How to Get Driving Privileges After an ALS Suspension

Direct Answer

You can request limited driving privileges after an Administrative License Suspension ("ALS") in Ohio by filing a motion with the court that has jurisdiction over your OVI case. Privileges are not automatic and are granted only if the court approves specific conditions and limitations.

Timing, eligibility, and scope depend on the type of ALS and your prior record.

What Ohio Law Actually Says

An Administrative License Suspension is imposed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles after an OVI arrest involving a chemical test failure or refusal. The suspension begins immediately, before any court determination of guilt.

Ohio law allows courts to grant limited driving privileges during an ALS. These privileges are discretionary. The court may approve them for specific purposes such as work, medical care, school, or court-ordered obligations.

Eligibility is affected by factors including prior OVI convictions, prior refusals, and the length of the suspension imposed. Some ALS suspensions include mandatory waiting periods before privileges can be requested.

The statute allows privileges. It does not guarantee them.

How This Plays Out in Real Cases

In practice, driving privileges are commonly requested shortly after the initial court appearance.

Courts typically require a written motion identifying the purpose of the request, the proposed schedule, and the necessity for driving. Judges often expect specificity. Vague or overly broad requests are frequently denied or narrowed.

Some courts require proof of insurance, compliance with immobilization or restricted plate requirements, and confirmation that no other suspensions are active. Others may impose additional conditions tied to the underlying OVI charge.

Privileges may be limited to certain hours, routes, or destinations. Deviating from those terms can result in further violations.

Why It Matters Practically

An ALS can disrupt employment, medical care, and daily responsibilities. Limited privileges may reduce that impact, but only if they are properly requested and clearly defined.

Driving outside the scope of granted privileges can result in new charges and extended suspensions. Courts treat violations of privilege orders seriously.

Understanding the process and limitations helps avoid compounding the consequences of the original suspension.

Where This Fits in an OVI Case

Driving privileges after an ALS are one part of the broader OVI Defense Overview. They often arise alongside issues involving Chemical Tests in Ohio, Breath Test Refusal, and Administrative License Suspension in Ohio OVI Cases.

Privilege requests are procedural. They do not resolve the underlying OVI charge. However, they can materially affect how a case proceeds while it is pending.

Practical Takeaway

You can request limited driving privileges after an ALS suspension in Ohio, but approval is not automatic. The request must be specific, timely, and compliant with court requirements.

When granted, privileges are narrow and must be followed exactly to avoid further penalties.