Oklahoma DUI Laws and Penalties
Explained
Being charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Oklahoma demands detailed knowledge of the state's DUI laws and penalties to effectively manage your legal situation.
Oklahoma DUI laws are severe, with serious consequences for those found guilty, including monetary fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment. This guide provides in-depth coverage of DUI penalties in Oklahoma to help you stay prepared.
An Overview of Oklahoma DUI Laws
Oklahoma DUI laws are regulated by 47 O.S. § 11-902, which prohibits operating or having actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances. The state imposes strict penalties for DUI violations, with consequences that increase substantially for repeat offenders.
According to Oklahoma law, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances constitutes a single offense, proven by impairment of normal abilities or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.
Oklahoma follows an "implied consent" law, meaning that operating a vehicle on Oklahoma roads automatically indicates your consent to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to testing leads to automatic license suspension and may be used as evidence against you in court proceedings.
An Overview of Oklahoma DUI Penalties
Under Oklahoma law (47 O.S. § 11-902), DUI penalties may include substantial fines, potential imprisonment, license suspension, and required ignition interlock device installation, with the severity based on your history and specific circumstances.
These consequences can have a significant impact on your driving privileges, employment prospects, and financial well-being. Whether you're seeking general information or facing DUI charges, it's important to understand Oklahoma's strict laws and the increasing penalties that accompany each offense.
Specific Penalties for a DUI in Oklahoma
Oklahoma DUI Fine Schedule
In Oklahoma, DUI fines grow with each offense. The penalties are much higher if your blood alcohol level is 0.15 or above or if a child was in the car at the time of arrest. These circumstances are considered especially dangerous.
The state uses financial penalties to highlight the seriousness of impaired driving. Repeat offenders face much higher fines as a way to discourage patterns of dangerous behavior and protect public safety.
First Conviction
Second Conviction
Third Conviction
Fourth+ Conviction
Oklahoma Imprisonment Terms
Oklahoma imposes stricter jail sentences for each DUI conviction. A first offense may result in up to one year of jail time, but higher blood alcohol levels or aggravating factors can increase that penalty.
Repeat offenses lead to mandatory minimum jail stays. The law also requires some jail time to be served consecutively to ensure the offender cannot easily circumvent the sentence.
First Conviction
- 10 days to 1 year imprisonment
- Enhanced penalties for high BAC
Second Conviction
- 1 to 5 years imprisonment
- Enhanced penalties for repeat offense
Third Conviction
- 1 to 10 years imprisonment
- Felony charges possible
Fourth+ Conviction
- Felony: 1 to 20 years imprisonment
- Habitual offender classification possible
Oklahoma Vehicle Impoundment/Immobilization
Oklahoma law may require the offender's vehicle to be impounded after certain DUI convictions. The duration depends on the specific circumstances and prior offenses.
This penalty serves as a deterrent by limiting the offender's immediate ability to drive again. Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture may be ordered, especially for repeat offenders or when the vehicle was used in commission of the offense.
Unless the family has no other transportation:
Oklahoma Driver License Revocation Periods
Losing your driver's license in Oklahoma after a DUI is standard, and the duration depends on the specifics of the offense. First offenses typically result in a suspension that lasts 90 days, but that time increases significantly for repeat offenses.
Multiple offenses lead to much longer revocations. After a fourth conviction, the state revokes your license for five years. In some cases, you may apply for limited driving privileges after serving a minimum period, but this is not guaranteed.
First Offense
- • 6 months suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 6 months suspension
Second Offense
- • 1 year suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 2 years suspension
Third Offense
- • 3 years suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 3 years suspension
Fourth+ Offense
- • 5 years to lifetime revocation
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: Lifetime revocation
Serious DUI Offenses in Oklahoma
Oklahoma treats DUI-related fatalities as serious felonies. DUI manslaughter can carry up to 15 years in prison and a substantial fine. If the driver flees the scene, the charge becomes even more severe.
Vehicular homicide follows a similar pattern. These cases demonstrate how Oklahoma distinguishes common DUI charges from those involving loss of life. The legal consequences reflect the permanent damage caused by one reckless decision.
DUI Manslaughter
- Second degree felony
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Vehicular Homicide
- Second degree felony
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Oklahoma Ignition Interlock Law and Device Guidelines
Oklahoma law mandates ignition interlock devices for certain DUI convictions. The requirements vary based on the offense level and blood alcohol content at the time of arrest. First-time offenders with a BAL of 0.15 or higher must install an ignition interlock device for one year, while those with lower BAC levels require six months.
Repeat offenders face mandatory ignition interlock requirements ranging from two to four years, depending on their BAL and conviction history. The device must be installed by a state-approved provider and requires regular maintenance and monitoring.
All costs associated with the ignition interlock device, including installation, monthly monitoring fees, and removal, are the responsibility of the offender. Tampering with or circumventing the device constitutes a separate criminal offense.
For complete statutory language and the most current information, please refer to:
47 O.S. § 11-902Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
About Low Cost Interlock
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