Ohio OVI Costs (2026)
State-specific OVI cost calculators, law summaries, and guides for Ohio.
Calculate your Ohio OVI costOn our estimates, a typical first-offense OVI in Ohio costs about $20,678, the 18th highest of the 50 states (median of our state estimates: $17,615). Use the calculators below for your own situation.
Ohio OVI Key Facts
Ohio OVI Calculators
Ohio OVI FAQ
How much does an OVI cost in Ohio?
Add up the fine ($375-$1,075), attorney fees (our estimate: $1,500-$5,000), insurance, ignition interlock, education, reinstatement and time off work, and our calculator puts a typical first-offense OVI in Ohio at about $20,678, within a range of $10,991 to $33,220, using its default answers. Use the calculator for an estimate based on your own situation.
What is the legal OVI term in Ohio?
Ohio uses the term "OVI" for impaired driving offenses. The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for adults, with enhanced penalties at 0.17% BAC.
How long is your license suspended for a first OVI in Ohio?
A first-offense OVI in Ohio carries a license suspension of 1 year (365 days), and a second offense carries a license suspension of 2 years (730 days). Whether you can keep driving on a restricted license during that time is covered below.
Is an ignition interlock device required in Ohio?
Our Ohio data shows no interlock requirement for a first-offense OVI. A second offense requires 12 months of IID.
Does Ohio require SR-22 insurance after an OVI?
Yes. Ohio requires SR-22 high-risk insurance filing for 1 year following an OVI conviction. We estimate the typical premium increase at 40-80%.
When does an OVI become a felony in Ohio?
In Ohio, an OVI becomes a felony on the fourth offense within 10 years. Other factors, such as an injury, can also change how a case is charged; an attorney can tell you how they apply in Ohio.
Can an OVI be expunged in Ohio?
Ohio does not allow OVI convictions to be expunged. Some states have other ways to limit who can see a record, such as sealing, which this site does not cover yet; an attorney in Ohio can tell you whether any apply.
How long do you have to request a license hearing after an OVI arrest in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have 30 days from your first court appearance to ask a court to review the license suspension (R.C. 4511.197(A)). The notice you received at arrest gives the exact date.
How long does Ohio have to charge you with an OVI?
In Ohio, the state generally must file OVI charges within 2 years of the alleged offense. This deadline reflects a first-offense misdemeanor OVI; felony cases can carry a different filing window. If you are charged, an attorney can confirm how the deadline applies to your case.
Can you get a hardship or restricted license after an OVI in Ohio?
Ohio generally offers a hardship or restricted license that can let you keep driving for work, school, or treatment during part of an OVI suspension. Eligibility and conditions depend on your offense level and the court, so confirm the current rules for your situation.
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