Ive heard that some cities in Ohio are tougher on OVI offenses than others. Is that true?
Yes; it is true that the codes of some Ohio municipalities are stricter than the State Code. When that is the case, the municipalitys code takes precedence over the states code. For example, the Columbus City Code has what is called a “lifetime lookback” period. This means that, in Columbus, any prior OVI, no matter how many years ago it was, will be considered when deciding penalties. Ive heard that I can be charged with DUI even if I am sitting in my driveway listening to the radio with the keys in the ignition, whether or not the car is running. It is true that, under the old Ohio traffic law, you could be arrested for DUI (“Driving Under the Influence”). The current law (effective Jan. 1, 2004) refers to DUI as OVI (“Operating a Vehicle under the Influence”). Under current law, you cannot be arrested for OVI unless you cause or have caused your vehicle to move while you were intoxicated. If you came out of your house and hadnt driven the vehicle, but were just listening to the radi
