Ohio CDL OVI Consequences
Ohio's central location makes it critical for freight. An OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) means federal CDL disqualification plus Ohio's mandatory minimum sentences and a 10-year lookback.
Federal + State: You Face Both
As a CDL holder arrested for OVI in Ohio, you're subject to federal CDL disqualification (1 year minimum) AND Ohio state criminal penalties with mandatory minimums. These run on parallel tracks—winning one doesn't dismiss the other.
Ohio OVI Criminal Penalties
State penalties you face in addition to federal CDL disqualification
| Offense | Jail Time | Fines | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st OVI | 3 days - 6 months | $375 - $1,075 | 1-3 years |
| 2nd OVI (within 10 years) | 10 days - 6 months | $525 - $1,625 | 1-7 years |
| 3rd OVI (within 10 years) | 30 days - 1 year | $850 - $2,750 | 2-12 years |
| 4th+ OVI (Felony) | 60 days - 30 months | $1,350 - $10,500 | 3 years - Life |
Ohio's Mandatory Minimums: Ohio requires minimum jail time for all OVI convictions—no judge discretion below these floors. "High-tier" BAC (0.17%+) triggers enhanced penalties.
Commercial Vehicle Impound in Ohio
Major corridors I-70, I-71, I-75, and I-80/90 make Ohio a trucking crossroads
Towing Costs
- •Base hook-up: $200-$350
- •Per-mile charges: $4-$8/mile
- •Heavy-duty rotator: $500-$1,500/hour
- •Trailer towed separately
Storage Fees
- •Tractor: $40-$80/day
- •Trailer: $25-$50/day (separate)
- •Administrative fee: $35-$75
- •After-hours release charges may apply
Ohio Impound Release Requirements
To retrieve a commercial vehicle from an Ohio impound lot:
- • Valid government ID
- • Proof of ownership or vehicle registration
- • If carrier sending another driver: Written authorization and carrier insurance info
- • Full payment of all fees
The Ohio ALS Process
Ohio has an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) that triggers immediately at arrest. CDL holders face this state suspension AND federal CDL disqualification.
Immediate Suspension + Appeal Window
Ohio's ALS begins at arrest. You have 30 days to appeal the administrative suspension, but driving privileges may be available during the appeal in some cases.
Finding a SAP in Ohio
Ohio has numerous DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals, concentrated in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and along the major interstate corridors.
Telehealth SAP evaluations are widely available, particularly helpful for drivers based in rural areas of Appalachian Ohio or the agricultural northwest.
How to find and work with a SAPFederal CDL Regulations
For information about federal CDL disqualification, the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the Return-to-Duty process that applies nationwide:
CDL DUI Federal GuideRelated Ohio OVI Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from Ohio state statutes and federal regulations.
- Ohio Revised Code 4511.19 - OVI Laws
- 49 CFR § 383.51 - Federal CDL Disqualification
- Ohio BMV - License Suspensions
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Need an Ohio CDL OVI Attorney?
Ohio CDL cases require navigating mandatory minimum sentences, the ALS appeal process, and federal CDL consequences. Find an attorney who understands all three.
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