Drunk Driving Penalties

The mandatory minimum penalties for OVI under Ohio law include the following:

1^st offense:

• 3 days in jail or Driver Intervention Program (72 hours) 
• 6 days in jail if your alcohol level tested high or you refused a test and have a prior DUI conviction in past 20 years. 
• A fine of at least $375
• Driver’s license suspension from 6 months to 3 years 
• Yellow DUI plates possible in cases of high test or refusal of testing within past 20 years. 
• Possible ignition interlock device 

2^nd offense:

• 10 days in jail 
• 20 days in jail if your alcohol level tested high or you refused a test 
• A fine of at least $525 
• Driver’s license suspension from 1 to 5 years 
• Mandatory yellow DUI plates 
• Mandatory ignition interlock device installed 
• 90 days immobilization of your vehicle 

3^rd offense:

• 30 days in jail 
• 60 days in jail if your alcohol level tested high or you refused a test 
• A fine of at least $850 
• Driver’s license suspension from 2 to 10 years 
• Yellow DUI plates mandatory 
• Ignition Interlock Device is mandatory 
• Mandatory forfeiture of vehicle 

A fourth DUI / OVI conviction is a felony and carries the possibility of time in a state prison, as well as other serious consequences.