When police suspect that an Ohio driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can initiate a traffic stop. The basis of a drunk driving traffic stop should be certain actions, such as swerving, that could give law enforcement reasonable suspicion that a...
drunk driving
What are the penalties for a first time OVI in Ohio?
There are many laws that people in Ohio must follow while they are driving. Some may seem burdensome or unnecessary, but they are generally in place for safety purposes. Speed limits are in place to make sure people do not drive too fast for the area they are in....
Public figure in Ohio faces consequences of drunk driving
A Ohio common pleas judge recently faced a public reprimand after an incident involving intoxicated driving last year. She was publicly reprimanded by the Ohio Supreme Court after reviewing findings from an ethics board. During her arrest for drunk driving, she stated...
Party/DUI/Yellow License Plates Meaning and Consequences
[Updated Nov 2023] Individuals convicted for a second drunken driving offense in Ohio may have to use restricted license plates on their vehicles. First introduced in 1967 and sometimes referred to as "party plates," the highly visible yellow license plates with red...
Refusing a breathalyzer test—what happens?
Ohio residents and visitors may not know they have the legal right to refuse a breathalyzer test. Knowing your rights can help you make an informed choice if the police stop you for operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants. If police stop you for an...
What happens at an OVI checkpoint?
With the holidays quickly approaching, you may be planning some fun festivities with your friends, colleagues or family members. If your celebrations include beer, wine or liquor, though, you must be careful not to operate a vehicle while impaired. Remember, Ohio law...
Can I get a CDL when I have a DUI conviction?
DUI and DWI charges in Ohio and the U.S., in general, may harm your life in various aspects. It will affect your ability to drive, you will have to pay high costs in fines and court charges, and you may even receive a jail sentence. If you are a commercial driver, one...
Can I lose my CDL due to a DUI charge?
Operating a commercial vehicle requires a CDL in Ohio. However, there are many ways you can lose that hard-earned commercial driver’s license. One of the main ways you can cause your license to be suspended is by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The...
Know the penalties for Ohio OVI
Ohio law calls driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol OVI, which stands for operating a vehicle impaired. Even a first OVI offense carries mandatory jail time along with fines and license suspension. The officer will confiscate your license upon your arrest,...
When are you too drunk to drive?
Rather than using the term DUI or DWI, Ohioans now refer to drinking and driving citations and laws as OVI or operating a vehicle under the influence. As with a DUI or DWI, there are various consequences and penalties that drivers face when they get behind the wheel...
