Louisiana · DWI · Checked October 2026
DWI License Suspension in Louisiana: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DWI License Suspension in Louisiana: What Are the Rules?
You have 30 days to challenge a license suspension after a DWI arrest in Louisiana.
- Deadline to challenge
- 30 days
- How it is counted
- The date of arrest (the temporary receipt issued in place of your license is the notice); up to 90 days from arrest if incarceration, hospitalization or another cause acceptable to the department prevented a timely request, with documentation
- Failed test
- 180 days (first, BAC 0.08 or more); 365 days for a second or later violation within 5 years of the first; 2 years (first) or 4 years (second) at BAC 0.15 or more
- Refused test
- 1 year (first); 2 years for a second or later refusal within 10 years
- Hardship license
- Restricted (ignition interlock) driver's license
How to Request a Hearing in Louisiana
make a written request to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections for an administrative hearing
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Louisiana
180 days (first, BAC 0.08 or more); 365 days for a second or later violation within 5 years of the first; 2 years (first) or 4 years (second) at BAC 0.15 or moreLa. R.S. 32:667(A)(1)-(2), (B)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Louisiana
1 year (first); 2 years for a second or later refusal within 10 yearsLa. R.S. 32:667(A)(1)-(2), (B)
Official source: suspension if you refuse a test (Louisiana)
Getting a Restricted (Ignition Interlock) Driver's License in Louisiana
after a first or second administrative suspension for a refusal or a test under 0.15, you are immediately eligible for a restricted license on proof of a functioning ignition interlock; at 0.15 or more you are eligible for a hardship license for the whole 2-year or 4-year suspension with an interlock installed; no hardship license after a refusal where intoxication contributed to a death or serious bodily injury; if the department refuses, the district court of your parish may order it
Official source: getting a restricted (ignition interlock) driver's license (Louisiana)
More on DWI Law in Louisiana
See the full overview of DWI laws in Louisiana and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Louisiana law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Louisiana can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Louisiana?
30 days. How it is counted: the date of arrest (the temporary receipt issued in place of your license is the notice); up to 90 days from arrest if incarceration, hospitalization or another cause acceptable to the department prevented a timely request, with documentation.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
180 days (first, BAC 0.08 or more); 365 days for a second or later violation within 5 years of the first; 2 years (first) or 4 years (second) at BAC 0.15 or more
Can You Get a Hardship License in Louisiana?
after a first or second administrative suspension for a refusal or a test under 0.15, you are immediately eligible for a restricted license on proof of a functioning ignition interlock; at 0.15 or more you are eligible for a hardship license for the whole 2-year or 4-year suspension with an interlock installed; no hardship license after a refusal where intoxication contributed to a death or serious bodily injury; if the department refuses, the district court of your parish may order it