URGENT: You Have 30 Days to Request an ALS Hearing
Ohio Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearings must be requested within 30 days. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension.
Ohio BMV ALS Hearing
Administrative License Suspension (ALS)
Request your Ohio ALS hearing within 30 days to challenge your license suspension and protect your driving privileges after an OVI arrest.
Critical Timeline for Ohio OVI
OVI Arrest - Clock Starts
Officer issues Notice of Suspension and temporary driving permit
DEADLINE - Request ALS Hearing
Must file appeal within 30 days of arrest at your local BMV
TOO LATE - Automatic Suspension
License suspension begins (90 days to 3 years depending on circumstances)
Temporary Permit Expires
If hearing requested, temporary permit remains valid until hearing decision
How to Request Your Ohio ALS Hearing
In-Person Request
Where: Any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office
What to bring: Notice of Suspension, driver's license, payment
Fee: $150 (cashier's check or money order only)
Immediate confirmation and receipt
Important Notice
Ohio does NOT accept online or phone appeals. You must either:
- Visit a BMV office in person (recommended)
- Mail your appeal (see below) - must allow time for delivery
Mail Request
Mail to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
ALS Appeals Unit
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, OH 43216-6520
Include: Notice of Suspension, driver's license copy, $150 cashier's check/money order
Must be received (not postmarked) within 30 days
Find Your Nearest BMV Office
Locate a BMV office near you to file your appeal in person:
Find BMV LocationsWhat You Need for Your ALS Appeal
Required Documents
- Notice of Suspension (received from officer)
- Valid Ohio Driver's License or copy
- $150 Appeal Fee (cashier's check or money order)
- Proof of Insurance (SR-22 if required)
Information From Notice
- Date of Arrest
- Arresting Officer Name
- Arresting Agency
- Case Number
Ohio ALS Suspension Periods
| Situation | Suspension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st OVI (0.08+) | 90 days | Limited driving privileges available |
| 1st OVI (0.17+ BAC) | 1 year | High BAC leads to longer suspension |
| 1st Refusal | 1 year | Automatic for refusing chemical test |
| 2nd OVI within 6 years | 1 year | May qualify for limited privileges after 45 days |
| 2nd Refusal within 6 years | 2 years | Harsher penalty for repeat refusal |
| 3rd+ OVI within 6 years | 2-3 years | May qualify for privileges after 180 days |
| Under 21 (any BAC) | 90 days - 2 years | Zero tolerance for minors |
What Happens After You Request a Hearing
Immediate Effects
- Temporary permit stays valid until your hearing and decision (usually 30-60 days)
- You can keep driving legally while awaiting your hearing date
- Hearing notice mailed to you within 5-10 business days with date, time, and location
At the Hearing
- Administrative hearing conducted by BMV hearing examiner (not a judge)
- You can testify and present evidence to challenge the suspension
- Arresting officer may testify and present evidence
- Attorney representation is highly recommended but not required
Possible Outcomes
Suspension Terminated
Hearing examiner finds in your favor. Your license is restored immediately with no suspension.
Suspension Upheld
Hearing examiner finds against you. Suspension begins immediately. You may appeal to court.
How to Win Your ALS Hearing
Common Defenses in Ohio ALS Hearings:
- No reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop
- Breathalyzer not properly calibrated or maintained
- Officer not properly trained to administer tests
- Medical conditions that affected test results
- Procedural errors in arrest or testing process
Hire an Attorney
ALS hearings are complex legal proceedings. An experienced OVI attorney understands Ohio-specific laws and procedures, can subpoena witnesses, cross-examine the officer, and significantly improve your chances of winning.
ALS vs. Criminal OVI Case
It's important to understand that the ALS hearing and your criminal OVI case are two separate proceedings:
ALS Hearing (Administrative)
- •Handled by Ohio BMV
- •Only about license suspension
- •Lower burden of proof
- •Happens quickly (30-60 days)
- •No jail time involved
Criminal OVI Case
- •Handled by criminal court
- •About criminal charges and penalties
- •Beyond reasonable doubt standard
- •Can take months or years
- •Jail, fines, probation possible
Important: Winning your ALS hearing doesn't dismiss your criminal OVI charges. Similarly, losing your ALS hearing doesn't mean you'll be convicted of OVI. They are independent proceedings.
Next Steps
Request Your Hearing Immediately
Don't wait - visit a BMV office or mail your appeal as soon as possible. You only have 30 days.
Contact an OVI Attorney
An experienced attorney can represent you at both the ALS hearing and criminal case, significantly improving your outcomes.
Gather Your Documentation
Collect your Notice of Suspension, license, and any evidence that could help your case (witness statements, medical records, etc.).
Prepare for Your Hearing
Work with your attorney to prepare testimony, subpoena witnesses, and develop your defense strategy.
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