Liv’s Law: Ohio’s 2025 OVI Law Changes Explained

The 2025 amendments to the law described in what an OVI is in Ohio.

Ohio OVI law changed significantly on April 9, 2025, with Governor DeWine’s signing of Liv’s Law. The law makes OVI penalties stricter, raises fines, increases the mandatory minimums for repeat offenders, makes participation in rehabilitation programs mandatory, and authorizes a new form of chemical testing. If you are facing an OVI, it is important to understand how these changes affect your case. Call (937) 318-1384 for a free consultation.

What Is Liv’s Law?

Ohio OVI law changed significantly on April 9, 2025, with Governor DeWine’s signing of Liv’s Law. The law makes the penalties for OVI stricter for repeat offenders, and those with multiple OVI convictions will face longer license suspensions. Fines increased significantly, from the previous minimum of $375 on a first offense to $565, and the mandatory minimums went up on subsequent offenses. Participation in rehabilitation programs also became mandatory.

Read about ignition interlock requirements.

Higher Fines

One of the most immediate changes under Liv’s Law is the increase in fines. The mandatory minimum fine for a first offense OVI conviction was raised from $375 to $565, and the mandatory minimum fines increased on second and subsequent offenses as well. These are minimums, so the total financial cost of an OVI can be considerably higher once court costs and other assessments are added.

Stricter Penalties for Repeat Offenders

Liv’s Law is aimed largely at repeat offenders. Those with multiple OVI convictions face longer license suspensions and higher mandatory minimum penalties than they did before the law took effect. If you have a prior OVI, the changes brought by Liv’s Law make experienced counsel more important than ever.

Mandatory Rehabilitation

Under Liv’s Law, participation in rehabilitation programs became mandatory in circumstances where it previously may have been discretionary. This reflects a broader shift toward treatment as a required component of OVI sentencing in Ohio.

Oral Fluid (Saliva) Testing

Liv’s Law also changed how drivers can be tested. Under the law, law enforcement officers may request an oral fluid (saliva) sample as part of an OVI investigation after a lawful arrest. Ohio added oral fluid as an approved evidentiary chemical test, giving officers another option in addition to blood, urine, and breath testing, and refusing an evidentiary oral fluid test carries the same kinds of consequences as refusing the other tests. This change is especially significant in cases involving cannabis or other drugs.

Read about oral fluid testing.

Why It Matters: Get Counsel Who Knows the Changes

Hiring an OVI attorney who knows the law and can adapt to the changes wrought by Liv’s Law is vital. For years, Charles M. Rowland II has limited his practice to exclusively defending the accused impaired driver, and he is ready to help you navigate your charge. Call (937) 318-1384 if you have questions about Liv’s Law or any part of Ohio’s OVI statutory scheme.

Why Trust Charles M. Rowland II

Charles M. Rowland II has established himself as a top OVI attorney in Ohio and the Dayton area and beyond. He lives by the motto, “Work hard, play by the rules, and never quit!” Preparation, dedication and perseverance are his touchstones. He will vigorously fight for you and will genuinely care about the outcome of your case. He wants the most favorable outcome including acquittals, dismissed charges, or advantageous reduced charges.

He has been recognized by his clients and his peers as a top OVI attorney. He has been a “Super Lawyer” since 2013, a Fellow to the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Nations Top 1%, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for Criminal Defense, a Dayton Bar Association Foundation Fellow, and has appeared in Time and Car & Driver Magazine for OVI defense. He is a lecturer on OVI defense to police agencies, attorneys, judges, and students, and he taught OVI trial practice at the Greene County Peace Officer Training Academy for over fifteen years.

Charlie is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Foundation (2022 Foundation Fellow), the Greene County Bar Association (past President), the Clark County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Foundation (2005 Foundation Fellow), the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Liv’s Law in Ohio?

Free Consultation

If you have questions about how Liv’s Law affects your OVI case in the Dayton area, call Charles M. Rowland II at (937) 318-1384 for a free consultation.