Does a Traffic Citation Go on Your Record in Louisiana?

As a driver in Louisiana, receiving a citation can be nerve-wracking. Your mind may race with questions about the potential consequences and how this incident could affect your driving record in the long run. Will your insurance rates go up? Could your license be suspended?

In Louisiana, citations can go on your driving record, but the impact and duration may vary depending on the severity of the offense and the specific circumstances of your case.

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we understand the stress and confusion that often accompany a traffic violation. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Louisiana’s traffic laws and how citations affect your record.

How Do Citations Affect Your Driving Record in Louisiana?

The time that citations remain on your driving record can vary depending on the severity of the offense and other factors. In Louisiana, most minor traffic violations will remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction, as stated in Louisiana Revised Statute 32:393.

However, more serious offenses, such as DUIs or hit-and-runs, can stay on your record for a longer period, sometimes up to 10 years or more.

Strategies for Keeping Citations Off Your Record

If you’ve received a citation in Louisiana, there are several strategies you can consider to keep the violation off your record or minimize its impact.

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Laws

Louisiana has two laws that provide a method for keeping certain tickets or misdemeanor offenses off your record: Article 892.1 and Article 894. To participate in either program, you must pay the fine and applicable driving school fee.

Article 892.1 (Traffic Offenses)

To be eligible for the program under Article 892.1, you must:

• Be a first-time offender with no moving violations on your driving record
• Have no other dismissals in the past two years from the date of the offense
• Have committed a traffic misdemeanor offense only
• Possess a valid driver’s license in a participating state

If you meet these requirements, you must sign and notarize an affidavit attesting to compliance with court conditions and complete a four-hour defensive driving course within 90 days.

Article 894 (Traffic, Misdemeanor, or DWI Offenses)

Article 894 is a way to potentially keep a traffic ticket off your record, but it’s not guaranteed. Whether you’re allowed to use it is completely up to the judge. There’s no law in Louisiana that requires a judge to apply Article 894 to your case. Judges look at your background, including any past arrests or convictions, and consider the details of your current case before deciding.

A lawyer can help explain why you deserve Article 894 and present your case to the judge. If you’re approved for 894 and successfully meet the required conditions, you can ask the court to set aside your conviction and dismiss the case. For serious offenses like a DWI, you’ll also need to provide proof of compliance, such as a certified letter from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles, confirming you’ve met all the required steps under the law. This dismissal can help keep your record clean, but the original conviction can still count as a prior offense if you’re charged again in the future.

Challenging the Citation in Court

Another option is to challenge the citation in court. This involves gathering evidence, such as witness statements or dashcam footage, and preparing a defense to present before a judge. If successful, the charges against you may be reduced or dismissed entirely, keeping the violation off your record.

Enrolling in Traffic School

In some cases, you may be able to enroll in traffic school to keep a citation off your record. By completing an approved traffic school course, you can demonstrate your commitment to safe driving and may be able to have the violation dismissed. However, eligibility for traffic school depends on factors such as the severity of the offense and your previous driving record.

The Importance of Monitoring and Maintaining a Clean Driving Record

Regularly checking your Louisiana driving record is essential for identifying errors or inaccuracies and ensuring compliance with court-ordered programs. You can request a copy of your driving record from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

Maintaining a clean driving record offers numerous long-term benefits, such as lower auto insurance rates and improved employment prospects for jobs that require driving. To keep your record clean, practice safe driving habits, utilize defensive driving techniques, and promptly address any citations you receive.

Protect Your Driving Record with the Help of a Louisiana Traffic Ticket Attorney

Dealing with a citation in Louisiana can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, our experienced traffic ticket attorneys are dedicated to helping drivers like you protect your driving record and minimize the consequences of a traffic violation.

We understand the ins and outs of Louisiana’s traffic laws and can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to navigate your case. Whether you’re considering challenging a citation in court, enrolling in traffic school, or participating in a program under Article 892.1 or Article 894, we can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Don’t let a citation jeopardize your driving privileges or lead to increased insurance premiums. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable traffic ticket attorneys. We’ll work tirelessly to help you achieve a favorable outcome for your case and keep your driving record clean.