Louisiana driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Louisiana asks, answered in two or three sentences from Louisiana’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Under Louisiana law, the officer will try to confirm from your details that you have a valid license. If it checks out, you get a written summons to appear in court and answer the charge. You won't get a ticket for this if you show a digital license from the official phone app, but a photo of your license doesn't count.
Sources: La. R.S. 32:411 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Under Louisiana law, outside a school zone or work zone, an officer can only ticket you for texting if they stop you for something else first. Then it's a $100 fine, which a judge may cut to $50 with community service. If you crash while texting, the fine doubles.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual p. 78 · La. R.S. 32:59 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
Under Louisiana law, if you're under 17 on an intermediate license, you can't drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. alone. You can if a licensed parent, guardian, adult 21 or older, or licensed sibling 18 or older rides with you. Breaking a license restriction can get your driving privileges suspended, and a curfew conviction delays your full license.
Sources: La. R.S. 32:407 · Louisiana driver’s manual p. 11 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
From 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., you can carry only 1 passenger under 21 who isn't immediate family. That limit doesn't apply if a licensed adult 21 or older is riding with you.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual p. 7 · La. R.S. 32:407 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 180 days before moving up to the intermediate license.
Sources: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles — Upgrading to a Class E Intermediate License · Louisiana driver’s manual p. 7 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance, or an allowed substitute, on any car you drive on Louisiana roads, and your insurance card must stay in the car. Louisiana law sets the minimum: $15,000 for one person hurt, $30,000 for two or more, and $25,000 for property damage.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual p. 7 · La. R.S. 32:900 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
Call the police right away and get an item number for the official crash report. Then tell your insurance company as soon as you can, with complete information.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual pp. 98, 120 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual p. 70 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not unless it's hands-free, because stopped at a red light you're still driving. If you must make a call, pull safely off the road and stop first.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual pp. 77, 78 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Louisiana law, if you're ticketed for speeding in a school zone, the officer can keep your driver's license. If a speed camera catches you and the ticket comes by mail, no criminal fines can be charged.
Sources: La. R.S. 32:411 · La. R.S. 32:47 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Your learner's permit only lets you drive with a fully licensed driver supervising you. Breaking that restriction is a violation of the law and can get your driving privileges suspended.
Sources: Louisiana driver’s manual pp. 6, 11 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Louisiana driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Louisiana’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question