Louisiana Driving Records

Your past on the road doesn't just disappear, it's documented through Louisiana driving records. These DMV driving records form an official timeline of your driving experience, serving important purposes in various areas of life.

Usually, each state manages its own motor vehicle records, and Louisiana is no exception. With access governed by state-specific guidelines, understanding how Louisiana handles its driving history report is a key step toward staying informed and responsible on the road.

What Is a Louisiana Driving Record?

A Louisiana driving record, also known as an official driving record (ODR), tracks a person's history of driving activity and traffic-related incidents. It includes personal and license information, as well as details about traffic offenses, accidents, convictions, and license suspensions.

Louisiana driving records are maintained by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and state courts, which are also responsible for releasing them to eligible individuals upon request.

What Is The Difference Between ODRs and Public Driving Records

An official driving record (ODR) is issued directly by the Louisiana OMV and includes certified, up-to-date details about a person's driving and traffic history. These records are typically used for official or legal purposes.

In contrast, public driving records from third-party services like RecordsFinder offer a convenient alternative for those who need quick access to similar information without the hassle of dealing with government agencies.

While not certified, RecordsFinder aims to deliver its users a fast, easy-to-navigate experience, making it ideal for employers, insurers, or individuals conducting informal background checks.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You may need a driving record for various reasons, such as:

• Verifying Accuracy: To ensure traffic violations, accidents, or license suspensions are accurately reported.
• Job Applications: Employers may require it for roles that involve driving to assess responsibility and safety.
• Insurance Rates: Insurance companies use driving records to determine premiums based on risk factors.
• Legal Disputes: To contest incorrect information or address traffic violations.
• Loan and Rental Applications: Some financial institutions or rental agencies may check your driving history before approving applications.

Each of these situations highlights the importance of maintaining a clean driving record.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A driver report may vary depending on the source, but it typically includes the following key information:

• The driver's full name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number
• The status of the driver's license, including whether it is active, expired, suspended, revoked, or has restrictions
• A record of any traffic tickets, citations, or fines issued, including the type of violation and the date it occurred
• Information on any accidents the driver has been involved in, including the date, location, severity, and whether the driver was at fault
• Details about any criminal convictions or serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving without insurance
• Any court-ordered penalties, including fines, community service, or mandatory driving courses

Types of Driver Records Available in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) typically issues only one type of driving record, known as the official driving record (ODR). Unlike other states that offer different types of records depending on the number of years, Louisiana provides a single, comprehensive ODR that includes:

• Traffic accident statements
• Driver's license status (including suspensions, revocations, or cancellations)
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) status (if applicable)
• Traffic violations and convictions

Official driver records are often available in both certified and non-certified forms. A certified record includes an official seal and is typically required for legal matters or formal purposes. A non-certified record, on the other hand, does not have the seal and is generally used for personal reference or informal background checks.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Louisiana

Traffic violations in Louisiana are governed by state statutes, which are outlined in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 32. These laws usually cover everything from speed limits to the rules for stopping at traffic signals. Depending on the severity of the offense, violating these traffic codes may result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

In Louisiana, tickets and violations are processed through local courts, and how a driver handles a ticket may significantly impact their driving record and insurance premiums. Below are common types of traffic violations and the steps to take when you receive a ticket.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are either moving or non-moving and are classified as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Louisiana felonies are the most serious, with penalties up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Misdemeanors may involve jail time and fines, while infractions typically result in fines only.

Here are the common traffic violations in Louisiana that come with varying penalties:

• Speeding: Fines range from $200 to $500 and may include up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. Repeat violations may result in fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
• Reckless driving: May result in a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
• Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs: Typically results in a $175 fine.
• Street racing: Fines vary by area and may be as high as $5,000, with possible jail time or community service.
• Texting or other distractions while driving: Fines may go up to $1,000, and offenders may face community service or jail, depending on local enforcement policies.
• DUI: Penalties depend on the circumstances, but fines may reach $5,000 with potential jail time.
• Hit and run: May lead to fines between $3,000 and $10,000 and up to 5 years in prison.
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license: Fines and jail time depend on local laws, and penalties may reach $1,000.
• No insurance: First-time offenders may face a $500 fine and up to 10 days in jail, while repeat offenses typically lead to a $1,000 fine and 30 days of incarceration.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

If you receive a traffic ticket in Louisiana, stay calm and follow these steps to handle it properly:

• Review the Ticket Carefully: Check for details like the violation, date, time, location, and court information. Make sure all the information is accurate.
• Decide How to Plead: You typically have three options:
  • Guilty: Pay the fine and accept the penalty.
  • No Contest: Similar to pleading guilty, but may not be used against you in civil court.
  • Not Guilty: Contest the ticket in court.
• Pay the Fine (If Not Contesting): If you plead guilty or no contest:
  • Visit the parish or city court's website listed on your ticket.
  • Pay online, by mail, or in person before the deadline.
  • Keep your receipt or confirmation.
• Consider Traffic School: For some violations, completing a defensive driving course may reduce your fine or prevent the violation from appearing on your driving record. Check eligibility with the court.
• Prepare for Court (If Contesting): If pleading not guilty:
  • Notify the court by the ticket deadline.
  • Gather evidence (photos, witness statements, etc.).
  • Consider hiring an attorney.
  • Appear in court on the scheduled date.
• Monitor Your Driving Record: Even minor violations may affect insurance rates or lead to license suspension. Check your driving record as much as possible.
• Comply with All Court Orders: If found guilty, make sure to pay any fines, complete required courses, or serve any penalties ordered by the court.

