Drink-driving limits in Ohio (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: State drink-driving rules for this state have not yet been verified.

Rule	What applies
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	A person under 21 may not operate a vehicle with a concentration of 0.02% or more but less than 0.08% alcohol in whole blood (or the equivalent in breath, serum or urine). ^[1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	A person may not drive a commercial motor vehicle with a measurable or detectable amount of alcohol in the blood, breath or urine, or with an alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more by whole blood or breath. ^[2]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	First offence at 0.08% to under 0.17%: a first-degree misdemeanour with a mandatory jail term of three consecutive days (total jail up to six months), a fine of $375 to $1,075 and a licence suspension of one to three years. Higher penalties apply to repeat offences and higher concentrations. ^[1]

Notes

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
Ohio	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicles)	⚠ Not yet verified	Fine $375-$1,075, min. 3 days jail
Kentucky	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	Any alcohol; 0.04% = DUI	Yes, traffic safety checkpoints	Up to 30 days; $200-$500 fine
Michigan	0.08%	Any alcohol (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 15 yrs / USD 10,000 (death)
Pennsylvania	0.08%	0.02% (minors)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	First: misdemeanour, $300 fine
West Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% commercial	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 6 months; $100-$500 fine

Cannabis
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph on some state routes · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (probationary licence; full at 18) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 6 mths (temporary permit)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, from licensed retailers · Minimum age to buy: 18
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not a weapon unless used as one
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.00 per hour (larger employers)
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (calls at the ear allowed) · Hands-free use: Allowed
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only children under 16
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (sales to under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales to under 21 banned)

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.