Listen up. I ain’t saying you should be hittin’ the road hammered, but let’s get something straight —it’s not against the law to have a drink and get on your ride. The law only bites if your blood alcohol’s over .08 or if that drink messes with your control. Legally, you’re in the clear to knock back a couple after a long day or sip a drink with your meal. Just keep it in check, or you’ll know you’ve crossed that line… and that’s when the real trouble kicks in.
With the holidays rolling in, people are gonna be throwing back drinks with friends and family, whether they’re at home or hitting up the local spots. If you find yourself in one of those situations, you better know the stakes. In Ohio, they don’t mess around when it comes to DUI— around here, it all falls under one mean label: Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI). And let me tell you, the penalties aren’t a slap on the wrist. Even if it’s your first time getting busted, you’re looking at criminal charges and administrative hits. That means fines, suspensions, and a whole lot more if you’re caught in the wrong gear.
First-Offense Administrative Penalties
Get busted for drunk driving your first time in Ohio? Here’s what you’re in for:
- – First up, you’re slapped with a 90-day Administrative License Suspension (ALS) right off the bat. This runs on top of whatever the court hands down, which can stretch anywhere from 6 months up to 3 years.
- – Usually, they don’t make first-timers install an ignition interlock device, but if you’re looking to get back behind the wheel for work or other essentials during the suspension, you can bet they’ll make you rig one up.
- – And to get your license back? That’ll cost you a solid $450 in BMV fees.
- So yeah, even a first strike hits hard.
- First-Offense Criminal Penalties
- Get nailed with a BAC between .08% and .17%? Here’s the deal:
- You’re looking at a mandatory 72 hours in the slammer, with the possibility of up to six months. If you’re lucky, you might be able to swap some of that time for a Driver Intervention Program (DIP).
- If your BAC hits above .17%? Brace yourself for a minimum six days—split between jail and the DIP if the court allows.
- On top of that, you’re forking out anywhere from $375 to $1,075 in fines. And don’t think that’s the end of it. Those fines don’t cover the costs of any programs you’re sentenced to, or the BMV reinstatement fee to get your license back.
With close to 400 DUI/OVI-related deaths a year, Ohio doesn’t mess around when it comes to second offenses. Since 2008, if you refuse a mandatory sobriety test a second time—or if it’s your second DUI offense—your license gets yanked for a solid two years, no questions asked.
Get slapped with a second DUI? You’re looking at up to six months in prison—still a misdemeanor, but they’re not letting you off easy. And here’s the kicker: Ohio’s got a six-year “look-back” period. This means any DUI conviction or guilty plea within six years of your latest offense gets counted against you, jacking up those penalties big-time.
Second-Offense Administrative Penalties
Ohio’s not playing when it comes to a second strike. Here’s what you’re up against:
- Your license can be suspended for up to 5 years, and they’ll impound your ride for a full 90 days. To get that license back, you’ll need to pay up and show proof of insurance.
- An ignition interlock device? Mandatory this time around. No way around it.
- And just to make sure everyone knows, you’ll be rocking a special yellow license plate— Ohio’s way of putting a spotlight on second-time offenders.Second-Offense Criminal PenaltiesIf you’re busted for a second DUI, here’s the cold, hard truth:
- You’re facing at least 10 days in jail, with a max of up to six months. The court might mix things up with some house arrest, electronic monitoring, or 24/7 alcohol monitoring, but don’t count on any leniency.
- You’ll also be required to complete an alcohol treatment program. No excuses.
- And the fines? Minimum of $525, up to $1,625. And that’s just the start; those fines don’t cover other court and treatment costs, so expect your wallet to feel the heat.Effect of Successive ConvictionsOhio’s not messing around with repeat OVI offenders. The more convictions you rack up within the look-back period, the harder they hit you. Here’s how it goes down:
• Third-time offenders? You’re looking at six months to a year in jail, fines up to $2,750, a license suspension between two and ten years, and they’ll take your vehicle off your hands—permanently.
- Fourth or fifth offense within six years? Now it’s a felony, with up to 30 months in prison, fines hitting $10,500, and a license suspension ranging from three years to life.
- Six or more offenses over 20 years, or a second felony DUI in your lifetime? They’re throwing the book at you—up to five years in prison.So enjoy the holidays, but keep it smart. Drink responsibly!
