Ohio DUI & License Suspension — What Happens

License consequences are often the most immediately disruptive part of a OVI case in Ohio. The administrative suspension is a separate proceeding from the criminal case and can result in loss of driving privileges even if the criminal charges are eventually reduced or dismissed.

• First-offense (failed test): 90 days (failed test); 1 year (refusal)
• First-offense (refusal): 1-year administrative license suspension (ALS); no limited driving privileges for first 30 days

Ohio does offer a form of restricted or limited driving privileges during or after the administrative suspension. Limited driving privileges available after 15 days of hard suspension for test failure (first offense). For refusal, limited privileges available after 30 days. Court grants privileges for work, school, medical, and treatment purposes..

The administrative suspension and the criminal case are legally independent. Winning the administrative hearing does not dismiss the criminal case. Losing the administrative hearing does not prove guilt in the criminal case. However, the facts overlap significantly, and the administrative hearing can sometimes reveal evidence or testimony that is useful in the criminal defense.

discretionary for standard first offense; mandatory for high-tier BAC (≥ 0.17) and all repeat offenses. The minimum IID period is 6 months (first offense, discretionary); 1 year (second offense); 2 years (third offense); escalates for subsequent. Reinstatement requires proof of IID installation, completion of any required substance abuse programs, payment of reinstatement fees, and proof of insurance (SR-22 in many states).