Ohio uses the term “operating a vehicle under the influence” (OVI) instead of “DUI.” An Ohio OVI is defined as operating a vehicle:
- + with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater (or urine alcohol concentration of .11% or more)
- + while “under the influence” (having an adverse effect on driving ability) of any controlled substance, alcohol, or combination of the two, or
- + with a certain concentration of specified controlled substances in the body.
A violation based on BAC or controlled substance concentration limit is often called a “per se OVI.” Per se convictions don’t require proof of the person’s level of actual impairment. A person can be convicted of a controlled substance per se offense for driving with a concentration of at least:
- + 100 nanograms per milliliter of blood of amphetamines
- + 50 nanograms per milliliter of blood of cocaine
- + 2,000 nanograms per milliliter of blood of heroin
- + 25 nanograms per milliliter of blood of LSD, or
- + 20 nanograms per milliliter of urine of marijuana.
| |
1st Offense |
2nd Offense |
3rd Offense |
| Jail |
3 days to 6 months
|
10 days to 6 months |
30 days to 1 year |
| Fines |
$375 to $1,075
|
$525 to $1,625 |
$850 to $2,750 |
| License Suspension |
1 to 3 years
|
1 to 7 years |
2 to 12 years |
888-234-0198
