Do I Automatically Lose My License After a DWI in Louisiana?

If you’ve just been arrested for DWI (driving while intoxicated) in Louisiana, the first question that probably popped into your head was: “Is my license suspended immediately after a DUI?”

Let’s break it down clearly—because the answer isn’t quite a simple yes or no. What happens next depends on several factors: whether you took the chemical test, whether you refused it, and whether you act fast to request a hearing.

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford in New Orleans, we know that losing your license, even temporarily, can derail your life. Getting to work, picking up your kids, and just doing your errands becomes a daily struggle. That’s why we want you to understand exactly how the license suspension process works in Louisiana and what you can do about it.

Arrested for DWI in Louisiana? The Clock Starts Ticking Immediately

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

In Louisiana, your license can be suspended before you ever go to court.

Why? Because there are two separate processes happening at once:

• The Criminal Case – You’ll be prosecuted for DWI in court.
• The Administrative Case – The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) may suspend your license.

These are two different paths. Even if your criminal case is dropped or dismissed, your license can still be suspended administratively if you don’t take the right steps—on time.

The “Immediate” Suspension Isn’t Truly Instant—but It’s Close

If You Took the Breath or Blood Test:

• You will receive a temporary license, valid for 30 days, from the date of arrest.
• You must request an administrative hearing within 30 days to challenge the suspension.
• If you don’t request a hearing, your license will be suspended automatically once the temporary permit expires.

Length of Suspension:

• First offense: 90 days
• Second offense within 10 years: 1 year
• Higher suspensions for additional offenses or a BAC of 0.20% or more

If You Refused the Breath or Blood Test:

• Louisiana’s implied consent law means you’re presumed to have agreed to testing.
• If you refuse, the officer will immediately seize your license and issue a 30-day temporary permit.
• You still have 30 days to request a hearing to fight the suspension.

Refusal suspensions are harsher:

• First refusal: 1-year suspension
• Second or subsequent refusal: 2 years

Important: Even if you weren’t convicted of DWI, refusing a chemical test can still result in a license suspension. That’s why the “is your license suspended immediately after a DUI?” question needs a nuanced answer. Suspension is likely—but not guaranteed—if you act quickly.

What Happens If You Don’t Request a Hearing?

Let’s say you miss that 30-day deadline. Then what?

• Your license will be automatically suspended.
• You may need to wait out the full suspension period or install an ignition interlock device (IID) to qualify for a hardship license.

Once your license is suspended, it doesn’t just get handed back after the time is up. You’ll likely need:

• SR-22 insurance (proof of financial responsibility)
• To pay reinstatement fees
• Possibly complete alcohol education or treatment

How Do You Request an Administrative Hearing?

To prevent your license from being suspended, you must send a written request to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, along with a $150 hearing fee. This must be done within 30 days of your arrest.

Your hearing will focus on a few key issues:

• Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to arrest you
• Whether you submitted to (or refused) the chemical test
• Whether the testing procedures were followed correctly

Having an attorney at this hearing dramatically increases your chances of avoiding suspension.

What About a Hardship License?

If your license is suspended, all is not lost. You might be eligible for a hardship license, which allows you to drive for specific purposes—like getting to work, school, or medical appointments.

To qualify, you typically need to:

• Install an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Maintain SR-22 insurance
• Pay reinstatement and license fees

Heather C. Ford can help determine your eligibility and file the necessary paperwork so you’re not stuck relying on friends, family, or ride-shares.

No “Points” System in Louisiana

Unlike other states, Louisiana does not use a points system to track violations on your driver’s license. That means your DWI arrest won’t result in “points” stacking up. However, DWIs stay on your record and count as prior offenses for 10 years.

That’s a critical point. If you’re convicted of another DWI within that 10-year window, the penalties, including license suspension periods, go up dramatically.

What If You Got the DUI in Another State?

Louisiana is part of the Interstate Driver License Compact, which means they honor suspensions issued in most other states. If you’re arrested for DUI in Florida, for example, and your license is suspended there, Louisiana will usually suspend your Louisiana license, too.

So, no, leaving the state won’t get you off the hook.

Bottom Line: Your License Isn’t Suspended Immediately—But It Can Be Very Soon

Let’s recap what you need to know:

• You get a 30-day temporary license at the time of arrest.
• You have 30 days to request an administrative hearing to fight the suspension.
• If you don’t act, your license will be automatically suspended.
• Suspension can happen even if you’re not convicted in court, especially if you refused the test.
• Refusing a breathalyzer = longer suspension.
• Louisiana doesn’t use a points system, but DWIs do stay on your record for 10 years.

Don’t Wait and Hope for the Best—Fight for Your License Now

At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we help people across New Orleans and throughout Louisiana protect their rights and their freedom. That includes their right to drive.

Whether this is your first offense or you’re facing a repeat DWI, time is critical. You have options—but only if you take action fast.

Call our office today or request your consultation online. Let’s work to keep you on the road and out of deeper legal trouble.