Ohio’s DUI/OVI Laws Will Change in 2025: What You Should Know.
OVI/DUI Financial Penalties Have Increased
The new law will raise the minimum mandatory fines for OVI offenses. The minimum required fines for a first offense will rise from $375 to $565. The minimum required fines will rise from $525 to $715 for a second offense. Additionally, the minimum required fines for third offenses will rise from $850 to $1040. The maximum fines will stay the same.
Decreased License Reinstatement Fees
The BMV will now only charge $315 instead of $475 for a driver’s license reinstatement.
OVI / DUI Oral Fluid Testing in Ohio
The new law will allow police to perform an oral fluid test on a driver they suspect of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Alcohol, illicit drugs, controlled substances, and metabolites are all detected by oral fluid testing.
The driver’s tongue and cheek will be swabbed by police to perform an oral fluid test.The swab will then be examined using immunoassay testing kits. The swab’s results can then be used as evidence or to make an arrest. Additionally, the driver will face administrative license suspensions under Ohio’s implied consent laws if they refuse the oral fluid test.
Restrictions and Administrative License Suspensions, or “ALS”
The new law allows ALS to be waived in first offense cases with a test over. Although the court can now waive the 15-day “hard time” suspension in first offense cases with a test over and grant limited driving privileges right away, the ALS still requires a 30-day hard time suspension for first offenses that are refusal cases.
Additionally, in first offense cases where the driver has a prior conviction for physical control, the new law allows for an enhancement of the ALS. First-time offenders who refuse a test and have a history of physical control convictions are subject to an interlock and a 45-day hard time suspension. The hard time suspension is increased to 90 days in cases of refusal, prior conviction for physical control, and first-time offenses. Interlock is also required.
Interlock is required and a 45-day hard time suspension is imposed for a second offense with a test over. Interlock is required and a 90-day hard time suspension is imposed for a second refusal offense.
Skilled Cleveland DUI Defense Lawyers
The Ohio DUI/OVI defense team at Quinn Legal Associates is skilled and experienced in defendingt both first-time and multiple-offender DUI/OVI cases.