April 23, 2025 | DUI
Numerous studies have shown that drunk driving can be extremely dangerous. DUI accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. So, when did it become illegal to drink and drive in the United States?
When Did Drinking and Driving Become Illegal?
New York was the first state to enact a law making drunk driving illegal. California was the second state. After New York and California passed laws making drinking and driving illegal, other states began to follow along.
However, early laws legislating drinking and driving were not very specific when defining the crime. DUI laws in the 1910s did not clearly define “drunk driving” or “driving under the influence.”
Drunk Driving Laws Become More Widespread in the United States
Owning vehicles became more popular in the 70s and 80s. Therefore, state and national government agencies began focusing more on laws that reduced the risk of automobile accidents. However, drinking and driving was still legal in many states.
Candace Lightner’s daughter, Cari, was killed by a drunk driver on May 3, 1980, in California. She turned her grief into action as she worked to change drunk driving laws in California. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) was incorporated on what would have been Cari’s 14th birthday in 1980.
The Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving was created in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan. Then, The Howard-Barnes Alcohol Traffic Safety Law was passed, providing millions of dollars in grants for states that passed laws lowering the legal limit for drunk driving to .10 BAC.
President Reagan also signed a federal law raising the legal drinking age to 21 in 1984. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was fully implemented in 1988. All states had to raise the legal drinking age to 21 years old and lower the legal BAC to .08 or higher.
When Did Drunk Driving Become Illegal in Ohio?
Ohio was one of the states that had a legal BAC higher than .08 for years after the law mandating 21 as the legal drinking age. Ohio did not lower its legal limit to .08 BAC until July 1, 2003. The change was part of President Clinton’s transportation bill that required states to lower their BAC to .08 or lose federal highway construction funds.
Today, Ohio DUI laws comply with federal drunk driving limits. Ohio Revised Code §4511.19 defines the crime of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (OVI). The law also makes it illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. The current DUI law in Ohio sets a legal limit of .08 BAC for drunk driving. A person is presumed to be legally intoxicated if their BAC is .08 or higher.
DUI Penalties in Dayton, OH
The penalties for a drunk driving offense can be severe in Ohio. DUI penalties for a first-time DUI conviction include a minimum of three days in jail or completing a three-day Driver Intervention Program. The fines for a first-time drunk driving conviction range from $375 to $1,075. You also lose your driving privileges for one to three years, receive probation, and the installation of an ignition interlocking device.
A first-offense OVI is the least serious drunk driving charge. The penalties for OVI convictions for repeat offenders increase. A second conviction for OVI results in ten days to six months in jail and a suspended driver’s license for up to seven years.
Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer for Legal Help
If you were charged with DUI, hiring an experienced defense lawyer is the best way to protect your best interests. A DUI attorney can help you develop a defense that leads to as favorable an outcome as possible. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Dayton DUI Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the DUI attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, give us a call today at (937) 531-0435 or visit us at our Dayton Law Office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Dayton
130 West Second Street #17-129,
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 531-0435
