Traffic Violations in Louisiana

Louisiana traffic violations are crimes committed while driving a motor vehicle. These crimes generally involve violating traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light. Records of these offenses are typically featured in the offender's Louisiana traffic record.

When offenders are found guilty of a traffic violation, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections will penalize the offender depending on the severity of the offense. Traffic violations in Louisiana can include speeding, running a red light, or driving without a license. Fines for traffic violations can range from $25 to $500, and violators may also have their driver's license suspended or revoked.

Types of Traffic Violations in Louisiana

There are several types of traffic violations that can occur in Louisiana. Some have more severe implications than others and can result in fines, points on the offender's license, or even jail time. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of traffic violations in the state:

Driving under the influence - DUIs are taken very seriously in Louisiana and can result in significant fines and jail time.
Reckless driving - Reckless driving is defined as driving in a manner that endangers the safety of others. This can include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and driving while distracted.
Driving without a license or with a suspended license - Driving without a valid license or with a suspended license is illegal in Louisiana and can result in fines and jail time.
Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light - Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light is a common traffic violation and can result in fines and points on the offender's driver's license.
Texting while driving - Texting while driving is illegal in Louisiana and may result in accidents or other implications. Motorists caught texting while on the wheel are apprehended, prosecuted, and penalized depending on the nature of the offense.

Traffic violations are also broadly classified into three categories: moving violations, parking violations, and equipment violations.

Moving violations are the most common type of traffic violation and include offenses like speeding, running a red light, and failure to yield. On the other hand, parking violations involve improper parking or stopping in a no-parking zone. Similarly, equipment violations are offenses related to the use or function of your vehicle, such as driving without a seat belt or having a broken tail light.

Louisiana Traffic Violation Code

In Louisiana, the traffic code is governed by state statutes. The statutes are compiled in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 32. There are several different codes that cover road use and traffic offenses, including:

The Uniform Traffic Control Law (La RS 32:1 et seq.)
The Motor Vehicles Law (La RS 32:300 et seq.)
The Bicycle Regulations Law (La RS 32:791 et seq.)
The Traffic Laws Administration Law (La RS 32:1010 et seq.)

These codes lay out the rules and regulations for driving on public roads in Louisiana. They include provisions on traffic signals, lane markings, turning and stopping, speed limits, and more.

Violating these statutes can result in fines, points on the offender's driver's license, and even jail time.

Louisiana Felony Traffic Violations

Louisiana law specifies a number of felony traffic violations. Some of these are:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
Hit and run
Reckless driving
Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
Engaging in a race or speed contest on a public street or highway

Motorists convicted of a Louisiana felony traffic offense may face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, the offender's driver's license may be suspended or revoked.

The statutes of the Louisiana traffic code on felony traffic violations are outlined thus:

Louisiana Revised Statutes:

14:98.1. Driving while intoxicated; penalties
14:100. Criminal mischief; penalties
14:101. Hit and run; penalties
14:102. Reckless operation of a motor vehicle; penalties
14:103. Racing on public streets or highways; penalties
14:104. Fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer; penalties
14:105. Cruelty to juveniles; penalties

Louisiana Traffic Misdemeanors

In Louisiana, traffic misdemeanors are less severe than felony traffic offenses but are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. The severity of the punishment will depend on the nature of the misdemeanor. Some common traffic misdemeanors in Louisiana include:

Driving without a license or driving with a suspended license
Illegal u-turns or lane changes
Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign

These offenses can result in fines, jail time, or both. In addition, a conviction for a traffic misdemeanor can lead to increased insurance rates and may affect the offender's ability to obtain car insurance in the future.

Louisiana Traffic Infractions

Traffic infractions in Louisiana are offenses that are punishable by a fine but do not result in a criminal record. On the other hand, misdemeanors in Louisiana are more serious offenses that may result in jail time and a criminal record.

Traffic infractions include offenses like speeding, running a red light, or driving without a license. They are generally considered to be less serious offenses than misdemeanors. Misdemeanors include crimes like battery, DUI, or possession of drugs.

The main difference between traffic infractions and misdemeanors is that misdemeanors can lead to jail time, while traffic infractions often do not. However, traffic infractions can still have serious consequences. A driver caught speeding, for example, may be fined a large amount of money.

Louisiana Traffic Violation Codes and Fines

The following are designated fines for common Louisiana traffic violations:

Speeding: $200-$500 fine and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense; $350-$1000 fine and up to 6 months in prison for subsequent offenses.
Running a stop sign or red light: $175 fine.
Driving without insurance: $500 fine and up to 10 days in jail for the first offense; $1000 fine and up to 30 days in prison for subsequent offenses.
Reckless driving: $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
DUIs: Fines vary depending on the severity of the offense but can be as high as $5000; potential jail time also varies depending on the severity.
Hit and run: $3000-$10,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.
Street racing: Fines vary depending on traffic laws in your area but can be as high as $5000; potential jail time or community service may also apply.
Driving with a suspended/revoked license: Fines vary by jurisdiction but can be as high as $1000; potential jail time varies by jurisdiction.
Texting while driving: Fines vary depending on traffic laws in the jurisdiction but can be as high as $1000; potential jail time or community service may also apply.
Other distracted driving behaviors: Fines vary depending on traffic laws, but can be as high as $1000; potential jail time or community service may also apply

How to Pay a Traffic Violation Ticket in Louisiana

The first step to paying a traffic violation ticket in Louisiana is accepting responsibility. Subsequently, the offender may opt to arrange a payment plan if they cannot pay the entire fine at once. They will then need to determine how many points the offender's ticket has and whether or not it will affect their driving record. Finally, the offender will need to ensure that the court receives the payment on time.

