Drinking and driving is a perilous decision with severe repercussions, particularly in Ohio, where stringent laws aim to curb impaired driving and ensure road safety. Officially termed Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) in the state, this offense can result in jail time, steep fines, and prolonged license suspensions. At Online Two Point Driving Classes, we’re dedicated to educating Ohio drivers about the dangers and legal consequences of drinking and driving, while offering our state-approved online remedial course to help you recover from traffic violations. We’ll explore Ohio’s OVI laws, the penalties you could face, and how our course can support safer driving habits.
The Risks of Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving is a life-threatening choice. Alcohol clouds your judgment, delays reaction times, and hampers vehicle control—dangers that escalate with every sip. In Ohio, alcohol-related crashes claim numerous lives annually, with the Ohio Department of Public Safety reporting hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries tied to impaired driving. These tragedies are preventable, yet they persist when drivers underestimate the risks.
Beyond the immediate danger, drinking and driving can unravel your life in other ways. An OVI arrest could mean losing your license, facing criminal charges, and watching your insurance rates soar. The emotional weight of harming someone—or yourself—adds a burden no one should bear.
Ohio’s OVI Laws: What Constitutes Drinking and Driving?
Ohio uses “OVI” instead of “DUI,” encompassing impairment by alcohol, drugs, or both under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19. You can be charged in two ways:
- Per Se OVI: Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21+, 0.04% for commercial drivers, or 0.02% for those under 21.
- Impaired OVI: Showing clear signs of impairment, regardless of BAC, based on driving behavior or field sobriety tests.
Ohio’s implied consent law means getting a license implies agreeing to chemical tests if suspected of drinking and driving. Refusing triggers an automatic administrative license suspension (ALS), and you can still face charges if evidence supports impairment.
Penalties for Drinking and Driving in Ohio
Ohio’s penalties for drinking and driving vary by offense frequency, BAC level, and test refusal. Here’s what you might encounter:
First Offense
- Jail Time: 3 days minimum (or a 3-day driver intervention program) to 6 months.
- Fines: $375 to $1,075, plus court costs.
- License Suspension: 1 to 3 years, with a 15-day no-driving period before limited privileges with an ignition interlock device (IID).
- Credit Points: Six points added to your record, impacting insurance and driving status.
- Extra Costs: $475 reinstatement fee, plus IID or program fees.
A BAC of 0.17% or higher doubles jail time to 6 days minimum and hikes fines.
Second Offense (Within 10 Years)
- Jail Time: 10 days minimum, up to 6 months; high-tier cases require 20 days or house arrest.
- Fines: $525 to $1,625.
- License Suspension: 1 to 7 years, with a 45-day hard suspension.
- Vehicle Sanctions: 90-day immobilization and mandatory IID.
Third Offense and Beyond
- Jail Time: 30 days to 1 year; felony status after three OVIs in 10 years or five in 20, with up to 5 years in prison.
- Fines: $850 to $10,500.
- License Suspension: 2 years to permanent revocation.
Refusal Penalties
- First Refusal: 1-year ALS, 30-day hard suspension.
- Subsequent Refusals: Up to 5 years, with longer no-driving periods.
Underage OVI
- BAC 0.02%+: Up to 30 days jail, $250 fine, 3 months to 2 years suspension, 4 credit points.
An OVI conviction adds points, but our Online Two Point Driving Classes course can help by offering a 2-point credit upon completion.
The Bigger Picture: Life After an OVI
The fallout from drinking and driving extends beyond court. Insurance premiums can double or triple, costing you thousands over time. Employers might pass you over, especially for jobs requiring a clean record. Professional licenses—like nursing or trucking—could be revoked, and students risk losing scholarships. Socially, the shame can fracture friendships or family trust. Worst of all, causing a crash could leave you grappling with lifelong guilt. Our 8-hour online remedial course at Improved Driving, approved by the Ohio BMV, offers a way out—earn a 2-point credit or reinstate your license for just $69.95, all from your couch.
Avoiding Drinking and Driving
Prevention is your best shield:
- Plan Ahead: Line up a sober driver or book a ride-share like Uber or Lyft before you start drinking. Tell a friend your plan to stay accountable.
- Pace Yourself: Sip slowly, eat a hearty meal (think protein and carbs to slow absorption), and alternate with water or soda. It’s not just about BAC—feeling buzzed is a red flag.
- Know Your Limits: Apps like BACtrack estimate your level, but impairment creeps in early. If you’re unsure, don’t chance it.
- Stay Put: Crash on a friend’s couch or book a hotel. Walking home might seem noble, but public intoxication risks still apply in Ohio.
- Host Smart: If you’re throwing a party, offer non-alcoholic options, cut off heavy drinkers, and arrange rides for guests who overdo it.
Facing an OVI? Here’s What to Do
Stay calm and limit statements to police.
- Hire a lawyer and appeal the ALS within 30 days.
- Consider our course to meet reinstatement needs or earn credit points.
Ditch the Risk, Drive Smart—Sign Up Today!
Drinking and driving in Ohio carries heavy costs—don’t let it define your road ahead. Join our Ohio-approved online remedial course for just $69.95. In 8 hours, you’ll master safety skills, earn a 2-point credit, and get back on track—subscribe now! Check out our course to learn more or sign up today!
Q&A
- How does drinking and driving affect my insurance in Ohio? Drinking and driving convictions like an OVI can double or triple your premiums, adding thousands to your costs over years.
- Can I be charged with drinking and driving below 0.08% BAC? Yes, if you show impairment—like swerving or slurred speech—below 0.08%, you can still face an OVI charge in Ohio.
- What’s the difference between a high-tier and regular OVI? A high-tier OVI (BAC 0.17%+) doubles jail time and hikes fines compared to a regular OVI (0.08%-0.169%) from drinking and driving.
- How long does an OVI from drinking and driving stay on my record? An OVI stays on your Ohio driving record for 2 years for points, but the conviction can affect insurance and jobs much longer.
- Can the Online Two Point Driving Classes course help after multiple OVIs? Yes, our $69.95, 8-hour online course earns a 2-point credit once every 3 years, up to 5 times, aiding recovery from drinking and driving tickets.
Jim Trakas is a licensed instructor with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Driver Training Program. He has a distinguished history of public service, including his role as a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and current Councilperson at Large for the City of Independence.
As the founder and owner of the American Online Learning Center, Jim has been providing comprehensive behavioral corrective programming since 2014, helping individuals achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Jim’s commitment to service extends to his military background, where he has earned several prestigious honors. He was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal by the Ohio Army National Guard and the Pandemic Campaign Medal by the United States Public Health Service. Additionally, he is an Honor Graduate of the Ohio Military Reserve Training Academy’s Officer Candidate School and a two-time recipient of the Military Proficiency Award, as well as the Military Achievement Award.
