Ignition Interlock Devices in Ohio OVI Cases

A condition covered in our guide to OVI license suspension.

Whether you will be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) after an Ohio OVI is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the level of the offense, your prior OVI history, whether the case is low-tier or high-tier, and whether you are seeking driving privileges. Ohio law does not impose a single, universal rule that applies to every case. This page explains when an interlock is required, when it is not, and how the requirement is imposed. Call (937) 318-1384 for a free consultation.

Is an Ignition Interlock Device Required for Every OVI?

In Ohio, an ignition interlock device is not automatically required for every person charged with or convicted of OVI. Instead, Ohio law specifies circumstances in which interlock is mandatory, discretionary, or required as a condition of driving privileges. The applicable category depends on the offense level and the driver’s history. It is usually ordered as part of limited privileges.

Requirements widened under Liv’s Law.

When an Ignition Interlock May Be Required

There are three main situations where an interlock is likely to come into play:

1. High-tier OVI offenses. Ohio law allows, and in some circumstances requires, the use of an ignition interlock device in high-tier OVI cases, which are based on chemical test results or qualifying refusal scenarios. In these cases, interlock may be imposed as part of the sentence, or as a condition for receiving limited driving privileges during a license suspension. The use of interlock in high-tier cases is governed by statute and reflected in Ohio’s OVI penalty framework.
2. Repeat OVI offenses. For second, third, or felony OVI offenses, Ohio law more frequently requires ignition interlock devices. As the number of prior OVI convictions increases, the statute increasingly limits judicial discretion and authorizes mandatory interlock requirements, particularly when driving privileges are granted during a suspension period.
3. Driving privileges during a suspension. Even when an interlock is not mandatory as part of the sentence, Ohio law permits courts to require an interlock device as a condition of granting driving privileges during an Administrative License Suspension or a court-ordered suspension. In these cases, interlock is tied to privilege eligibility, not to the underlying conviction alone.

When an Ignition Interlock May Not Be Required

In some first-offense, low-tier OVI cases, Ohio law does not require an ignition interlock device. In those cases, the court retains discretion, and an interlock may not be imposed at all, particularly where no driving privileges are requested or granted.

How Ignition Interlock Requirements Are Imposed

Ignition interlock requirements are imposed only by court order and must comply with Ohio statutory authority. If an interlock device is ordered, Ohio law also governs installation and monitoring requirements, compliance obligations, and the consequences for violations or failed tests. Failure to comply with an interlock order can result in additional legal consequences under Ohio law.

The Key Point

The decision whether an ignition interlock device is required is case-specific and statutorily driven. It depends on the offense level (misdemeanor or felony), the low-tier or high-tier classification, prior OVI convictions or refusals, and whether driving privileges are sought. Ohio law does not allow courts to impose ignition interlock arbitrarily; the requirement must be authorized by statute. An experienced OVI attorney can tell you whether an interlock is likely in your case and can argue against it where the law leaves room to do so.

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 Ohio ignition interlock device

Free Consultation

If you are facing an OVI in the Dayton area and are concerned about an ignition interlock requirement, call Charles M. Rowland II at (937) 318-1384 for a free consultation.