ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver License Suspension & Reinstatement

Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Positive Test

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4511.191

• A driver is stopped for drunk driving, takes the sobriety test and the test results exceed the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). 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 90 days to 5 years. See Swift and Sure brochure 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.

• 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: Limited driving privileges cannot be granted during the following periods:
  • First 15 days of suspension on a first offense;
  • First 30 days of suspension on a person who had a OVI conviction 6 years;
  • First 180 days of suspension on a person who had 2 previous OVI convictions within 6 years;
  • No driving privileges granted if a person has had 3 previous OVI convictions 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.
• You must file FRA (financial responsibility) Insurance (SR 22 or Bond).
• Form BMV 2000 will be mailed to you as your notification to retake a complete driver license examination. (See Office Locations by County for exam stations).

• Additionally, reinstatement fee will be required if the suspension notice was mailed on or after 10/01/97.

• 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