Minimum Driving Age
- Learner’s Permit: Available at age 15.
- Intermediate License: Eligible at age 16 after holding a learner’s permit for at least 180 days and completing the required supervised driving hours.
- Full License: Available at age 17 after meeting all prior requirements. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles+1expresslane.org+1
Learner’s Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or adult at least 21 years old, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old.
- Driving Hours: No specific restrictions, but completion of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night, is required.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited, including hands-free devices. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles+3LCMC Health+3lern.la.gov+3Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles+2expresslane.org+2LCMC Health+2Louisiana Law Help+5Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers+5Legislature of Louisiana+5
License Types
- Class E: Standard license for operating personal vehicles.
- Class D: Chauffeur’s license for operating vehicles designed to transport passengers or property.
- Class A, B, C: Commercial licenses for operating large or specialized vehicles.
Required Documents for Driving
To obtain a driver’s license or permit in Louisiana, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity: Such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Social Security Number: SSN card or W-2 form.
- Proof of Louisiana Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, etc.
- Parental Consent: Required for applicants under 18.ABC Title+1Legislature of Louisiana+1
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants.
- Child Restraints:
- Children under 2: Rear-facing car seat.
- Children 2–4: Forward-facing car seat with internal harness.
- Children 4–9: Booster seat with lap-shoulder seat belt.
- Children 9 and older: Seatbelt, if it fits properly.Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles+4Louisiana State Police+4Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys+4Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Texting: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Handheld Devices: Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless communication devices while driving.PowerDMS+6sowela.edu+6Wikipedia+6
DUI/DWI Thresholds and Penalties
- Legal Limit: 0.08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for drivers 21 and over.
- First Offense:
- Fine: $300–$1,000.
- Imprisonment: 10 days to 6 months.
- Probation with a minimum of two days in jail and participation in a court-approved substance abuse program.Legislature of Louisiana+2Louisiana Law Help+2AKD Lawyers+2Legislature of Louisiana+3DCC+3sowela.edu+3
Speed Limits
- Interstate Highways: Up to 75 mph in certain areas.
- Multi-Lane Divided Highways: 65 mph.
- Other Roads: 55 mph.The US Sun+14Wikipedia+14Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers+14Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles+2DCC+2sowela.edu+2
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
- Reckless Driving: Defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property.
- Penalties:
- First Offense: Fine up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days.
Points System
Louisiana does not operate a traditional points-based system. Instead, the Office of Motor Vehicles tracks violations, and accumulating multiple offenses can lead to license suspension. For example, accumulating three or more serious violations within a 12-month period may result in suspension.
Insurance Requirements
Drivers must carry minimum liability insurance:
- Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal: Every 6 years.
- Testing: Vision tests are required at each renewal. Additional testing may be required if there are indications of driver impairment.PowerDMSMorris & Dewett Personal Injury Lawyers+11PowerDMS+11Legislature of Louisiana+11Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers
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