Louisiana suspended license fines range from $100 to $1,000 depending on how many times you've been cited
A ticket for driving with a suspended license in Louisiana carries a fine between $100 and $1,000. The exact amount depends on whether this is your first offense, a repeat violation, and the reason your license was suspended in the first place. A first offense typically results in a fine closer to $100 to $300, while a second or subsequent offense can push the fine toward $500 to $1,000.
Beyond the fine itself, you may also face jail time. A first offense can result in up to 30 days in jail; a second offense within five years can mean up to 60 days; a third or subsequent offense can mean up to 90 days. Most people pay the fine instead of serving jail time, but the court has discretion to impose both the fine and incarceration.
The reason your license was suspended matters too. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI-related suspension, the court may treat the offense more seriously than a suspension for other reasons. You should check your driving record with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to confirm the exact status and reason for suspension before your court date.
Key Takeaways
- First-time suspended license tickets in Louisiana typically cost $100 to $300 in fines, with repeat offenses reaching $500 to $1,000.
- Jail time of up to 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second offense within five years, and 90 days for a third or subsequent offense is possible in addition to fines.
- The reason your license was suspended—such as unpaid tickets, child support, or DUI—affects how seriously the court treats the violation.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before your court appearance.
How Louisiana courts determine the fine amount
Louisiana courts use a tiered system based on offense history. The statute (La. R.S. 14:98) sets the framework, but individual judges have some discretion within those ranges. A judge may consider whether you were aware your license was suspended, whether you were driving for work or personal reasons, and your overall driving history.
If you were suspended for a DUI-related reason, courts often impose fines at the higher end of the range. If you were suspended for an administrative reason—such as failure to pay a traffic fine or child support—the court may be more lenient. Bring documentation showing you've since resolved the underlying issue (paid the ticket, arranged child support payments, etc.) to your court date; judges often reduce fines when the suspension reason has been addressed.
Additional costs beyond the fine
The ticket fine is not the only expense. You will also owe court costs, which vary by parish but typically range from $50 to $150. Some parishes add a victim information fee or a law enforcement training fund fee, each usually $10 to $25.
If your license was suspended due to unpaid traffic tickets or fines, paying the suspended license ticket does not clear those older debts. You must address the original violation separately. If you cannot pay all fines at once, ask the court about a payment plan; most Louisiana courts allow installment payments over 30 to 90 days.
Suspension reasons that affect ticket severity
Louisiana suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason influences how the court handles a suspended license ticket. A suspension for unpaid child support or unpaid traffic fines is treated as a more serious violation than a suspension for failing to renew your vehicle registration. A DUI-related suspension—whether from a conviction or a refusal to take a breath test—typically results in the highest fines and jail sentences.
Administrative suspensions, such as those issued for accumulating too many points on your driving record, are generally treated less harshly than criminal suspensions. If you were suspended for medical reasons (failing a vision test or reporting a seizure), the court may be more sympathetic, though you still face the fine and potential jail time.
What happens if you cannot pay the fine
If you cannot afford the fine, tell the judge at your court date. Louisiana courts can allow you to pay in installments, perform community service in lieu of payment, or reduce the fine based on financial hardship. You must request this in court; it will not happen automatically.
Ignoring the ticket or failing to appear in court will result in an additional charge for failure to appear, which carries its own fine and can lead to a warrant for your arrest. If you received a ticket, you must respond by the date listed on the citation, either by paying the fine, requesting a court date, or contacting the court to discuss payment options.
How to check your license suspension status
Before your court date, verify your suspension status through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You can check online at omv.louisiana.gov, by phone at 225-925-6146, or in person at any OMV office. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
The OMV website will show the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and whether it is still active. If the suspension has already been lifted (for example, because you paid an outstanding fine), bring proof to your court date; this may result in the charge being dismissed or the fine being reduced. If the suspension is still active, the court will address both the suspension and the ticket for driving while suspended.
Reinstating your license after paying the fine
Paying the suspended license ticket fine does not automatically reinstate your license. You must address the reason for the suspension first. If you were suspended for unpaid tickets, you must pay those tickets. If you were suspended for unpaid child support, you must make arrangements with the child support enforcement office. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program or install an ignition interlock device.
Once the underlying issue is resolved, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to request reinstatement. There is a reinstatement fee, typically $50 to $100, depending on the suspension reason. The OMV will provide a list of what you need to bring or submit. Processing usually takes one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the ticket dismissed if I have since gotten my license reinstated?
Not automatically. The ticket is for driving while suspended at the time of the stop, regardless of your current status. However, if you can show the court that you have resolved the underlying suspension reason and reinstated your license, the judge may reduce the fine or show leniency at sentencing. Bring your current valid license and reinstatement paperwork to court.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense in Louisiana. The court assumes you are responsible for knowing your license status. However, if you can show you took reasonable steps to stay informed—such as checking your status regularly or responding to notices—the judge may consider this when setting the fine amount.
Do I need a lawyer for a suspended license ticket?
You are not required to have a lawyer, and many people handle these tickets without one. However, if this is a repeat offense, if jail time is a possibility, or if you cannot afford the fine, a lawyer may help negotiate a reduced fine or payment plan. Public defender services are available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Will this ticket affect my insurance rates?
Yes. A suspended license conviction is a serious violation and will likely increase your insurance premiums. Some insurers may drop you entirely. Contact your insurance company after your court date to understand the impact on your policy.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Louisiana offers a hardship license (also called a work permit) in some cases, but only before you are convicted of driving while suspended. If you have already received a ticket, you must resolve the suspension through the normal reinstatement process. Contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to ask whether a hardship license is available for your specific suspension reason.