Drink-driving limits in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Louisiana sets its own drink-driving rules. The general limit is 0.08% blood alcohol. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: an offence at 0.02 percent or more by weight (underage operating while impaired). First offence: fine of $100 to $250 and 10 days to 3 months in jail. [2] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Commercial driver's licence holders: a first reported chemical test showing an alcohol concentration of at least 0.04 percent but under 0.08 percent while operating a commercial motor vehicle, in connection with a DUI investigation, leads to disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for at least one year; a second leads to lifetime disqualification. [3] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [4] |
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: R.S. 14:98 Operating while impaired (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: R.S. 14:98.6 Underage operating while impaired (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 32:414.2 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Police: Sobriety Checkpoint Scheduled for DeSoto Parish (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety checkpoints | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year jail, $150-1,000 fine |
| Mississippi | 0.08% (21 and over) | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: $250-$1,000 / up to 48 h |
| Texas | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | Zero tolerance; 0.04% disqualifies | ⚠ Not yet verified | Min. 72 hours confinement (Class B) |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.