OVI Safety & Don't Drink and Drive
Road-safety information and practical ways to avoid impaired driving.
Safety Comes First
Driving after drinking or using an impairing substance can create serious risks for you, your passengers, and everyone else using the road. The safest choice is simple: if you are impaired, do not drive.
Don't Drink & Drive
If you plan to drink, make transportation arrangements before drinking begins. A sober driver, rideshare, taxi, public transportation, or another safe option can help prevent an impaired-driving decision later.
What Is OVI?
OVI generally refers to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. Ohio law addresses impaired operation of vehicles and establishes legal limits and other rules relating to impaired driving.
This page provides general road-safety and public-information material. It is not a substitute for legal advice or individualized advice from a qualified attorney.
How to Prevent Impaired Driving
Plan Before You Drink
Decide how you will get home before consuming alcohol. Planning ahead removes the need to make a transportation decision after drinking.
Choose a Sober Driver
If someone in your group agrees to drive, that person should remain sober and avoid alcohol or other impairing substances.
Use Alternative Transportation
Consider a rideshare service, taxi, public transportation, or another transportation option when driving is not safe.
Never Rely on Guesswork
Feeling capable of driving does not establish that you are legally or safely able to operate a vehicle. If impairment is possible, choose another way home.
Simple Steps for a Safer Night Out
Make a transportation plan
Decide where you will stay or how you will return home before the evening begins.
Keep the plan available
Make sure your transportation option remains accessible if your plans change.
Do not drive if you become impaired
Do not attempt to determine whether you are safe to drive based solely on how you feel.
Help friends make a safe choice
If someone who has been drinking is preparing to drive, encourage a safer transportation option.
Understanding OVI Checkpoint Information
OVI checkpoints are enforcement activities conducted by law-enforcement agencies. Information about checkpoint dates, times, and locations may be publicly published by agencies or reported by other public sources.
OVICheckpoint.com is an independent public-information website. We share information that may already be publicly available and provide educational road-safety information.
OVICheckpoint.com does not conduct, operate, organize, schedule, control, or manage OVI checkpoints.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Drinking?
If you have consumed alcohol, the safest approach is not to drive. Instead, use a sober driver, rideshare or taxi service, public transportation, stay where you are, or use another transportation option that does not require you to operate a vehicle.
Do not attempt to drive simply because your destination is nearby. Impairment can affect judgment, reaction time, coordination, and attention, creating risks even during a short trip.
OVICheckpoint.com is not affiliated with, operated by, or endorsed by any government agency or law-enforcement department. Checkpoint information is presented as public information and should not be interpreted as an official government announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest choice after drinking?
Do not drive. Arrange a sober driver, rideshare, taxi, public transportation, or another safe transportation option.
Can I drive if I only had one drink?
Alcohol affects people differently, and the number of drinks alone cannot establish whether someone is safe or legally permitted to drive. If you have been drinking, using another transportation option avoids the risk of impaired driving.
Does OVICheckpoint.com operate OVI checkpoints?
No. OVICheckpoint.com is an independent public-information website and does not conduct, operate, organize, or control OVI checkpoints.
Where does checkpoint information come from?
Information published on this website may come from publicly available sources. Readers should verify important details with the relevant official source when appropriate.
Is this page legal advice?
No. This page provides general educational and road-safety information. For advice about a specific legal situation, consult a qualified Ohio attorney.
Stay Safe on Ohio Roads
Responsible driving starts before you get behind the wheel. If alcohol or another impairing substance may be involved, make a transportation plan that does not depend on you driving.
Don't Drink & Drive. Protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road.