The cost of a suspended license ticket in Louisiana
A suspended license ticket in Louisiana carries a fine between $100 and $1,000, depending on whether it's your first offense or a repeat violation. The exact amount the officer writes on your ticket depends on the judge who hears your case if you contest it, or the amount you agree to pay if you plead guilty. Louisiana law sets the range, but the court has discretion within that range.
Beyond the fine itself, you'll also face court costs, which typically add $50 to $150 to your total bill. Some parishes charge more than others. If you pay the ticket without going to court, you're usually paying the fine plus court costs together — the officer or court clerk will tell you the combined amount when you receive the ticket or contact them.
The ticket does not automatically restore your license. Paying the fine is separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. You'll still need to address the underlying reason your license was suspended — whether that's unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason — before you can drive legally again.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana law allows fines from $100 to $1,000 for driving with a suspended license, plus court costs of $50 to $150.
- The exact fine depends on the judge and whether you have prior suspended license violations, not on a fixed schedule.
- Paying the ticket does not restore your license — you must still resolve whatever caused the suspension.
- Court costs vary by parish, so call the courthouse in your area to learn the exact total you'll owe.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court about payment plans or reduced fines at your hearing.
How the fine is determined
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:98 sets the legal range for suspended license violations, but judges have room to move within that range. A first offense typically results in a fine closer to $100 to $300, while a second or third offense within a certain period can push the fine toward $500 to $1,000. The judge considers your driving history, whether you knew your license was suspended, and the circumstances of the stop.
If you pay the ticket without contesting it — by mail, online, or in person — you're usually accepting a set amount that the court has established for routine guilty pleas. This amount is often lower than what a judge might impose after a trial, which is why many people choose to pay rather than appear in court. Ask the court clerk what the standard fine is for your parish when you contact them about payment.
Court costs and additional fees
Court costs are separate from the fine and are mandatory. Louisiana courts add these costs to cover the expenses of processing your case. The amount varies by parish — Orleans Parish may charge differently than Caddo Parish, for example. When you receive your ticket or call the courthouse, ask specifically for the court cost amount so you know the total you owe.
Some courts also charge a victim information fee, which goes to a fund supporting crime victims. This is typically $10 to $25 and is added automatically. If you're paying by mail or online, the court will show you this breakdown before you submit payment.
What happens if you ignore the ticket
Ignoring a suspended license ticket does not make it go away. If you don't pay or appear in court by the date on the ticket, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest. You can be stopped for any traffic violation and arrested on that warrant. Your license suspension also remains in effect, so you're still driving illegally.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the courthouse before that date and ask about a payment plan or a court date to discuss your situation. Many courts will work with you rather than issue a warrant. Waiting until after the important date makes your options much narrower.
Paying the ticket or contesting it
You have two main paths: pay the ticket or request a court hearing to contest it. Paying is faster and usually costs less overall, but you're admitting guilt and the conviction stays on your driving record. Contesting means appearing before a judge, who will decide whether the officer had legal grounds to stop you and whether your license was actually suspended at the time.
If you choose to contest the ticket, you'll need to request a hearing within the timeframe listed on the ticket — usually 10 to 30 days. The court will schedule you for a date, and you'll appear in person or, in some parishes, by video. Bring your driver's license, the ticket, and any documents showing your license status at the time of the stop. If you win, you pay nothing. If you lose, you'll owe the fine plus court costs, and the judge may impose the higher end of the penalty range.
How to find out your exact total
The fastest way to learn what you owe is to call the courthouse in the parish where you received the ticket. Have your ticket number ready. The clerk can tell you the fine amount, court costs, and any other fees, and can explain your payment options — mail, online, phone, or in person.
If your ticket shows a specific amount, that's usually the fine only, not including court costs. Ask the clerk to confirm the total before you pay. Some courts allow you to pay online through their website; others require you to mail a check or appear in person. The courthouse can direct you to whichever method works for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the fine reduced if I can't afford to pay it?
Yes. Contact the courthouse and ask to speak with the judge about your financial situation, either by mail or at a hearing. Judges can reduce fines, set up payment plans, or allow you to perform community service instead of paying. You must request this before the due date on your ticket.
Does paying the ticket restore my license?
No. Paying the ticket resolves the criminal charge, but your license remains suspended until you address the original reason for the suspension. You'll need to contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles or the agency that suspended your license to learn what steps are required to restore it.
What if I didn't know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense in Louisiana, but you can explain this to the judge if you contest the ticket. The judge may consider it when deciding the fine amount. You can still request a hearing and present your case.
Will this ticket increase my car insurance rates?
Yes, a suspended license conviction typically causes your insurance rates to rise. The increase varies by insurer and your driving history. Contact your insurance company to ask how this specific violation will affect your premium.
How long does a suspended license conviction stay on my record?
In Louisiana, traffic convictions remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. After three years, the conviction is no longer visible to insurance companies, though it may still appear in background checks for employment or other purposes.