Ohio’s DUI and OVI laws can be complex. Here is a short breakdown:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits:
- In Ohio, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher for individuals 21 years of age and older.
- For drivers under the age of 21, the BAC limit is set at 0.02% or higher.
- Commercial drivers face stricter limits, with a BAC limit of 0.04% or higher.
- Implied Consent Law:
- Ohio’s implied consent law stipulates that by operating a vehicle on public roads, individuals automatically consent to submit to chemical tests, such as breath, blood, or urine tests, if arrested for OVI.
- Refusing to submit to chemical testing can result in administrative penalties, such as an automatic driver’s license suspension.
- Administrative License Suspension (ALS):
- If arrested for OVI and either refuse to submit to chemical testing or have a BAC level above the legal limit, an administrative license suspension can be imposed.
- First-time offenders face a license suspension of 90 days to three years, depending on the circumstances.
- Subsequent offenses can result in longer suspensions, with mandatory ignition interlock devices installed upon license reinstatement.
- Penalties for OVI Convictions:
- First Offense: For a first-time OVI conviction, penalties include a mandatory minimum three-day jail term, a fine ranging from $375 to $1,075, a driver’s license suspension of one to three years, and completion of a driver intervention program.
- Subsequent Offenses: Penalties increase with each subsequent offense, with longer jail terms, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
- High BAC Offenses: Enhanced penalties apply for individuals convicted of OVI with a BAC of 0.17% or higher, including mandatory alcohol treatment programs, ignition interlock devices, and restricted driving privileges.
- Ignition Interlock Devices:
- In certain cases, individuals convicted of OVI may be required to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. These devices measure BAC before the vehicle can be started and require periodic retests while driving.
- Felony OVI:
- OVI offenses can be elevated to felonies under certain circumstances, such as multiple prior OVI convictions or causing serious harm or death while operating a vehicle under the influence.
- Felony OVI convictions carry severe penalties, including extended prison terms, significant fines, and long-term license suspensions.
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To learn more about Ohio DUI laws, call Roger at 513-926-4655.