What Do Yellow License Plates in Ohio Mean? Understanding DUI/OVI Plates
On this Page: What Is The Purpose Of These Yellow DUI Plates?, How Do You Get Restricted Driving Privileges After an OVI?, How Long Do The Yellow OVI Plates Stay on a Vehicle in Ohio?, Contact A Columbus, Ohio OVI Lawyer Near You
Driving under the influence also known as an OVI in the state of Ohio is a serious offense, one that carries many penalties including the possibility of having to advertise to other drivers about your indiscretion. Ohio drivers who have received restricted driving privileges after an OVI-related driver’s license suspension must display special yellow license plates, often referred to as “party plates.”
Up until 2004 judges had the discretion whether to order the yellow plates to be displayed or not, but since that time the laws were amended and these plates have become mandatory. If you have been ordered to use these yellow license plates and refuse to do so there is an additional $100 penalty and restricted driving privileges will be fully revoked.
What Is The Purpose Of These Yellow DUI Plates?
Supporters of the yellow license plate law have argued that having to drive around with these plates on their vehicle would deter people from drinking and driving. They also improve safety on the road because it signals to other drivers that they are sharing the road with potentially dangerous drivers. On the opposite side of the coin, it has been pointed out that these yellow plates could also stigmatize first-time OVI offenders and family members of the affected driver since anyone who uses the vehicle, not just the offender, would be driving around with these yellow plates.
How Do You Get Restricted Driving Privileges After an OVI?
The most common thing to happen after being charged with a DUI/OVI is to have your license suspended. There are three main ways you could face a license suspension after an OVI.
- If you refuse to submit a breath test you will receive an administrative license suspension
- If you blow over the legal limit while being pulled over
- A criminal suspension if you get convicted of OVI after your trial
A suspended license is a difficult situation for anyone to find themselves. Driving is a very necessary part of life to get to work, school, the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and more. It is possible to request limited driving privileges while your license is suspended, however, you need to be able to show that being able to drive is necessary for one or more of the following reasons:
- Professional work-related purposes including commuting
- Educational or vocational purposes
- Medical purposes to attend doctor’s appointments or treatments
- You are scheduled to take a driver’s or commercial driver’s license test
- To attend court-ordered treatments
Another item that will be factored into the decision to grant restricted driving privileges is your driving history. A person is ineligible for limited driving privileges if they have three or more OVI convictions in the past seven years on their record. A Columbus criminal defense attorney near you can help you get restricted driving privileges if you are facing OVI charges. They understand the timeframes and applications and can help expedite the process.
Restricted driving privileges do mean the installation of yellow plates on any vehicle driven during the restricted driving privilege period, with the exception of a work vehicle as long as their employer is aware of their limited driving rights.
How Long Do The Yellow OVI Plates Stay on a Vehicle in Ohio?
These yellow ‘party plates’ must remain on your vehicle for the duration of your restricted driving privileges. You will face additional fines and the revocation of your restricted license if you remove them prematurely. Typically this can be anywhere from 6 months to a year. It is always best to speak with an OVI/DUI defense attorney near you when facing OVI charges as they will work to get your case dismissed or charges lessened so that you don’t end up facing a license suspension, restricted driving privileges, or the dreaded yellow license plate. Here at Joslyn Law Firm, we have helped countless individuals in Columbus and throughout Ohio retain their licenses after being charged with driving under the influence.
Contact A Columbus, Ohio OVI Lawyer Near You
OVI charges are nothing to take lightly; they can have far-reaching consequences on your life. If you are facing driving under the influence charges of any kind contact Joslyn Law Firm, our team will get to work fighting for you. Experience matters when dealing with these types of cases. We know the prosecutors and judges of the Franklin County court system and how to handle each on a case-by-case basis. We know what to expect and what to do to get the best result possible. Contact our Columbus, OH law firm today for a free case consultation.
