How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Louisiana
If you got a speeding ticket in Louisiana, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Louisiana speeding fines under La.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Louisiana, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the speeding charge in Louisiana and review the evidence against you.
Check Louisiana's dismissal & mitigation options
Yes, Article 892.1 is available for most speeding tickets as long as you meet the eligibility requirements: (1) no prior moving violations on your driving record; (2) no prior 892.1 dismissal within the past two years; (3) valid Louisiana or participating-state driver's license; (4) the charge must be a Title 32 misdemeanor. If you qualify, you pay fines and court costs, complete a 4-hour approved defensive driving course within 90 days, sign and notarize an affidavit, and submit proof of course completion to the court.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Louisiana speeding fines under La.
Show up prepared
Yes. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Louisiana court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Louisiana Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What are the fines for speeding in Louisiana?
Louisiana speeding fines under La. R.S. 32:61 et seq. are set as minimums with local surcharges and court costs added. Approximate minimum fines: 1–9 mph over the limit = $115; 10–14 mph over = $215; 15–19 mph over = $240. Fines increase at higher speeds. Fines vary significantly by jurisdiction — the minimum amounts are set by state law but local courts add costs and assessments. School zone violations: fines are significantly higher — approximately 50% higher in some jurisdictions, and some courts require a personal court appearance for 20+ mph over in a school zone. Work zone fines: NOT CONFIRMED specific amounts — verify with your specific court.
What is the three strikes rule for speeding in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, accumulating three speeding convictions within any 12-month period triggers a mandatory license suspension. You must pay all outstanding fines and a $60 reinstatement fee before driving privileges are restored. Dismissals under Article 892.1 or 894 do not count as convictions and do not count toward the three-strikes total. If you have two speeding convictions in the past 12 months, any new speeding citation is extremely serious — contest it aggressively or resolve it through 892.1 or 894 immediately.
Can I use Article 892.1 to dismiss a speeding ticket in Louisiana?
Yes, Article 892.1 is available for most speeding tickets as long as you meet the eligibility requirements: (1) no prior moving violations on your driving record; (2) no prior 892.1 dismissal within the past two years; (3) valid Louisiana or participating-state driver's license; (4) the charge must be a Title 32 misdemeanor. If you qualify, you pay fines and court costs, complete a 4-hour approved defensive driving course within 90 days, sign and notarize an affidavit, and submit proof of course completion to the court. The ticket is then dismissed and does not appear on your driving record.
Can I use Article 892.1 if I was speeding 25+ mph over the limit?
No. Article 892.1 explicitly excludes speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. This is a mandatory exclusion — 892.1 is not available for this tier of speeding violation regardless of how clean your record is. If you were cited for 25+ mph over, Article 894 may still be an option if you meet its eligibility requirements (no more than one prior moving violation in the past three years, no prior 894 dismissal within five years). Additionally, at 25+ mph over, the charge may be treated more seriously and a personal court appearance is typically required. Consult with an attorney for 25+ mph over violations.
What happens if I speed in a school zone in Louisiana?
Speeding in a school zone carries significantly enhanced penalties in Louisiana — approximately 50% higher fines in some jurisdictions, and some courts require a personal appearance before a judge for school zone violations of 20 mph or more over the limit. The exact enhancement varies by parish and court. Verify with your specific court. Article 892.1 may still be available for school zone speeding unless the speed is 25+ mph over the limit, in which case 892.1 is excluded. School zones typically have reduced speed limits of 20 mph during school hours (when children are present).
Does speeding affect my Louisiana driving record?
A speeding conviction is recorded on your Louisiana driving record by the OMV. This can increase your insurance premiums. Under the three-strikes rule, three speeding convictions in 12 months trigger a license suspension. A dismissal under Article 892.1 does not appear on your driving record. A dismissal under Article 894 sets the conviction aside — verify with the OMV regarding record visibility. Protecting your record through 892.1 or 894 also protects your insurance rates.
What are the default speed limits in Louisiana?
Louisiana default speed limits under La. R.S. 32:61: 70 mph on rural interstate highways (or as posted); 65 mph on urban interstates; 55 mph on open highways outside of municipalities; 25 mph in residential or school areas unless otherwise posted. School zones are typically 20 mph during school hours when children are present. Posted signs control where present. Verify specific limits for your roadway.
Can I challenge radar evidence at a Louisiana traffic court?
Yes. Louisiana courts require a proper foundation for radar and LIDAR evidence, including proof that the officer was trained and certified on the specific device model and that the device was properly calibrated. You may request calibration records and the officer's training certification. At trial, cross-examine on the last calibration date, the device model and serial number, and whether the device was tested for accuracy before and after the officer's shift. Gaps in calibration records or officer certification can undermine the prosecution's case. Article 892.1 or 894 does not require proving innocence — these programs avoid trial entirely.
How does speeding affect CDL holders in Louisiana?
Speeding 15 or more mph over the limit is a 'serious traffic violation' under federal CDL rules (49 CFR § 383.51). Two serious violations within 3 years = minimum 60-day CDL disqualification; three within 3 years = minimum 120-day disqualification. These rules apply in any vehicle (personal or commercial). Article 892.1 or 894 dismissals prevent the conviction and protect CDL status — making these programs especially important for CDL holders. Consult an attorney for any speeding ticket at 15+ mph over if you hold a CDL.
What are the work zone speeding rules in Louisiana?
NOT CONFIRMED — specific mandatory fine amounts for work zone speeding violations in Louisiana. Fines are generally enhanced for speeding in active work zones. Verify current work zone penalty amounts with your specific court or at the Louisiana Legislature's website (legis.la.gov). The general rule is that active work zones (with workers present) carry higher minimum fines than standard speeding violations. Article 892.1 may still be available for work zone violations unless the speed is 25+ mph over.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.