Recent Louisiana DWI Law Changes

What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.

1. August 1, 2026

   City and parish courts can prosecute DWI under local ordinances (Act 812, HB 552)

   HB 552, signed as Act 812 of 2026, lets city, parish, and municipal courts charge DWI under R.S. 14:98 or under a local ordinance that uses the same elements and sentences. It also adds “or impaired” to the offense wording in several laws and makes Intoxilyzer recertification forms admissible as evidence.

2. August 1, 2026

   Higher penalties for some third and fourth DWI offenses (Act 117, HB 82)

   Act 117 raises penalties for third and fourth DWI offenses when the earlier convictions were for the same crimes or equivalent laws in another state. On motion of the district attorney, the court must order the vehicle seized, impounded, and sold.

3. August 1, 2023

   Two-year suspension now starts at 0.15 (Act 409, HB 484)

   Act 409 lowered the BAC that triggers the longer license suspension from 0.20 to 0.15: two years on a first offense and four years on a second. A first offender at 0.15 or more can get a restricted license for the whole suspension with an ignition interlock, and the act removed a restriction on hardship license eligibility.