Two start dates for the same three years
The OMV suspensions page sets a three-year SR-22 term in two cases. After a Refusal, meaning you declined the chemical test, the three years run from the date of arrest. After a conviction for DWI or UDUI (underage driving under the influence), they run from the date of conviction.
So a DWI case that drags on in court pushes your end date later.
One arrest type has no SR-22 line at all. A Submit is an arrest where you took the test and blew over the limit. Its compliance list covers serving the suspension, paying the fee, and an interlock when required.
What each Louisiana DWI costs to clear
The fee climbs with each offense. The Office of Motor Vehicles charges $100 after a first DWI, $200 after a second, and $300 after a third or later. UDUI is $60. A Refusal or a Submit is $50.
Suspensions grow too. Since August 15, 2007, a first DWI conviction brings 365 days, a second 730, and a third or later 1,095.
Commercial drivers get no break on the paperwork. The disqualifications page says the fee and SR22 requirements match those for suspensions. If both hit for one violation, you pay only one reinstatement fee.
15/30/25 and the No Pay, No Play rule
Your SR-22 sits on top of a policy with the state floor. The Louisiana Department of Insurance puts it at 15/30/25 for each vehicle. That is $15,000 for one injured person, $30,000 for injuries to more than one person, and $25,000 for property.
Driving uninsured costs you twice here. Under No Pay, No Play, an uninsured driver cannot collect the first $15,000 in injuries or the first $25,000 in property damage. That holds no matter who caused the crash.
An uninsured crash can also bring a 180-day license suspension and registration revocation, per the same LDI guide.
A lapse on your car brings its own day-count fees
Got an insurance cancellation notice from the OMV? You answer it with proof of new Louisiana insurance, a cancelled plate, or proof you no longer have the vehicle, per the cancellations page.
Miss that and the fee depends on how long the car went uninsured. It is $125 for 2 to 30 days, $275 for 31 to 90 days, and $525 beyond that. The cap is $850 plus a $25 administrative fee per cancellation, paid on the same day. Drivers 65 or older have a $250 cap.
Clearing OMV flags and reinstating
Flags on your record block every other OMV service until they are cleared. The free Driver License Status Inquiry shows any reinstatement issue or flag holding up a license or registration transaction.
Reinstatement runs by appointment at select OMV field offices, by phone, by mail, or through a Public Tag Agency, says the OMV. Mail payments must be a money order, certified funds, or cashier's check. Phone payments take debit or credit cards.