ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver License Suspension & Reinstatement

Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Refusal of Test

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4511.191

• A driver is stopped for drunk driving and refuses to take the sobriety test requested by the law enforcement agency. The officer can take your driver license on the spot and the suspension begins immediately.

• Depending on previous offenses or refusals, you can have your license suspended for a period of 1 year to 5 years. See D.U.I. pamphlet for penalties. After a second offense your vehicle may also be immobilized.

• May appeal suspension at the initial court appearance which will be held within 5 days of the arrest or the issuance of a citation. Suspension may not be stayed by appeal.

• Driver may petition the court for limited driving privileges any time subsequent to the date on the notice of suspension. This petition may be filed in the municipal, county, or in the case of a minor, juvenile court with jurisdiction over the place at which the arrest occurred.
  NOTE: Occupational driving privileges cannot be granted during the following periods:
  • First 30 days of suspension on a first offense.
  • First 90 days of suspension on a person who had a previous refusal within 6 years.
  • First year of suspension on a person who had 2 previous refusals within 6 years.
  • First 3 years of suspension on a person who had 3 previous refusals within 6 years.

  • A person, who within the preceding 7 years, has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to 3 or more OVI violations cannot be granted limited privileges.

• Serve the suspension period.
• Pay Reinstatement Fee. See Reinstatement Fee List for required fee amount.

• Show Proof of Insurance by forwarding the proper documentation to:
  Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
  Attn. RE Fee
  P.O. Box 16520
  Columbus OH 43216-6520
  

• The person entered a plea of guilty to OVI and the refusal suspension arose from the same incident.
• The person entered a plea of no contest to OVI, was found guilty and the refusal suspension arose from the same incident.