How a suspended license works in Louisiana
A suspended license in Louisiana means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle on public roads while your license is suspended. The suspension stays in effect until you meet the conditions to have it lifted — which depends entirely on why it was suspended in the first place.
Louisiana suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, not paying child support, or failing a drug test. Each reason has its own rules for how long the suspension lasts and what you must do to get your license back.
The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, handles all suspensions and reinstatement. You cannot straightforward wait out a suspension — you have to take specific steps to restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana suspends licenses for specific reasons, and each reason requires different steps to restore your driving privileges.
- You can check the status of your suspension and the reason for it through the OMV website or by calling their customer service line.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or court costs before the OMV will lift the suspension.
- Some suspensions, like those for DUI, require additional steps such as completing a substance abuse program or installing an ignition interlock device.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Louisiana and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. The OMV sends a notice by mail when a suspension takes effect, but mail sometimes gets lost or arrives late. The fastest way to find out is to check online or call directly.
Go to the OMV website at omv.louisiana.gov and use their license status check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your license is suspended, the reason, and what date it took effect. If you do not have internet access, call the OMV customer service line at 225-925-6146. Have your license number ready when you call.
Write down the exact reason for the suspension. Common reasons appear as codes — for example, "FTA" means failure to appear in court, "SUSP" might mean suspension for unpaid fines, and "DUI" indicates a DUI-related suspension. Ask the OMV representative to explain what you need to do next, because the steps differ by reason.
Suspensions for unpaid fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or an unpaid ticket, you must pay what you owe before the OMV will lift the suspension. The court or the traffic violation agency that issued the ticket holds the money you owe, not the OMV.
Contact the court or traffic agency listed on your ticket or suspension notice. They will tell you the exact amount due and accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once you pay, that agency sends a clearance to the OMV. The OMV then removes the suspension from your record, usually within one to three business days.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court whether they offer a payment plan. Many Louisiana courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you set up a plan and make your first payment, some courts will ask the OMV to lift the suspension when ready, even though you still owe the balance.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date, your license was suspended as a way to force you to show up. You must go back to court, explain why you missed the date, and resolve the underlying case. straightforward paying a fine will not lift this suspension.
Contact the court listed on your suspension notice and tell them you want to reschedule. Bring a valid reason if you have one — illness, work conflict, or a family emergency — but the court may proceed even without one. Once you appear and the judge resolves your case (by dismissing it, finding you guilty, or setting a new date), the court sends clearance to the OMV.
If you are worried about being arrested when you go to court, ask the court clerk whether there is a warrant for your arrest. If there is, you can sometimes arrange to turn yourself in at a specific time rather than being picked up unexpectedly. Many courts also allow you to appear by phone for minor traffic cases.
Suspensions for DUI and substance-related offenses
DUI suspensions are longer and more complex than other suspensions. Louisiana imposes both an administrative suspension (handled by the OMV) and a criminal suspension (ordered by the court). You may have to satisfy both before you can drive again.
The administrative suspension begins when ready after a DUI arrest and lasts 90 days for a first offense if you refused a breath test, or 30 days if you took the test and failed. After that period ends, you can request a hearing with the OMV to challenge the suspension. If you do not request a hearing or if the OMV upholds the suspension, you must complete a substance abuse program before the OMV will lift it.
The criminal suspension is separate and comes from the court after conviction. This suspension can last much longer — six months to three years depending on whether it is your first, second, or third DUI. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Once you complete the program and install the device (if required), you can petition the court to restore your license.
Suspensions for accumulating traffic points
Louisiana uses a point system for traffic violations. Speeding, running a red light, and other violations add points to your record. If you accumulate too many points in a short time, your license is suspended. The threshold depends on your age: drivers under 18 can have only 4 points before suspension, drivers 18 to 20 can have 6 points, and drivers 21 and older can have 12 points.
Once you reach the limit, the OMV suspends your license automatically. The suspension lasts until a certain amount of time passes without new violations. For example, if you are 21 or older and accumulate 12 points, your license is suspended for three months. If you stay violation-free during that time, the suspension is lifted and your points are reduced.
The only way to shorten a point-based suspension is to complete a defensive driving course. Some courses can remove up to 4 points from your record. Search online for "Louisiana defensive driving course" to find approved providers in your area. The course usually costs between $20 and $50 and takes a few hours to complete.
How to request reinstatement from the OMV
Once you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension — paid your fines, appeared in court, completed a program, or waited out the required time — you can ask the OMV to reinstate your license. The process depends on what caused the suspension.
For most suspensions, you do not need to do anything. Once the OMV receives clearance from the court or agency that imposed the suspension, they lift it automatically. You can check your status online at omv.louisiana.gov or call 225-925-6146 to confirm the suspension has been removed.
For DUI suspensions, you must submit a formal reinstatement request. Contact the OMV directly and ask for the reinstatement form, or read it from their website. You will need to provide proof that you completed the required substance abuse program and proof of insurance. Mail the form and documents to the address on the form, or deliver them in person to an OMV office. The OMV will review your request and notify you by mail whether your license has been reinstated.
What to do if you need to drive before your suspension ends
Louisiana does not issue temporary driving permits during a suspension. You cannot legally drive, even for work or medical appointments, unless the court grants you a hardship license — and only for specific purposes.
A hardship license allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You must request one from the court that suspended your license or from the OMV. The court or OMV will ask you to explain why you need to drive and what trips are essential. Approval is not may provide, and you must follow strict rules about when and where you can drive.
To request a hardship license, contact the court or the OMV and ask for the hardship license process. You will need to show proof of employment, school enrollment, or medical need. The process usually takes one to two weeks. If approved, you will receive a restricted license that specifies which routes and times you can drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I drive on a suspended license?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Louisiana. You can be arrested, fined up to $500 for a first offense, and face jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your suspension will be extended. A second or third offense carries higher fines and longer jail sentences.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. Point-based suspensions last three months to one year. DUI administrative suspensions last 30 to 90 days, but criminal suspensions can last six months to three years. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. Suspensions for failure to appear last until you go to court.
Can I get my license back early?
For most suspensions, no — you must complete the required steps or wait out the time period. For point-based suspensions, you can shorten the period by completing a defensive driving course. For DUI suspensions, you can request an early hearing with the OMV to challenge the administrative suspension.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?
Yes. Louisiana charges a reinstatement fee of $100 to $300 depending on the reason for suspension. You pay this fee when you request reinstatement or when you renew your license after the suspension ends. Some courts may also require you to pay court costs in addition to the reinstatement fee.
What if I moved and did not get the suspension notice?
The OMV mails suspension notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received notice. Check your license status online or call the OMV to learn about you are suspended. Update your address when ready so you receive future notices.