Alcohol and Drug Limits

If you are 21 or older and drive with a BAC of 0.08% or more

In Ohio, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal for drivers age 21 or older and can result in OVI charges.

If you are under 21 and drive with a BAC of 0.02% or more

Ohio’s Underage Alcohol Consumption Law (OVUAC) applies to those under 21 who drive with even small amounts of alcohol in their system.

When a CDL (commercial) driver has a BAC of 0.04% or higher

CDL holders are subject to stricter BAC rules. A BAC of 0.04% or more while operating a commercial vehicle violates federal and Ohio law.

If you refuse to take a chemical test during a traffic stop

Refusing a test triggers an automatic suspension through Ohio’s Administrative License Suspension (ALS), lasting 1–5 years.

If a breath or blood test shows you are over the legal limit

Testing over the legal BAC threshold leads to an ALS and may add criminal penalties later if convicted.

If you are convicted of OVI for the first time

A first OVI offense in Ohio includes at least 3 days in jail or a driver intervention program, fines, and a license suspension.

When driving after using over-the-counter medication

Some legal medications impair alertness or coordination. Driving under their influence is illegal if they affect your ability to drive safely.

If you are using prescription drugs with side effects

Prescription drugs like sedatives or painkillers can cause drowsiness or delay reaction times, making driving dangerous and unlawful.

If you are caught using illegal drugs and driving

Driving under the influence of illegal drugs such as marijuana or narcotics leads to the same penalties as alcohol-based OVI in Ohio.

If you are convicted of multiple OVI offenses

Repeat OVI convictions result in longer suspensions (up to 10 years), jail time, ignition interlock, and vehicle forfeiture.

If you refuse a chemical test and have prior OVI offenses

Ohio increases ALS penalties for refusal with previous OVI or test refusals. Suspension length escalates with each prior case.

If convicted of five or more OVIs within 20 years

Repeat offenders face registration, heavy fines, license revocation, and possibly felony charges under Ohio law.

If you take medication and alcohol together before driving

Alcohol combined with drugs (legal or illegal) can dangerously multiply their effects, leading to extreme impairment and legal consequences.

If you are pulled over and suspected of OVI

Officers may administer field sobriety tests and request breath, blood, or urine samples. Refusing leads to ALS penalties.

If you test over the limit within 2 hours of arrest

A BAC test result of 0.08%+ within 2 hours triggers license suspension and further legal procedures, even before court proceedings.