Ohio’s DUI License Plates for Convicted Drunk Driving Offenders
Law enforcement across the country is always looking for innovative ways to protect drivers on the road. A DUI offense in Ohio, however, can result in a number of life-altering punishments as a result of a DUI conviction.
Ohio DUI laws are tough on offenders, especially repeat-offenders. If you are convicted, some to the DUI penalties in Ohio include:
- Vehicle forfeiture
- Administrative License Suspension
- Having your plates impounded
- DUI license plates
- Permanent loss of license
- Fines
- Prison time
The special yellow DUI license plates are very different from the usual red, white, and blue Ohio plates. And everyone knows what these plates mean.
Although this Ohio DUI law has been on the books since 1967, and on January 1, 2004 the law was changed to make the plates used more frequently. These “DUI Plates” are mandatory for some 1st offenders and for nearly every 2d, 3rd, and 4th offender. However, if you are a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd offender, there may be a way to avoid this humiliating sentence.
The special DUI license plates have red letters on them, something of a “scarlet letter,” intended to create a social stigma on drunk drivers, while letting other drivers know who they are sharing the road with. The plates are used only while the owner has limited driving privileges, which is normally for about six months to a year.
To avoid the maximum Ohio DUI penalties, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer as soon as you have been accused of drunk driving.
