Can I Drive to Work After a DWI?

Legal guidance on driving restrictions and hardship license options after a DWI arrest in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and throughout Southeast Louisiana.

Will I be able to drive with a DWI pending?

Getting arrested for a DWI in Louisiana can be a life-altering experience. When you rely on your car for work, family responsibilities, and daily life, the immediate concern is urgent: “Can I still drive after a DWI?” The short answer is: maybe, but it requires swift action and a deep understanding of Louisiana’s complex DWI laws.

At Bloom Legal Network, we help clients across Southeast Louisiana understand their rights after a DWI arrest. We know that protecting your driving privileges is often the key to protecting your livelihood. Whether you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, or St. Tammany Parish, knowing what to expect can make a huge difference in your future.

What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a DWI Arrest?

A DWI arrest in Louisiana triggers two separate and immediate legal processes that can affect your license:

Administrative License Suspension: This is handled by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety (DPS) and can happen before you ever go to court.
Criminal Charges: This is the court process that determines your final penalties, including potential additional license suspensions.

The key takeaway is that you could lose your driving privileges before your criminal case is resolved.

Administrative Suspension: The 15-Day Rule

Your driver’s license may be suspended on the spot if you:

Refuse a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine).
Take the test and have a BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.02% for underage drivers).

You will be issued a temporary license (Form DPS MV-DR-1) valid for 30 days. You have just 15 days from the date of arrest to request an administrative hearing to challenge this suspension.

Missed your 15-day window? You may lose the chance to contest your suspension. Contact Bloom Legal Network today to be connected with an attorney who can act fast and protect your ability to drive.

Can You Drive to Work with a Suspended License?

If your license is suspended, you may still be able to drive to work under certain conditions—but it’s not automatic. You must apply for a hardship license, also known as a restricted license.

Obtaining a Hardship License

Louisiana allows eligible drivers to apply for a hardship license, which permits limited driving privileges for essential activities like commuting to work, school, or medical appointments.

To qualify, you must:

Serve any required suspension period.
Show proof of employment or school enrollment.
Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle.
Maintain SR-22 insurance, a special high-risk policy.
Pay all court and administrative fees.

Living in Jefferson Parish or St. Charles Parish and need to get back on the road? Bloom Legal Network helps drivers petition for hardship licenses and navigate Louisiana’s strict DWI rules.

Understanding the Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

An Ignition Interlock Device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting unless you provide a clean breath sample. If you are granted a hardship license, an IID is mandatory for most DWI-related driving privileges in Louisiana.

You are responsible for the installation and monthly maintenance costs, as well as calibrations and reporting compliance. Failing or refusing to use the IID properly can lead to more penalties, including revocation of your restricted license.

Struggling to understand how the interlock system works in St. Tammany Parish? Bloom Legal Network can connect you with legal professionals who guide you through compliance requirements.

Criminal Court Outcomes Can Also Affect Driving Privileges

Even if you obtain a hardship license early on, the outcome of your DWI case in criminal court can trigger additional, often longer, license suspensions.

Common criminal penalties for a first-offense DWI in Louisiana include:

Up to 6 months in jail.
Fines of up to $1,000.
License suspension of up to 1 year.
Community service and substance abuse evaluation.

For second or third offenses, these penalties increase significantly and may include felony charges.

Facing a DWI charge in New Orleans or Covington? The legal consequences go far beyond fines. Bloom Legal Network helps ensure you don’t lose your driving rights — or your livelihood — without a fight.

What If You Drive Without a Valid License?

Driving after a DWI without a valid license or approved hardship license is a serious offense that can lead to:

Additional criminal charges.
Extended license suspensions.
Vehicle impoundment.
Possible jail time.

Louisiana takes DWI violations seriously, especially for repeat offenders or drivers caught violating the terms of a restricted license.

Don’t take unnecessary risks. If you’ve been arrested for DWI, reach out to Bloom Legal Network to speak with a criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts in Southeast Louisiana.

How Local Courts Handle DWI Driving Privileges

Each parish and municipality handles DWI cases differently, and having a lawyer who knows the local system is crucial.

In New Orleans, some judges may fast-track hardship license approvals if paperwork is properly submitted.
In St. Charles Parish, the court may require documented proof of employment and strict IID compliance.
In Metairie and Jefferson Parish, local prosecutors may offer plea deals with license restoration timelines—but only if you’re represented properly.

Bloom Legal Network connects you with experienced Louisiana defense attorneys who know how to navigate DWI cases in your specific parish.

Can You Still Drive to Work After a DWI?

Yes, but only under specific conditions and only if you act quickly. The best way to protect your ability to drive after a DWI arrest is to:

Request an administrative hearing within the 15-day deadline.
Apply for a hardship license if your license is suspended.
Install an IID and meet all other insurance and court requirements.
Work with an experienced attorney who knows Louisiana’s DWI laws and local court procedures.

Driving after a DWI arrest without legal guidance can lead to longer suspensions, higher penalties, and bigger setbacks. Whether you’re in Metairie, Slidell, or downtown New Orleans, your ability to keep working and supporting your family could be on the line.

Need help figuring out if you can still drive after a DWI? Contact Bloom Legal Network and get matched with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney who can defend your license—and your future.

Questions about driving after a DWI in Louisiana?

📞 Call 504-599-9997 or 📧 Email info@bloomlegal.com

Let Bloom Legal Network connect you with a trusted criminal defense attorney who can protect your driving privileges.

📌 FAQs About Driving After a DWI in Louisiana

1. How soon can I apply for a hardship license after a DWI arrest?

Generally, you can apply for a hardship license after serving a suspension period, which varies depending on whether you refused a breathalyzer or had prior offenses. An attorney can help ensure your application meets all the requirements for your parish.

2. Will I automatically lose my license after a DWI in Louisiana?

Not automatically, but your license is at risk immediately after arrest. If you don’t request an administrative hearing within 15 days, your license will likely be suspended—even if you haven’t been convicted in criminal court yet. This is why acting fast and getting legal help is crucial.

3. What happens if I’m caught driving without a valid license after a DWI?

Driving without a valid license after a DWI or violating the terms of a hardship license can lead to serious criminal penalties, including jail time, longer suspensions, and vehicle impoundment. The consequences are often worse than the original DWI charge.