How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Louisiana DUI Conviction

 

If you’ve been convicted of a Louisiana DUI, your driver’s license will be either suspended or revoked for a period of time. Not having your driving privileges can be stressful, making everything from going to work to doing food shopping a more difficult endeavor. That’s why it’s so important to understand the process of getting your driver’s license back. Reinstatement is not automatic.

 

The Steps You Need to Take

 

Once you’ve completed your driver’s license suspension, you must visit your local Motor Vehicle Reinstatement office or call 877-368-5463 to reach the DMV line. Before doing so, you must complete all court-ordered penalties, such as jail time, fines, counseling, and community service hours. You will also need to show proof of future financial responsibility, and may have to use an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.

 

You can pay via money order, cashier’s check, certified check, credit or debit card if paid by telephone, and cash if paid in person. There is no option to process reinstatement online at this time. If you go in person, your reinstatement is processed immediately. If you choose to do it by the phone or mail, allow 10 days from the day your payment is received.

 

Eligibility for a Hardship Driver’s License

 

Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a hardship drivers license before you suspension period is complete. To find out if that’s the case for you, contact (877) 368-5463 or visit a Motor Vehicle Reinstatement Office. If you are given a hardship drivers license, then you will only be able to drive under the specific circumstances outlined by the court. Usually, you are limited to driving to and from your job, class, medical treatments, child care, and drug or alcohol rehabilitation. If you drive for other reasons, your hardship driver’s license will be taken away, and you might have more trouble getting your driver’s license reinstated when the time comes.

 

Ignition Interlock Device

 

As a condition of your driver’s license reinstatement, you may be required to get an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This is an in-car alcohol breath screening device that’s connected to the engine’s ignition system. It prevents the car from starting if it detects a blood alcohol about the preset limit. You are responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining the device. You must keep the device on your car for the full amount of time required. If it is removed or tampered with, you can have your driving privileges suspended again.

 

Proof of Future Financial Responsibility

 

In order to get your driver’s license reinstated, you will likely need to file proof of future financial responsibility for a period of three years. Usually this is done by getting your car insurance company to file an SR-22 form. This form ensures that you have the required minimum of insurance coverage. If you stop this coverage at any time, the state of Louisiana will be immediately informed, and your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked.

 

Get More Information

 

You can read more on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website, or you can call (877) 368-5463. You can also mail your questions to:

Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
 

But the best way to get advice specific to your situation is to contact a qualified Louisiana DUI attorney, especially if you have been convicted of multiple DUIs. He or she will understand the ins and outs of the process and can make sure you are following all the procedures correctly in order to get your driver’s license back as soon as possible