How Does the Louisiana Point System Work?

Louisiana does not use a traditional point system to track driving violations. Instead, the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) monitors driving records directly. When drivers commit traffic violations, like speeding, reckless driving, or DUI, the violations are recorded on their driving history.

Accumulating too many serious or repeated offenses may lead to penalties such as license suspension or revocation. Insurance companies and employers may still evaluate violations similarly to a point system when assessing risk or determining eligibility. So while there's no point in tallying, consequences still apply for unsafe driving behavior.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

How long a Louisiana traffic violation stays on your record typically depends on the offense's severity and whether you contest the citation.

• Minor Violations: For less serious offenses like speeding or failing to yield, the violation stays on your record for three to five years.
• Serious Violations: Offenses like DUI or reckless driving remain on your record for ten years.
• Felony Offenses: Felonies, such as vehicular homicide, remain on your record permanently.

If you contest the ticket and are found not guilty, the violation won't appear on your record. However, if you're found guilty or plead guilty to a reduced charge, it will stay on your driving history.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In Louisiana, you can potentially keep certain traffic tickets or misdemeanor offenses off your driving record by participating in Article 892.1 or Article 894 programs, which are available for first-time offenders under specific conditions.

Under Article 892.1, first-time offenders with no previous moving violations may complete a four-hour defensive driving course within 90 days of the offense.

This program is for traffic misdemeanor offenses, and the person should have a valid driver's license from Louisiana or a participating state, with no other dismissals in the past two years. After completing the course, submit a notarized affidavit confirming compliance.

For Article 894, offenders with one prior moving violation in the past three years may complete a six-hour defensive driving course within six months. There's a six-month probation period, during which the offender is expected to refrain from further criminal conduct and traffic violations.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

To check your official driving record (ODR) in Louisiana, you typically have three options: online, in person, or by mail.

• Online, you may visit the Louisiana Official Driving Record website and enter details that match your driver's license, including your name, address, birthdate, license class, license number, and reason for the request.
• In person, complete the ODR Request Form (Form R0800) and submit it at designated Louisiana OMV offices located in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, or Shreveport.
• By mail, fill out the same form and send it along with the applicable fee to the Office of Motor Vehicles at P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Louisiana?

Obtaining a copy of a Louisiana ODR costs $16. If you request your driving record online, an additional $2 electronic service fee applies, bringing the total to $18.

Payment methods vary depending on how the request is made. Online payments are typically made using a credit or debit card. In-person requests may be paid for with cash, check, money order, or a credit/debit card. For mail-in requests, the OMV only accepts checks or money orders.

Processing time also depends on the method of request. Online requests are processed immediately, allowing you to view or print your ODR within 30 days. In-person requests are typically completed during your visit, while mail-in requests may take several business days to process and return, depending on postal delivery times.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

To check your driving history for free in Louisiana, you may use the DL Check Status tool offered by the OMV. This service, using the driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, allows individuals to view any reinstatement issues, suspensions, or flags that may prevent a driver's license or vehicle registration from being processed.

While it generally provides helpful insights into your driving status, this is not an official driving record and cannot be used by third parties such as employers or insurance companies.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record is a history of traffic-related offenses or violations that indicate unsafe or irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. It typically includes:

• Multiple moving violations (like speeding, running red lights, or reckless driving)
• Accidents where the driver was found at fault
• DUI offenses
• License suspensions or revocations
• Failure to appear in court or failure to pay tickets
• Repeated non-compliance with driving laws

While moving violations are recorded and can lead to suspension, non-moving violations, such as parking tickets or expired registration, usually don't appear on your record in Louisiana. However, if ignored or unpaid, they may result in serious penalties like license or registration holds.

Warnings, whether verbal or written by law enforcement, do not go on your official record, but repeated stops may influence how officers or insurance companies assess your driving behavior.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record may significantly impact car insurance rates and employment opportunities.

In Louisiana, a single speeding ticket may increase your annual insurance premium by about $460, raising it to an average of $2,685 per year. Insurance companies consider drivers with violations as high-risk, leading to higher costs.

From an employment perspective, companies often review driving records, especially for roles involving travel or operating vehicles. For example, sales representatives, delivery drivers, and commercial truck operators must maintain clean records.

A history of reckless driving could signal broader irresponsibility, like poor vehicle maintenance, which could negatively impact client impressions or lead to costly accidents. Employers prioritize safe and reliable drivers to reduce liability and protect their company's image and assets.

Who Can Access Your Louisiana Driving History?

Your Louisiana driving history may be accessed by you, government agencies, insurance companies, and employers, usually with your consent or for official purposes. Courts and legal representatives may also access it if relevant to a case.

Insurance companies may use it to set premiums, while employers may check it for driving-related positions. Access to your official driving record is regulated to protect your privacy and typically requires a valid reason or your written authorization/waiver.

FAQs About Louisiana Driving Records

Below are the answers to some common questions regarding Louisiana driving records.

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