All the key numbers from the Louisiana Driver's Guide (DPSPMV2052, R04/2025). Memorize these before your test.
| Situation | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| BAC limit — drivers 21+ | 0.08% |
| BAC limit — drivers under 21 | 0.02% or more Zero Tolerance |
| Under-21 DWI test failure | 0.02% or more — 730-day suspension (1st offense) |
| Open container fine | Up to $500 |
| ALR suspension — fail breath/blood test (1st) | 365-days |
| ALR suspension — refuse test (1st) | 365 days |
| ALR suspension — refuse test (subsequent) | 730 days |
| ALR reinstatement fee |
| Offense | Fine | Jail | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st DWI | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | 365-days |
| 2nd DWI | Up to $1,000 | 6 months (48 hrs mandatory) | 730 days |
| 3rd DWI (felony) | Up to $2,000 | 1–5 years prison (30 days mandatory) | 1,095 days |
| 4th DWI (felony) | Up to $5,000 | Up to 30 years | 1,095 days |
| Vehicular homicide | $2,000–$15,000 | 5–30 years (1 yr mandatory) | Revoked |
| Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Residential / business areas | Posted (reduced — obey the sign) |
| Numbered LA or US highway outside urban district (passenger cars) | 70 mph |
| Unnumbered highway outside urban district (passenger cars) | 60 mph |
| I-49 | 75 mph (posted) |
| Situation | Distance |
|---|---|
| Signal before turn/stop | 100 feet |
| Following distance (any speed) | 3 seconds (3-second rule) |
| Following distance (adverse conditions) | 4 seconds minimum |
| Parallel park — curb distance | Within 18 inches |
| Fire hydrant | 15 feet |
| Crosswalk at intersection | 20 feet |
| Traffic signal / stop sign / flashing beacon / yield sign | 20 feet |
| Railroad crossing | 50 feet |
| Fire station driveway (same side) | 20 feet |
| Fire station (opposite side) | 75 feet |
| Do not follow fire truck / ambulance (lights on) | 500 feet |
| Dim headlights (oncoming vehicle) | 500 feet |
| Dim headlights (following vehicle) | 200 feet |
| Low beam visibility trigger | < 500 feet |
| Headlights on | Sunset to sunrise (also when wipers on or visibility < 500 ft) |
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Learner Permit (Stage 1) minimum age | 15 (with driver education) |
| Learner Permit fee | $32.25 (total incl. handling) |
| Stage 1 minimum hold period | 180 days (cannot advance before 16th birthday) |
| Supervisor requirement | Licensed adult 21+ OR licensed sibling 18+ — no experience req. |
| Required supervised hours (to advance) | 50 hrs BTW (15 hrs at night) — parent must attest |
| Intermediate License (Stage 2) age | 16 (must complete Stage 1) |
| Stage 2 maintained until | 17th birthday |
| Stage 2 nighttime curfew | 11 PM–5 AM (unless with licensed 21+ adult or sibling 18+) |
| Stage 2 passenger restriction | Max 1 non-family under 21 between 6 PM–5 AM |
| Wireless device restriction | No wireless devices (incl. hands-free) for ALL under-18 drivers |
| Full Class E license age | 17 |
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth – 2 years | Rear-facing, federally approved car seat |
| 2 – 4 years | Forward-facing, federally approved car seat |
| 4 – 9 years | Booster seat with restraints |
| 9 years and older | Lap/shoulder seatbelt |
| Under 13 years | Rear seat of vehicle when available |
| Safety belt required | All passengers, any age — primary enforcement |
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Proof of insurance required | At all times in the vehicle — primary enforcement |
| No proof shown to officer | License plate seized; 3 days (excl. weekends/holidays) to provide proof at OMV |
| SR-22 (after DWI / refusal) | Must maintain for 3 years from conviction date |
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Class E license (all applicants) | $32.25 total (incl. $12 handling) — valid 6 years |
| Class E (age 70+) | $18.75 total |
| Learner's Permit | $32.25 total (incl. $12 handling) |
| Duplicate / replacement license | $17.00 total ($5 + $12 handling) |
| License renewal frequency | Every 6 years |
| Address change deadline | Within 10 days (notify OMV) |
| Organ donor registry | DonateLifeLA.org |
| Work zone fines | Doubled when workers are present |
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual