Louisiana Driving Records

Louisiana driving records serve as comprehensive repositories of individuals' driving histories. These records often encompass crucial details, including personal information, driving history, traffic violations, accident reports, and license status updates.

Driving records in Louisiana are accessible to the public under the Louisiana Public Records Act. However, certain privacy measures safeguard sensitive personal information, such as Social Security Numbers (SSNs), specific details about criminal offenses, and medical records.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is primarily responsible for managing and maintaining driving records within the state. This centralization provides efficient record-keeping and accuracy in the information provided, benefiting individuals and organizations relying on driving record data for decision-making processes.

Understanding Louisiana driving records is crucial as they are pivotal for various contexts. Individuals can review these to navigate their driving competence, adherence to traffic laws, and overall road safety. Meanwhile, organizations and law enforcement can view driving records to make informed decisions and promote responsible driving behavior.

Types of Driving Records Available in Louisiana

The Louisiana OMV issues only one type of driving record, the official driving record (ODR). This comprehensive record includes crucial information such as traffic accident statements, driver's license status (including suspensions, revocations, or cancellations), the status of a commercial driver's license (CDL), if applicable, and all traffic violations and convictions.

The ODR serves multiple purposes in Louisiana. With its detailed and up-to-date information on an individual's driving history, this document proves invaluable for tasks such as adjusting car insurance policy rates, aiding in legal proceedings, and verifying personal information for pre-employment screenings and background checks.

How To Request a Louisiana Driving History Report?

Individuals interested in obtaining an ODR in Louisiana have multiple avenues available. They can either request online, in person, or by mail. Below is a detailed explanation of each of these options:

Online

To order a Louisiana ODR online, interested parties should visit the Louisiana Official Driving Record website. On this website, they must provide the necessary details exactly as they appear on their driver's license, such as:

Name
Address
Date of birth
License Class
Driver's license number
Reason for the request
Mailing address, if applicable

Besides that, the online request necessitates a payment of $16 plus a $2 electronic service fee as per Louisiana Revised Statute Section 49:316.1. Accepted payment methods are credit and debit cards.

Keep in mind that when requesting ODR online, have a printer available. The requested document can only be viewed on the computer or printed within 30 days of the transaction. Also, the online service is unavailable from 11:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

In-Person

Those interested in requesting a Louisiana ODR in person must complete the ODR Request Form (Form R0800) and prepare a $16 payment in cash, money order, check, or credit or debit card.

Upon completing the form and having the payment ready, individuals should submit them in person at designated Louisiana OMV offices in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, or Shreveport to complete the request process.

By Mail

Applicants must complete Form R0800 to order a Louisiana ODR by mail. They must then prepare a $16 check or money order for the driving record payment.

Afterward, the completed form and payment should be sent to the OMV at the address below:

Office of Motor Vehicles

Attention: ODR

P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Uses of Louisiana Driving Records

Louisiana driving records play a crucial role in various aspects of the state. They serve as valuable tools for different purposes, including the following:

Pre-employment Screening

Businesses can order Louisiana driving records to review an applicant's driving history as part of the pre-employment screening process. These documents can help them assess the risk of hiring the individual, especially for roles involving driving vehicles.

Insurance Underwriting

Insurance providers can use Louisiana driving records to evaluate an individual's driving behavior and determine appropriate insurance rates and coverage. An individual's insurance premium can be adjusted depending on the recorded accidents, traffic violations, and other driving-related incidents.

Ongoing Risk Management

Businesses and government entities can continuously monitor their employees' or constituents' driving records to manage risks associated with driving.

Personal Use

Individuals can obtain their own ODR in Louisiana to gain information about their accident history, personal driving status, commercial driving status (if applicable), and any offenses on their record.

Note that Louisiana driving records are considered confidential personal information under state laws and federal laws such as the Driver Privacy Protection Act. Unauthorized access or disclosure of this information is strictly prohibited, and those found violating this legal code can face severe penalties, including fines and civil liability.

Understanding Louisiana Driving Laws

Louisiana motorists must understand and follow the state's driving laws to avoid legal repercussions and guarantee their safety. Below are the critical driving regulations drivers must be aware of in Louisiana.

Louisiana License Requirements

Louisiana's licensing laws, as outlined in the Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 32:402, mandate that individuals possess valid licenses to drive on state highways. Violating this law incurs escalating penalties.

First-time offenders face a minimum $300 fine, a potential five-day jail term, 32 hours of community service, and up to six months of license suspension.

Repeat offenders can have heightened fines, longer incarceration periods, extended community service mandates, and prolonged license suspensions.

Louisiana Auto Insurance Laws

Under Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 32:861, drivers of motor vehicles registered in the state are required to carry auto insurance that meets the following minimum limit:

$15,000 bodily liability per person and $30,000 per accident
$25,000 property damage liability per accident

Motorists caught driving without the appropriate auto insurance may face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. Violators may also face potential license revocation, vehicle impoundment, and license plate cancellation.

If a driver is involved in an accident without insurance, they risk a 180-day license suspension and registration revocation.

Louisiana Speeding Law

The Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 32:61 delineates the allowable speed limits across the state, which include:

70 miles per hour (mph) on interstate or controlled access highways
65 mph on any multi-lane divided highway
55 mph on any highway (unless a lower limit is posted)

Those caught exceeding the speed limits can face fines ranging from $115 to over $240, depending on the extent of the speeding offense. Additional penalties, such as license suspension or incarceration, can be imposed if the violation contains aggravating factors.

