FAQ - DUI / OVI Penalties in Columbus & Central Ohio (Part 2)

Q: What are yellow license plates?
A: In Ohio, yellow license plates with red lettering are known as “restricted” license plates. The yellow plates are ordered by the court, and tell other vehicles that the driver had limited driving privileges. In order for limited driving privileges to be valid, restricted plates must remain on the vehicle for the duration of the license suspension.

Q: Does everyone charged with DUI / OVI get yellow license plates?
A: In some cases, yellow license plates are an optional part of the sentence, ordered at the judge’s discretion. In some circumstances, they are a mandatory part of the sentence. For a first offense, or for an administrative license suspension, the judge may (but is not required to) require restricted plates as a condition of the person receiving driving privileges. Individuals convicted of DUI / OVI as a first offense that involves a “high test,” a second offense or more within ten years, or a fourth offense or more within 20 year period, the judge must order restricted plates as a condition of limited driving privileges.

Q: What is ignition interlock
A: An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer that is connected to a car's ignition system. In order to start the car, an individual has to blow into the breathalyzer and have a breath alcohol concentration level below a predetermined limit. If the breathalyzer registers a breath alcohol concentration higher than the predetermined limit, the device prevents the car from starting. Data from the device is uploaded to the database of the IID company, manually or wirelessly. Results are made available to the court, to allow court officials to determine if any violations have occurred.

Q: Does everyone charged with DUI / OVI get an ignition interlock?
A: In some cases, ignition interlocks are an optional part of the sentence, ordered at the judge’s discretion. In some circumstances, they are a mandatory part of the sentence. In cases where individuals are convicted of DUI / OVI as a first offense, the judge may order an ignition interlock as a condition of granting limited driving privileges.  For first-time-offenders, judges may also grant unlimited driving privileges with ignition interlock. In repeat DUI / OVI cases, the ignition interlock is a mandatory condition of granting limited driving privileges. Ignition interlock may also be ordered as a condition of limited driving privileges for Administrative License Suspensions. 

Q: What is S.C.R.A.M?
A: S.C.R.A.M, also known as Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring, is an ankle bracelet that takes samples of perspiration on the skin to monitor and report blood alcohol levels. The bracelet takes continuous measurements and transmits data wirelessly to the SCRAM company’s computer system. The computer system analyzes and generates reports summarizing the data. If the data indicates that alcohol was consumed, the court is notified, and a hearing is held to determine if the defendant violated the SCRAM order.

Q: Does everyone charged with DUI / OVI get S.C.R.A.M?
A: SCRAM may be ordered, at the judge’s discretion, as part of a sentence in any DUI / OVI case. Scram is a mandatory part of a DUI / OVI sentence in the following circumstances: 1) as a condition of limited driving privileges if there is a violation of an ignition interlock order; 2) as a condition of limited driving privileges if the defendant has more than one DUI / OVI conviction; 3) for violations of unlimited driving privileges court orders; and 4) for felony DUI / OVI cases.

Our practice is focused on DUI / OVI defense, we have experience with cases involving DUI / OVI penalties, and we represent clients that are contesting DUI / OVI charges in Columbus and central Ohio. For more information about our practice, please see the firm overview. You can also see what clients say and review our past case results. We limit the number of cases we accept so we can provide outstanding service to our clients. If you would like to discuss how we can help with your DUI / OVI, EMAIL US or call us at 614-717-1177 to arrange a free consultation.