DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
IMPAIRED DRIVING
TALK WITH YOUR KIDS
Impaired driving remains an issue that affects Americans every day. On average, three in five people will be involved in a crash due to impaired driving in their lifetime. Impaired driving can have serious consequences, including injury and death.
Impaired driving is entirely preventable. Know the facts and talk with your kids about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and including but not limited to prescription medicine and other substances.
The Statistics:
-
About one in four teen car crashes involves an underage drinking driver.
-
Every day about 800 people are injured in a drunk-driving crash.
-
Every day in America, another 29 people die as a result of drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes.
-
Marijuana use is increasing, and 13% of weekend nighttime drivers have marijuana in their system.
-
Marijuana users were about 25% more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no evidence of marijuana use.
LOUISIANA'S UNDERAGE DWI LAWS
Drivers who are under 17 years old with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .02% and above are subject to the state's underage Driving While Impaired (DWI) penalties. For individuals who are 18 – 20 years old, the BAC is still .02% and above. However the penalties are the same for an Adult DWI Offense.
​
While cars are the most common vehicles associated with DWI, the law actually applies to any motor vehicle. This includes motorcycles, boats, and even ATVs. It’s crucial to remember that DWI laws apply across various modes of transportation, and the penalties for breaking these laws can be just as severe. Operating any motorized vehicle while impaired can lead to serious legal consequences, so it’s essential to stay informed and cautious.
​
When we think of impaired driving, alcohol is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, prescription medications can also impair your ability to drive safely. Just because a medication is prescribed by a doctor doesn’t mean it’s safe to operate a vehicle while taking it. Some medications, like those used to treat anxiety or pain, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision — effects that can significantly impair your driving abilities. It’s important to read the labels and heed any warnings about operating machinery, including vehicles.
First Underage DWI
A violator with no priors will face a $100 to $250 fine and 10 days to 3 months jail. Offenders who are granted probation must complete at least 32 hours of community service, substance abuse treatment, and a driver improvement program. The court may suspend the sentence and place the offender on probation. (La. Rev. Stat. § 14:98.6 (2025).)
Second Underage DWI
A second or subsequent underage OWI will result in a $250 to $500 fine and 30 days to 6 months jail. Offenders who are granted probation must serve 2 days in jail or 80 hours of community service, complete a substance abuse program, and complete a driver improvement program. The judge can also order the offender to maintain an Ignition Interlock Devise (IID) during the probation period. (La. Rev. Stat. § 14:98.6 (2025).)
License Suspension
An underage DWI will result in the driver's license being suspended for 180 days. (La. Rev. Stat. § 32:667 (2025).)
LOUISIANA'S ADULT DWI LAWS
Louisiana may refer to impaired driving as DUI, DWI, or OWI, but they are all the same offense.
The state of Louisiana prohibits anyone from operating a "motor vehicle" when:
-
Under the influence of alcohol
-
Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%
-
Under the influence of a controlled substance
-
Under the impact of a legal drug that causes impairment
-
Intoxicated by a combination of alcohol and a controlled substance or other drug
​
While cars are the most common vehicles associated with DWI, the law actually applies to any motor vehicle. This includes motorcycles, boats, and even ATVs. It’s crucial to remember that DWI laws apply across various modes of transportation, and the penalties for breaking these laws can be just as severe. Operating any motorized vehicle while impaired can lead to serious legal consequences, so it’s essential to stay informed and cautious.
​
When we think of impaired driving, alcohol is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, prescription medications can also impair your ability to drive safely. Just because a medication is prescribed by a doctor doesn’t mean it’s safe to operate a vehicle while taking it. Some medications, like those used to treat anxiety or pain, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision — effects that can significantly impair your driving abilities. It’s important to read the labels and heed any warnings about operating machinery, including vehicles.
First DWI Offense
-
Fine ranging from $300 to $1,000
-
10 days to six months of jail time
-
48 hours of jail time can be served as 32 hours of community service
-
Probation
-
Complete substance abuse program with assessment and treatment as recommended
-
Participate in a driver improvement program
Second DWI Offense
-
Mandatory 48 hours of jail time
-
30 days to six months of jail possible
-
240 hours of community service in lieu of 15 days of jail time
-
Probation
-
Fines of $750 to $1,000
-
Complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program
-
Participate in a driver improvement program
Third DWI Offense (within 10 years is a felony charge)
-
Mandatory 48 hours of jail time
-
30 days to six months of jail possible
-
240 hours of community service in lieu of 15 days of jail time
-
Probation
-
Fines of $750 to $1,000
-
Complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program
-
Participate in a driver improvement program
