by Brandon Myers
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Last Updated: January 13, 2021 In Louisiana, drivers can take advantage of the state’s defensive driving first-time offender program to dismiss traffic tickets. Louisiana drivers can also take defensive driving courses to earn a lower auto insurance liability rate.
Defensive Driving Courses in Louisiana
Louisiana drivers who have been charged with a traffic violation can often have the charge dismissed by completing the state’s defensive driving first-time offender program. In this program, drivers can complete a defensive driving course and have a traffic misdemeanor offense dismissed.
Louisiana Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
Defensive driving courses are available to most Louisiana drivers who are not habitual offenders. However, the Louisiana DMV has specific eligibility criteria that drivers must meet to participate in the program. To take a defensive driving course and have a ticket dismissed in Louisiana, you must:
- have a valid driver’s license
- have a traffic misdemeanor offense
- have no dismissals from the past two years from the date of the offense
- have no moving violations on your driving record
Louisiana Traffic Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving
To dismiss a ticket by taking a defensive driving course, you will need to pay the fine for the program and court costs and the driving school fee. You will have to request permission to attend the course from the court either by mail or in person.
You will have 90 days to complete your four-hour defensive driving course, and a court date will be set for the end of the time period. You must meet all conditions by your court date to have your ticket dismissed and entered into the court’s record.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in Louisiana
In Louisiana, defensive driving courses are four hours long and can be offered online or in the classroom. Some schools offer courses in a single day, while others offer multiple sessions as well. Each course offers education in defensive driving, safe driving techniques, Louisiana traffic laws, and more. While curriculum will vary depending on the individual traffic school, most defensive driving courses in Louisiana will include instruction in:
- collision avoidance
- how drugs and alcohol influence driving
- responsible driving habits
- proper vehicle maintenance
- using safety equipment including anti-lock brakes, seat belts, car seats, and airbags
- avoiding driving distractions
- recognizing and avoiding road rage and aggressive driving
- safe following distance and reasonable speed
- Louisiana traffic laws and regulations
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in Louisiana
While defensive driving is a great way to avoid having a traffic violation on your record, it is also a good way to earn a discount on your auto insurance. Completing a defensive driving course will teach you how to be a safer driver and avoid accidents and moving violations, and auto insurance companies often reward safe drivers for taking the initiative to learn more about driving with a discount on auto insurance rates.
Louisiana Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
Louisiana drivers who complete a defensive driving safety course voluntarily may earn a discount on auto insurance premiums. Typically, the discount is between 5% and 20%, though most are about 10%. Drivers will have the opportunity to renew their discount by retaking the course after it is expired.
Louisiana Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
Nearly all drivers in Louisiana can qualify for a defensive driving discount. Some insurance companies will offer discounts only to senior drivers or new teenage drivers, but discounts may be available to all age groups and types of drivers. Contact your insurance company to determine if you’re eligible for a discount on your auto insurance with defensive driving.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in Louisiana
Louisiana drivers who complete defensive driving for insurance rate reductions will typically take the same course as those attending a traffic violation. These courses teach drivers about defensive driving topics, updated Louisiana traffic laws, and more. In most courses, you’ll learn about:
- safe driving techniques
- defensive driving principles
- the importance of avoiding alcohol and drugs while driving
- avoiding distracted driving
- avoiding road rage and aggressive driving
- safe following distance
- maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions
- Louisiana traffic laws and regulations
Enroll in a Louisiana Defensive Driving Course
Become a safer driver today by enrolling in one of Louisiana’s defensive driving courses. In our directory, you’ll find qualified, state-approved traffic schools that can provide you with the defensive driving skills you need.