Louisiana Ignition interlocks are required for all convicted drunk drivers since July 2007. From 2006 to 2020 in Louisiana, interlocks stopped 135,090 attempts to drive drunk with a breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, including 17,462 attempts to drive drunk in 2020. Why does MADD call the law all-offender? We call it all- offender as in order for a first-time offender must use an interlock in order to drive as a condition of a hardship permit.
Grade: F (55/100) Louisiana enacted an all-offender interlock law in 2007. The state has failed to make any meaningful improvements to the law. As a result, many loopholes exist which minimizes the effectiveness of the law.
Process to obtain an ignition interlock 1. Contact the Office of Motor Vehicles to check eligibility for a hardship license. 2. Get proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 certificate). 3. Schedule an appointment to have an interlock device installed. 4. Visit the reinstatement office and submit proof of installation and lease agreement. Pay fees. 5. Complete any pending court requirements.
Ignition Interlock Law Overview and MADD Legislative Recommendations
Duration on ignition interlock
How soon can an ignition interlock be installed?
Legislative Recommendation
DMV or legislature must clarify that the only way a convicted drunk driver can drive as a condition of a hardship permit upon revocation if an interlock is installed. As of now there is not clarity.
Upon conviction
12 months
First offense
Unclear
24 months
Second offense
Upon conviction
1 to 2 years
First refusal
Can a drunk driver wait out an interlock order?
Yes
Legislative Recommendation
Any person who has a license suspended for a drunk driving offense, must use an ignition interlock for at least six months before obtaining a non-interlock driver's license.
Compliance based removal?
No
Add a compliance based removal component to the law (a user must prove a certain period of sober driving before exiting the interlock program).
Legislative Recommendation
Day-for-Day credit for early installation? No Legislative Recommendation Interlocks required for plea agreements or diversion?
Allow for the use of ignition interlock after arrest and credit early installation of an interlock toward time ordered on an interlock upon conviction.
No
Allow a first-time apprehended drunk driver who did not cause an injury or property damage crash, and successfully completes six continuous months on an ignition interlock and completes other court or department conditions to be granted a plea deal.
Legislative Recommendation
No
Affordability program?
Create an affordability program so low-income interlock users have access to these devices. This program should be paid for by interlock vendors or non-indigent interlock users.
Legislative Recommendation
Sources: §32:378.2(A)(2)(ii), §14:98K(1).
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