Ohio, ‘Party Plates’

In Ohio, if you’ve been convicted of an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) and are granted limited driving privileges, you may be required to use special license plates. These are officially known as “restricted license plates,” but are more commonly called “party plates.” They are bright yellow with distinctive red lettering. Your lawyer will explain that if the court orders you to use them, you are responsible for paying for and installing them on your vehicle.

For some charges, such as a first-time OVI, these plates may be optional. However, for more serious offenses, including any OVI after your first one, they become mandatory. A key point to remember is that these plates must be on whichever vehicle you drive during your limited driving period, regardless of who owns it. The only exception is for a company vehicle, but in this case, your employer must be officially notified of your restricted driving status. You cannot switch back to your regular plates until the entire period of your limited driving privileges has been served, which could range from months to several years depending on your case. If you have questions about how these requirements apply to your situation, speaking with a New Castle DUI lawyer from Youngstown Criminal Law Group can help you understand your obligations and options.

When are Party Plates Required?

In Ohio, the requirement for restricted license plates varies based on the specifics of the OVI offense. While they are optional in some cases, in others, they are mandatory. A New Castle criminal lawyer can clarify your specific situation.

• 1st Offense OVI – Optional
• 1st Offense with a high BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) – Mandatory
• 2nd Offense or more within a ten-year period – Mandatory
• 4th Offense or more within a twenty-year period – Mandatory

If party plates are made a condition of your limited driving privileges, you must complete a specific form called an “application for registration of a motor vehicle with restricted plates.” This application needs to be approved by a judge, magistrate, or another court official. Once approved, you take the form to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office, turn in your old plates, and purchase the new restricted ones. It’s crucial to understand that your limited driving privileges are not considered valid until these plates are properly installed on your car.

What Can I Do to Keep From Being Forced to Have Party Plates?

While some individuals might not be fazed by the yellow and red plates, for many, they are the most undesirable consequence of an OVI conviction. Working with a New Castle DUI lawyer is your best strategy.

If you strongly object to the idea of having party plates on your car, you have the right to contest the OVI charge by pleading not guilty. This is a significant decision and should not be made without professional legal advice. OVI laws are notoriously complex and are subject to frequent changes. Navigating the justice system effectively requires an attorney with specialized and ongoing training in every facet of OVI law, from roadblocks and field sobriety tests to the intricate court process. Only an experienced New Castle criminal lawyer specializing in OVI defense can provide the productive guidance needed to navigate a trial and achieve the desired outcome.

Though Ohio judges have had the authority to order party plates since 1967, their use became mandatory for certain offenses in 2004.

Driving a vehicle with these bright yellow and red plates inevitably attracts attention. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment and anxiety, as other drivers will know you have an OVI conviction. This public exposure can have far-reaching consequences; your colleagues might see the plates and inform your boss, potentially affecting your career prospects, including promotions or even job security. Your neighbors will also be aware of your criminal charge. Furthermore, it might cause law enforcement to scrutinize you and your vehicle more closely than they otherwise would.

If you are facing a license suspension and need to drive to work or school, or if you want to challenge the party plate requirement, it is vital to contact a New Castle DUI lawyer like Sean Logue at (330) 992-3036. Sean possesses the critical qualities you need in an attorney: he is dedicated, aggressive, and exceptionally knowledgeable about OVI law. He is available 24/7 to discuss your case and offers flat-fee arrangements and payment plans to make legal representation more accessible.

For those interested in further details about OVI law and restricted license plates in Ohio, you can refer to the Ohio Revised Code, Title 45, Chapter 4511.19.