In Louisiana, there are two options for paying a traffic ticket: online or in person.

Where the offender chooses to pay their traffic ticket online, they will need to visit the website of the parish in which they received their ticket. Once on the website, the offender will need to enter their information and follow the instructions for paying the ticket.

Offenders who opt to pay their traffic ticket in person will need to visit the clerk of court in the parish where they received their ticket. Once at the court clerk, they will need to fill out a form and then take it to the cashier. The cashier will then process their payment and provide them with a receipt. Offenders are advised to keep this receipt as proof that they have paid their traffic ticket.

It is worth noting that paying a traffic ticket does not remove it from the offender's driving record. In Louisiana, points are assigned to each traffic violation based on its severity. These points will stay on the offender's driving record for three years. If the motorist accumulates too many points, their driver's license could be suspended.

Persons who are unable to pay their traffic ticket on time may be subject to additional fees and penalties.

When paying a traffic violation ticket in Louisiana, it is important to keep the following in mind:

Offenders must accept responsibility for their actions to plead guilty or no contest to the charges.
Offenders can arrange a payment plan if they are unable to pay the entire fine at once.
The ticket will remain on the offender's driving record for three years.
Offenders will be charged additional fees and penalties if their traffic ticket is not paid on time.

Traffic Violation Lookup in Louisiana

Looking up traffic violation records in Louisiana is a relatively simple process, as the state has made this information available online through its Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To access these records, requestors need to visit the DMV website and follow the instructions provided.

When searching for traffic violation records in Louisiana, the requestor will need to provide several pieces of information about the driver whose record is being looked up. This can include their full name, date of birth, gender, license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN), and driver's license number. Requestors may also be asked to provide additional details such as their address or contact information.

Once the search is complete, the requesting party will be shown all relevant traffic violations that have been recorded for the driver in question. This information can be helpful if trying to determine whether or not someone is a safe driver or if hiring for a job that involves driving.

How to Plead not Guilty to a Traffic Violation in Louisiana

In Louisiana, offenders are allowed to plead not guilty to a traffic violation if there is enough evidence to support their decision. If they opt to plead not guilty, the offender will need to attend a court hearing where the judge or jury will hear both sides of the case and determine whether or not they are guilty.

To plead not guilty in Louisiana, offenders should first prepare a detailed defense for the charge against them. This can include proving that there was no probable cause for your stop by law enforcement, presenting witnesses who saw what happened during the incident, and filing motions for dismissal based on applicable laws or precedents. Additionally, offenders will need to file a notice of their not guilty plea with the court and pay any required fees.

What Happens if You Plead No Contest to a Traffic Violation in Louisiana

When cited for a traffic violation in Louisiana, offenders can plead no contest by following the process below:

First, they will need to appear in court on the date and time specified in their citation. At this hearing, the prosecutor will present the evidence against the offender, and they will have an opportunity to respond.

If the offender decides to plead not guilty, the court will set a date for a trial. At trial, both sides will present their evidence and witnesses. The judge will then decide whether or not you are guilty of the traffic violation.

The offender may be subject to fines, points on your license, or other penalties if found guilty. If found not guilty, the charges against them will be dismissed, and they will not face any penalties.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record in Louisiana?

When cited for a traffic violation in Louisiana, the length of time a traffic violation stays on the offender's record depends on the severity of the offense and whether or not they contest the citation.

For most minor offenses, such as speeding or failing to yield, the citation will remain on the offender's driving record for three years. If the offender pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial, the offense will stay on their record for five years.

More serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, will stay on your record for ten years. If convicted of a felony involving a motor vehicle, such as vehicular homicide, the offense will remain on the offender's record permanently.

If the offender contests the citation and is found not guilty, the offense will not appear on their driving record. However, if they are found guilty at trial or plead guilty to a reduced charge, the conviction will appear on their record.

Can Traffic Violations Be Sealed in Louisiana?

According to Louisiana law, traffic violations can be sealed if the person convicted of the violation meets certain requirements. To be eligible for a traffic violation seal, the person must:

Have been convicted of a traffic violation that is not classified as a felony.
Have completed all sentencing requirements for the conviction, including any probation or driver's education requirements.
Wait at least one year from the date of conviction before petitioning for a seal.

If the offender meets these requirements, they can file a petition with the court to have their traffic violation sealed. The court will then review the petition and decide whether or not to grant it. If granted, the traffic violation will be sealed from the person's record, and they will no longer have to disclose the conviction.

What Happens if You Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation in Louisiana?

If the offender fails to appear in court for a traffic violation, they may be subject to several penalties. The court may issue a warrant for the offender's arrest, and they may be required to pay additional fines and fees. They may also have their driver's license suspended or revoked.

In addition to the penalties that may come with an arrest warrant, a failure to appear can also result in additional fines and fees. Depending on the original traffic violation, offenders may be charged with contempt of court or face other criminal charges. For example, if the original charge was driving without car insurance, they could be subjected to a fine of up to $500 plus costs per offense under Louisiana law. After receiving a ticket, the offender's driver's license may also be suspended or revoked for failing to appear in court.