Drivers can receive license suspension, jail time and fines for operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol in Ohio. The state has established a legal blood alcohol content of 0.08%.
Review the details about Ohio OVI when facing a court date for this charge.
First-offense penalties
If you have no prior OVI offenses, you could receive a minimum of three days in jail. Law enforcement will confiscate your license at the scene of the arrest. If convicted, you may receive a six-month license suspension, a fine starting at $375 and up to five years probation.
License suspension of your Ohio driving privileges can result from an OVI in another state. You can also receive up to six points on your motor vehicle record.
Multiple and high-tier OVI
BAC above 0.17% can result in elevated penalties including an ignition interlock device requirement upon license reinstatement. The court can mandate special license plates for drivers who have IIDs. You could also receive a jail sentence of six days or longer.
If you have more than one OVI, the court may require a drug and alcohol treatment program. You must complete all requirements of the program before regaining driving privileges.
Breath test refusal
Ohio has implied consent laws that require drivers to take a sobriety test at the scene. If you do not take a breath test if asked to do so, you may receive an extended license suspension in addition to OVI penalties.
Different standards apply to Ohio drivers who are younger than 21. The BAC limit for this age group is 0.02%.
