Finding a Louisiana traffic ticket online or by phone

You can search for a Louisiana traffic ticket through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website or by calling your local traffic court. The OMV maintains records of tickets issued statewide, though the fastest route depends on which parish (county) issued the ticket and whether you know the ticket number or the date it was issued.

If you received a ticket in Louisiana, the officer should have given you a copy with a ticket number and court information printed on it. That number is your fastest way to look up the ticket online. If you lost the ticket or need to find one issued to someone else on your vehicle, you will need the driver's license number, the date range when the ticket was issued, and the parish where it happened.

Louisiana does not have a single statewide online portal where you can search all tickets yourself. Instead, you contact the court that issued the ticket or use the OMV's phone line to request the information. Some parishes have moved to online systems where you can pay or contest a ticket if you have the ticket number, but you still cannot browse tickets by name or license number through a public database.

Key Takeaways

  • The ticket number printed on your citation is the quickest way to find ticket information; without it, you need the driver's license number and the date the ticket was issued.
  • Louisiana traffic tickets are handled by individual parish courts, not a single statewide office, so you contact the court in the parish where the ticket was issued.
  • The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles can tell you which court has jurisdiction and help you locate ticket information by phone at 225-925-6146.
  • Some parishes allow you to search and pay tickets online if you have the ticket number, but this varies by location.
  • If a ticket appears on your driving record but you do not have the original citation, request a copy from the court that issued it.

Searching by ticket number through parish courts

If you have the ticket number, contact the traffic court in the parish where you received the ticket directly. The ticket itself lists the court name, address, and phone number. Many parish courts now allow you to search their system online using the ticket number, and some let you pay the fine or request a court date through their website.

To find the parish court's contact information, look at your ticket first. The court name and location are printed near the bottom. If you no longer have the ticket, call the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at 225-925-6146 and provide the officer's name, the date of the stop, and the city or highway where it occurred. The OMV can tell you which parish court issued the ticket and provide you with their phone number.

Once you reach the court, give them your ticket number and ask them to confirm the fine amount, the due date, and whether any points have been added to your driving record. Ask also whether the court allows online payment or if you must pay in person or by mail.

Searching without a ticket number

If you do not have the ticket number, you will need your driver's license number, the date the ticket was issued (or the date range if you are unsure), and the parish where the stop occurred. Call the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at 225-925-6146 with this information, and they can search their records and tell you which court issued the ticket.

Once you know the court, call that parish court directly and provide the same information. The court staff can look up the ticket by your name and license number if you give them the approximate date. This process takes longer than searching by ticket number, so allow extra time if you are trying to pay before a important date.

If you are searching for a ticket issued to someone else on your vehicle, you will need that person's driver's license number and the date of the stop. The court will not release ticket details to a third party without the driver's consent, so the driver may need to contact the court themselves or provide written permission.

Checking your driving record for ticket history

Traffic tickets appear on your Louisiana driving record as points and violations. You can request a copy of your driving record from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to see all tickets that have been recorded against your license. This is useful if you suspect a ticket was issued but you never received notice, or if you want to verify that a paid ticket has been removed from your record.

Request your driving record through the OMV website or by mail. You can also request it in person at any OMV office. There is a small fee for a copy of your record. The record will show the date of each violation, the type of violation, the fine amount, and whether it has been paid or is still outstanding.

If you see a ticket on your record that you do not recognize, contact the court that issued it when ready. Mistakes do happen, and you have the right to dispute a ticket or request a hearing to contest it.

Understanding Louisiana ticket points and fines

Louisiana assigns points to traffic violations based on the type of infraction. Speeding, running a red light, and improper lane changes each carry different point values. Points stay on your record for three years from the date of conviction, and accumulating too many points can result in license suspension.

Fines vary by violation and by parish. A speeding ticket might cost $100 to $300 depending on how far over the limit you were driving, while a seat belt violation is typically $25 to $50. When you search for your ticket, the court will tell you the exact fine amount and any court costs that have been added.

If you cannot pay the full fine at once, many parish courts offer payment plans. Ask the court about this option when you contact them. Some courts also allow you to attend traffic school to reduce points on your record, though this is not available for all violations.

What to do if you cannot find your ticket

If you received a ticket but cannot locate it and the OMV cannot find a record of it, the ticket may not have been filed with the court yet. Officers have a set time period to submit tickets to the court, which varies by parish but is usually within 30 days. If the ticket was very recent, wait a few days and search again.

If several weeks have passed and the ticket still does not appear in the system, call the police department or sheriff's office that issued the ticket and ask them to confirm whether it was submitted to the court. Provide the officer's name, the date of the stop, and the location. The department can tell you the status of the ticket and whether it has been filed.

Do not assume the ticket has been dismissed if you cannot find it. Unpaid tickets can result in a license suspension or a warrant for your arrest, even if you never received formal notice. Keep searching until you confirm the ticket's status with the court.

Paying or contesting a ticket once you find it

Once you locate your ticket, you have two main options: pay the fine or request a court hearing to contest it. If you decide to pay, ask the court whether you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Some parishes accept payment through their website if you have the ticket number. Others require a check or money order mailed to the court address.

If you want to contest the ticket, you must request a hearing within the time frame set by the court, usually 10 to 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. The court will tell you how to request a hearing when you call. You will appear before a judge or traffic hearing officer who will listen to your side of the story and the officer's account of the stop. Bring any evidence you have, such as photos, witness contact information, or documentation of road conditions.

Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt and adds points to your record. Contesting it gives you a chance to have the ticket dismissed or reduced, but if you lose, you will still owe the fine plus court costs. Consider your options carefully before deciding which route to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for Louisiana traffic tickets online by name?

No. Louisiana does not have a public online database where you can search tickets by name or license number. You must contact the parish court directly or call the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. If you have the ticket number, some parish courts allow you to search their system online.

How long does a traffic ticket stay on my Louisiana driving record?

Points from a traffic ticket remain on your record for three years from the date of conviction. The ticket itself may stay on your record longer for insurance purposes, but the points that affect your license suspension may be able to access expire after three years.

What if I received a ticket in Louisiana but I live out of state?

You still must pay the fine or contest the ticket through the Louisiana court that issued it. You can pay by mail or phone in most cases. If you do not pay or respond, Louisiana can suspend your license and may report the debt to other states, which could affect your ability to drive in your home state.

Can I look up someone else's traffic ticket?

No. Traffic ticket information is not public record in Louisiana. You cannot search for or view someone else's ticket without their permission. The driver must contact the court themselves or provide written consent for you to act on their behalf.

What is the phone number for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles?

The main OMV phone line is 225-925-6146. They can help you locate which court issued a ticket and provide contact information for that court. Hours and wait times vary, so calling early in the day may be faster.