Ohio · OVI · Checked October 2026
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Ohio
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Ohio: What Are the Rules?
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood test in Ohio.
- Refusal penalty
- Immediate administrative license suspension from the time the officer serves notice: 1 year for a first refusal within ten years, rising to 2, 3 and 5 years with prior refusals or OVI convictions
- License suspension for refusing
- 1 year (Class C) for a first refusal; 2 years with one prior; 3 years with two priors; 5 years with three or more
- Deadline to challenge
- 30 days
Refusal Penalties in Ohio
Immediate administrative license suspension from the time the officer serves notice: 1 year for a first refusal within ten years, rising to 2, 3 and 5 years with prior refusals or OVI convictionsOhio Rev. Code § 4511.191(A), (B)
License Suspension for Refusing in Ohio
1 year (Class C) for a first refusal; 2 years with one prior; 3 years with two priors; 5 years with three or moreOhio Rev. Code § 4511.191(B), (C); § 4511.197; § 4510.02(B)
More on OVI Law in Ohio
See the full overview of OVI laws in Ohio and read about implied consent laws in every state.
This page summarizes Ohio law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Ohio can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Ohio?
Immediate administrative license suspension from the time the officer serves notice: 1 year for a first refusal within ten years, rising to 2, 3 and 5 years with prior refusals or OVI convictions
How Long Is the Suspension for Refusing?
1 year (Class C) for a first refusal; 2 years with one prior; 3 years with two priors; 5 years with three or more