DUI License Suspension in Ohio

How Long Is Your License Suspended for a DUI in Ohio?

Getting charged with a DUI or OVI in Ohio is serious. A conviction can bring fines, possible jail time, and a suspended driver's license. How long your license is suspended depends on whether the suspension comes from the Ohio BMV or from the court, and on your test result and prior offenses.

For a first DUI conviction, the court can suspend your license for six months to three years. A separate suspension from the BMV can start before any conviction, after a failed or refused breath test.

In fact, many of our clients do not end up with a DUI conviction. Our goal is a favorable outcome, which can mean a reduction or a dismissal.

Following an arrest for an OVI, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will send you a notice that your license will be suspended pursuant to an administrative license suspension.

One of the benefits of hiring us to represent you in an OVI case is that we will appeal the BMV's determination to suspend your license.

If you are facing license suspension for DUI, call us today at (440) 771-1175 for a free consultation on how we can help you.

Can Your License Be Suspended Before a Conviction?

Yes. An administrative suspension is handled by the BMV, not the court. It can begin after an OVI arrest if your breath test result is at or above a legal limit (0.08 or 0.17), or if you refuse a chemical test. Because it does not depend on a conviction, it can take effect while your criminal case is still pending.

The Two Types of DUI License Suspension in Ohio

1. An administrative license suspension (ALS). The Ohio BMV oversees this suspension.
2. A criminal license suspension. The court administers this suspension, and it applies only if you are convicted.

The length of each suspension depends on the type of suspension and your case. The administrative lengths are covered in the Form 2255 section below.

For repeat offenses, see our multiple DUI page.

How Long Do You Lose Your License After a DUI Conviction?

Driving privileges matter to our clients, and many of them drive for a living. Here is how the court-ordered suspension works when the prosecution's case is strong.

• For a first DUI offense within six years: You will lose your license from six months to three years. This is a judicially imposed suspension, which means the suspension can be negotiated and argued for a reduction in the length of the suspension. Many people expect a shorter suspension because they agreed to a breath test. That expectation is a common misunderstanding, and a lawyer can explain how the court-ordered and BMV suspensions differ.
• For a second DUI offense within six years: With a prior DUI within six years, a person could potentially have their driver's license suspended for one year up to five years. This decision is also a judicially imposed sentence by the judge presiding over your case, instead of the BMV.

Clients who need to drive for work, including commercial driver's license holders, often need their driving privileges back quickly. We focus on protecting those privileges from the start of the case.

Many people search for this as "how many DUIs before my license is revoked." The answer depends on the offenses and their dates.

Ignition Interlock: Driving Again Sooner

Ohio gives DUI offenders an opportunity to drive after conviction if they install an ignition interlock device (IID) on all vehicles they own and operate. For a first offense, the minimum suspension period with an IID is six months, rather than a year without one.

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device works like a breathalyzer that controls your ignition. You breathe into the device to start your vehicle. If your blood alcohol content is above .02 percent, the vehicle will not start. The device also requires random tests while the vehicle is in motion. If it detects alcohol, the company that monitors the device is notified of the failed result. A failed test can lead to a longer license suspension or a jail sentence.