Need an Interlock Device in Ohio? We'll Help You Through It.

In Ohio, alcohol related driving offenses are referred to as OVI, or operating a vehicle under the influence. Penalties are strict for offenses, and a first-time offender may have penalties including three consecutive days in jail and a requirement to participate in a multi-day intervention program. The court may also decide to increase the jail sentence, but it cannot exceed 6 months. There are also financial penalties between $375 and $1,075, as well as license suspension for one to three years. In some cases, installing an ignition interlock device from a trusted provider like (Intoxalock ) can help drivers regain driving privileges.

Repeat offenders who have a previous OVI on their record within the past 10 years are subject to a variety of penalties. They may include a mandatory 10-day jail term, which can be extended at the court’s discretion to no more than six months. Some offenders may be sentenced to a jail term followed by house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring, or both. The court may also require the offender to be assessed by an approved community addiction services provider, and to follow the recommendations given during the assessment. Financial penalties are also given, and offenders may be required to pay a fine between $525 and $1625. In addition to financial penalties, offenders may have their driver’s license suspended for 1 to 7 years. Some offenders may be able to regain limited driving privileges if they install an ignition interlock device from an approved provider like (Intoxalock ).

A third-time OVI offender risks further penalties, as consequences escalate for each offense. Offenders may be sentenced to a mandatory 30 days in jail or a jail term together with a period of house arrest with electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. Financial penalties are increased, and offenders are required to pay between $850 and $2,750 in fines. The offender’s driver’s license can be suspended for a period of 2 to 12 years. Some offenders may be able to regain driving privileges by installing an ignition interlock device from a trusted provider like (Intoxalock ). The offender may also be required to undergo an alcohol use assessment from an approved provider and follow the recommendations that are given.

Anyone convicted of OVI in Ohio typically has 20 days to mail in their hearing request to appeal their license suspension. If they do not do so, they waive the right to protest their suspension. If a driver wants to regain driving privileges, they may apply to do so after serving the required portion of their period. To be granted driving privileges they must:

• Install an ignition interlock device (IID) from an approved provider like (Intoxalock )
• Complete the required portion of the suspension period
• Complete a treatment program (not mandatory but may be required for repeat offenders)
• Maintain sobriety for 6 months after completing the treatment program (this may not apply to all offenders but can be required for repeat offenders)
• Provide proof of SR-22 liability insurance
• Submit reinstatement fee and any necessary paperwork