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Columbus Administrative License Suspension Lawyer

After a DUI, you may be facing an administrative license suspension or ALS. Let the Columbus OVI attorneys at LHA explain your options. Call today: (614) 500-3836.

After being arrested for OVI, you are asked whether you would like to submit to a chemical test. A chemical test can be a blood, breath or urine test. Prior to submitting or refusing to test, you should be informed by an officer about the consequences of your decision.

If you submit to and fail a chemical test, or refuse to test, you will receive an Administrative License Suspension (ALS). The ALS is administered by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Click here to see the ALS BMV Form 2255 (PDF). There are different consequences for submitting and failing a chemical test, or refusing. There are also different consequences based on prior refusals, convictions and guilty pleas within 6 years. Please see the chart below for more information about the length of your ALS.

For additional information about the process of fighting a BMV suspension and the legal issues the Columbus Criminal Defense team looks for, check out our Administrative License Suspension Appeal page.

For more information about the process of getting driving privileges, what the privileges may be granted for, or alternatively request a stay of your license suspension, read our Regain Your Ohio Driving Privileges page.

Length of Administrative License Suspensions

Refusal of Chemical Test

(Based on prior refusals, convictions and guilty pleas within 6 years)

No priors 1 year
One prior 2 years
Two priors 3 years
Three or more priors 5 years

Failed Chemical Test

(Based on prior refusals, convictions and guilty pleas within 6 years)

No priors 90 days
One prior 1 year
Two priors 2 years
Three or more priors 3 years

Additionally, if you are arrested for a second OVI in 6 years, your car will be impounded. You will need an entry signed by a judge to get your car out of the impound lot. However, you will not be able to drive the car away. There is a 90-day immobilization requirement. This means that initially, you will have to have your car towed and clubbed for 90 days. The car cannot be on the street.  If you live at an apartment complex, you will have to get their permission prior to your vehicle being towed and clubbed there.

Reinstatement Requirements ORC Section 4511.191 (F)(2)

  • 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

Need an Experienced Columbus Administrative License Suspension Lawyer? Contact Us.

If you are facing a Columbus DUI charge, it’s important to know what you’re up against. If you have any questions left unanswered by this page, or if you need a competent, experienced Columbus DUI lawyer to fight for you in court, please contact us at (614) 500-3836 or via email at advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.

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