How long can a driver’s license be suspended as part of the court penalty for a third OVI charge in Ohio?

A third Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) charge in Ohio can lead to significant penalties, reflecting the seriousness with which the state treats repeat offenses. When a driver is convicted of a third OVI, it is classified as a felony offense, which brings a stricter set of consequences compared to earlier offenses.

The suspension of the driver's license for this infraction can last for up to ten years. This long duration serves multiple purposes: it acts as a deterrent to prevent future OVI offenses, promotes road safety by removing individuals with repeated OVI violations from the driving population, and allows time for rehabilitation and education concerning the dangers of impaired driving. Ohio has harsh laws on repeat offenders specifically to address ongoing risks posed to public safety.

The other choices—5 years, 1 year, and 2 years—fall below the maximum suspension period, and while they could potentially apply to less severe offenses or first and second OVI charges under certain circumstances, they do not represent the standardized penalty for a third OVI conviction.