Recent Ohio OVI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
April 9, 2025
Oral fluid testing for drugs (H.B. 37)
Officers can now collect an oral fluid sample after an OVI arrest, and implied consent covers it. The test shows whether a drug of abuse is present, not how much, and the result can be used as evidence of being under the influence.
April 9, 2025
Higher minimum OVI fines, lower reinstatement fees (H.B. 37)
Minimum OVI fines went up by $190 and the related license reinstatement fee went down by $160, a net increase of $30. It applies to OVI offenders sentenced and reinstating under the new law.
April 9, 2025
Tougher aggravated vehicular homicide penalties when OVI is involved (H.B. 37)
A new tiered system raises the minimum mandatory prison terms for aggravated vehicular homicide caused by OVI, based on prior offenses. The maximum fine is now $25,000 for all such offenders.
Official sources
- Ohio Revised Code §4511.19 — OVI
- Ohio Revised Code §4511.191 — Implied consent
- Ohio Revised Code §4511.192 — Advice and ALS
- Ohio Revised Code §4511.197 — Appeal of ALS
- Ohio Revised Code §4510.022 — Unlimited privileges with interlock
- Ohio Revised Code §2919.22 — Endangering children
- Ohio Revised Code §2903.08 — Aggravated vehicular assault
- Ohio Revised Code §4301.62 — Open container
- Ohio BMV — First Offense OVI Suspension
- Ohio BMV — Juvenile Suspensions
- Ohio Dept. of Public Safety — Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 6
- Ohio LSC — Impaired Driving in Ohio (Members Brief)
- Ohio LSC — Bill analysis (March 15, 2022)
- Ohio LSC — H.B. 388 final analysis (ignition interlock)
- Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission — Adult Rights Restoration and Record Sealing
- Ohio Traffic Rules
- Supreme Court of Ohio — Mayor’s Court Bench Book
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4510 — Driver’s license suspension
- Ohio Dept. of Behavioral Health — Driver Intervention Program
- Ohio Admin. Code 5122-29-12 — Driver intervention program
- Ohio General Assembly — H.B. 37 (135th GA)
- Ohio LSC — 2024 Digest of Enactments: Crimes, Corrections, and Law Enforcement
- Ohio BMV — Reinstatement Fees & Amnesty
- Franklin County Municipal Court — Traffic Court
- Ohio 8th District Court of Appeals — Cleveland v. Clark, 2024-Ohio-4491
- Hamilton County Law Library — Which Court Does What
- Ohio 6th District Court of Appeals — Toledo v. Klink, 2025-Ohio-2316
- Ohio 9th District Court of Appeals — Akron v. Foos, 2016-Ohio-8441
Educational information, not legal advice. Ohio law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and talk to a licensed Ohio attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.