Ohio Makes BAC Tests Mandatory for Repeat Offenders

Drivers in Ohio who have prior offenses and who are suspected of driving under the influence will be required to take a breathalyzer test to determine their blood alcohol content. If they refuse to take the breath test, the arresting officer can take the driver to get a mandatory blood or urine test.

The law was inspired by a case in which two college students were killed by an 11-time convicted drunk driver.

Under the new law, repeat drunken drivers who have a previous felony on their records, two DUI convictions in the last six years, or five DUI convictions in the last 20 years, must take the breath-alcohol test. Before the law was passed, anyone could refuse the breath test in Ohio.

Website to Display Drunk Drivers

"Driving is a privilege, not a right," said County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh, who helped write the new law. "There is no good reason to make this test optional."

The new law also creates a website that will display the names and pictures of drunken drivers with five or more convictions. The law also mandates monitoring devices for repeat DUI offenders and impounds their vehicles.

In 2005, Hiram College students Grace Chamberlain and Andy Hopkins died when their vehicle was struck by James Cline, who had been convicted of drunken driving 11 times.

More About Drunk Driving:

• Why You Should Never Drink and Drive
  
• The Costs of Drunken Driving
  
• Drunk Driving - The Dangers

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