoid points on your record. You will need to request this with the court before your hearing.
• Check if You Can Handle the Case Remotely: Some states allow you to submit a written defense or appear virtually by video, especially for minor infractions.

How Do Louisiana Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

While most basic traffic laws are common across the nation, some specific rules or minor modifications to common traffic laws exist in Louisiana. Some of these laws include the following:

• Move Over Law: In Louisiana, all drivers are legally required to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks when their sirens and lights are activated. If you are in front of or obstructing an approaching emergency vehicle, you must safely move aside to allow it to pass.
• Restrictions on Cell Phone Use While Driving: Under LRS 32:300.5, it is unlawful to use a handheld wireless device while driving. This includes texting, making phone calls, or browsing the internet. The only exception is in emergencies, such as contacting law enforcement or medical services.
• Prohibition on Headphone Use: Drivers in Louisiana are not allowed to wear headphones or earphones in both ears while operating a vehicle. All audio, including music or phone conversations, must be played through the vehicle's speakers. Exceptions are made for individuals using hearing aids or motorcyclists wearing approved helmets with built-in communication systems.
• Accident Reporting Requirements: According to LRS 32:398, drivers involved in accidents resulting in property damage, injury, or death must report the incident to law enforcement. All parties must also provide their contact and insurance information at the scene or shortly afterward as required by law.
• Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws: Louisiana law (LRS 32:295.1) mandates that all occupants of a vehicle must wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, drivers must ensure that children are properly secured in federally approved car seats or booster seats appropriate for their age and size.