Liv's Law now in effect in Ohio, increases penalties for driving under the influence
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Liv's Law is now in effect in the state of Ohio. The law, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in January, imposes harsher penalties on individuals caught driving under the influence.
Driver without headlights arrested on 9th OVI: OSHP
Liv's Law is named after Ohio native Olivia Wright who was killed by a drunk driver in September of 2020.
Under the law, those charged with Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) will face increased fines. The law also increases the maximum fine for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide.
Liv's Law also allows police officers to collect oral fluid samples from drivers suspected of driving under the influence. Before, the law only permitted blood, urine and breath tests. Oral fluid samples can return results within minutes, and refusing such tests can result in criminal charges.
It also targets repeat offenders, increasing the maximum prison time from 15 years to 20 years when the defendant has had three or more OVI-related convictions in the past 10 years, according to Fox 8 sister station WCMH.
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Additionally, the law will now mandate those who have been charged with an OVI two or more times to use breathalyzers in order to start their vehicles.
Recently in Tuscarawas County, a man was charged with his ninth OVI when he was pulled over for driving without his headlights on.
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