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    Louisiana DUI Statutes: The Code Sections That Control Your Case

    The Louisiana DWI statutes — the code sections, implied-consent law, BAC limits and first-offense sentencing ranges, cited to the official code.

    The statutes that control Louisiana DWI cases

    DWI in Louisiana is defined by La. R.S. 14:98, and the chemical-testing rules sit in La. R.S. 32:666. Both are published in the official state code at legis.la.gov, which is the only version that governs — summaries elsewhere, including ours, can lag amendments.

    Louisiana official code — DWI statute

    Statutory text, definitions, BAC thresholds and sentencing ranges.

    Implied-consent provision

    What refusing a breath, blood or urine test costs you.

    Statute at a glance

    Louisiana DWI law at a glance

    Sourced from the Louisiana code and state agency sites. Verify current text before relying on it.

    Offense name
    DWI (Louisiana)
    Controlling statute
    La. R.S. 14:98
    Implied consent
    La. R.S. 32:666
    Per se BAC limit
    0.08 (0.04 CDL, 0.02 or lower under 21)
    Licence hearing deadline
    15 days after arrest
    Prior-offense lookback
    10 years
    First-offense fine
    $300–$1,000
    First-offense jail exposure
    up to 6 months
    Licence suspension
    3 months
    Trial court
    the District Court
    High-risk filing
    SR-22 for 3 years

    A first offense carries a fine, possible jail, and a licence suspension.

    First-offense exposure under La. R.S. 14:98: $300–$1,000, up to 6 months of jail exposure, and a 3 months licence suspension. A first offense carries a fine, possible jail, and a licence suspension.

    What La. R.S. 14:98 actually says

    • La. R.S. 14:98(A)(1)(a) — operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
    • La. R.S. 14:98(A)(1)(b) — operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight.
    • La. R.S. 14:98 reaches any motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or other means of conveyance operated while impaired.

    Charging documents cite the exact subsection, so check which one appears on your citation. The posted text on legis.la.gov carries an effective date — amendments passed after it are not yet reflected.

    Louisiana ZIP codes covered

    These Louisiana ZIP-code pages carry the local court, filing and licensing detail for the area, and each one links back to this resource page.

    Counties and cities using these Louisiana resources

    Other Louisiana official resources

    Louisiana DUI Courts: Where Your Case Is HeardLouisiana Driver Licensing After a DUI: Hearings, Reinstatement & SR-22

    Frequently asked questions

    What statute defines DWI in Louisiana?
    La. R.S. 14:98 is the controlling DWI statute in Louisiana. You can read the current text on the official code site at legis.la.gov.
    What is the Louisiana implied-consent law?
    La. R.S. 32:666 is the implied-consent provision. It sets out the consequences of refusing a chemical test after a lawful DWI arrest.