On the other hand, the Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 32:64 mandates that drivers shall not drive a vehicle on a state highway at a speed that is not reasonable or prudent under certain conditions. It also discourages excessively slow speeds that can hinder traffic flow. Drivers can face traffic tickets if caught violating this speeding rule.

Louisiana Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws

The Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 14:98 covers the state's DUI laws. According to this code, DUI is committed when a driver operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol, the driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or is under the influence of a controlled substance.

The penalties for DUI offenses in Louisiana vary based on the offender's BAC level and prior convictions. Nevertheless, for first-time violators, consequences may include fines from $300 to $1000, license suspension, community service, and up to six months in jail.

The Points System in Louisiana

Louisiana distinguishes itself from most states by not employing a points system to oversee driving infractions. Instead, the state relies on the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS), a nationwide database capturing driver history details such as suspensions, revocations, and serious traffic violations from all states.

Louisiana utilizes PDPS data to evaluate an individual's eligibility for a driver's license within the state. The OMV also has the authority to take disciplinary actions against individuals with multiple traffic offenses, whether committed in Louisiana or elsewhere.

The OMV may impose sanctions, such as license suspension, mandatory completion of driver improvement programs, payment of reinstatement fees, and additional fines. Moreover, drivers with multiple violations may encounter challenges securing insurance or face heightened insurance premiums.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Louisiana

Motorists in Louisiana can commit various violations when operating a vehicle, categorized as criminal and civil driving offenses. Drivers should understand the distinction between these violations to avoid committing them and learn their associated penalties.

Criminal Driving Offenses

In Louisiana, criminal driving offenses are the most severe violations a driver can commit. These transgressions are categorized into felony and misdemeanor charges.

Felony traffic violations are actions deemed felonious under the state's penal code. They often involve repeated offenses that escalate from initial misdemeanors.

Typically, felony cases in traffic law are adjudicated through jury trials with legal representation for the accused. The judge presiding over the case determines the penalties based on the gravity of each situation, which may include hefty fines exceeding $2000 and imprisonment for over a year.

Conversely, traffic misdemeanors encompass offenses with potential jail terms of three months to a year, with fines reaching up to $2000. Misdemeanor court proceedings commonly do not require a jury, granting the judge authority to decide the suitable sentence. While initial misdemeanors are treated as such, recurrent violations may incur felony consequences.

Some examples of criminal driving offenses in Louisiana are:

DUI
Hit-and-run incidents
Leaving the scene of an accident
Driving with a revoked license
Attempting to evade law enforcement

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in Louisiana are also known as infractions. There is a range of offenses under this category, most of which will incur fines and violations being recorded in the offender's driving record.

While infractions only carry a fine, repeat offenders may experience increased insurance costs, employment challenges, and potential license suspension or revocation.

Common examples of civil driving offenses in the state include:

Failure to yield
Distracted driving
Disregarding traffic signals
Tailgating
Speeding
Improper parking
Driving in the wrong lane

Louisiana Driving Statistics and Goals

Louisiana has been grappling with persistently high rates of traffic fatalities, surpassing the national average by a significant margin.

Data from 2021 reveals a concerning fatal crash rate of approximately 1.78 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, ranking the state above many others in this aspect. Additionally, Louisiana witnessed a traffic fatality rate of 21 deaths per 100,000 people, far exceeding the national average of 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people.

Despite a slight 11.9% decrease in 2023, which saw 799 traffic accident fatalities, Louisiana still lingers above the national average.

Contributing significantly to these alarming statistics are factors such as drunk driving, with over 80% of drunk drivers meeting fatal outcomes in collisions in Louisiana. Distracted driving also emerges as a top culprit, accounting for 48% of deadly crashes in the state in 2023.

Furthermore, the lack of seatbelt usage proves to be a critical issue, with 53% of occupants in fatal crashes failing to wear seatbelts.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) has established the Strategic Highway Safety Plan to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries on the state's roads.

This strategy aims to make Louisiana’s roads safer and educate drivers through public awareness campaigns, strict traffic regulation enforcement, infrastructure enhancements, and partnerships with federal programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Driving Records

Drivers in Louisiana can read through the following frequently asked questions for more information regarding driving records in the state:

How To Correct Errors in Louisiana Driving Record?

Individuals should contact the OMV by dialing (225) 925-6146 to rectify errors on a Louisiana driving record. When doing so, clearly outline the specific error and have supporting evidence ready for a swift correction process.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay in Louisiana Driving Record?

The duration that a traffic offense will stay on a Louisiana driving record varies depending on the severity of the violation. Minor infractions typically remain on record for three years, while more severe violations, such as misdemeanors, can stay for a decade. Meanwhile, felonies stay permanently on one's driving record.

Can Violations in Louisiana Driving Records Be Sealed?

Traffic violations can be sealed in a Louisiana driving record if the person is not convicted of a felony and has completed all the requirements for the conviction, such as probation or a driver education program. The offender must also wait at least a year from the conviction date before petitioning a seal.

If the eligibility criteria are met, individuals can petition the court to seal their violation. The court will then review the petition and decide whether the individual will be granted the seal. If granted, the violation will be sealed from the individual's record, resulting in the violation being removed from their record.

Helpful Links and Resources

For more information regarding Louisiana driving records and related topics, individuals can navigate the following resources:

Refer to this page to learn more about Louisiana’s motor vehicle and traffic regulations: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Laws_Toc.aspx?folder=106&title=32.
For a quick guide on how to request a Louisiana ODR online, visit this page: https://dps.expresslane.org/officialdrivingrecord.
Check out this link for information on OMV offices in Louisiana, including their addresses, operating hours, and services offered: https://offices.omv.la.gov/.

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