In Ohio, the law regarding operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) encompasses various substances, including marijuana. There are four different charges related to marijuana impairment while driving, and it’s essential to understand each one to stay safe on the road.
Charge 1: Impaired driving
If law enforcement catches you driving while impaired by marijuana, they can charge you with operating a vehicle under the influence. This charge focuses on how marijuana affects your behavior and abilities, such as coordination, judgment and reaction times.
Charge 2: Marijuana concentration
If a chemical test shows that you have a certain amount of marijuana in your system (10 ng/mL in urine or 2 ng/mL in blood), they can charge you with operating a vehicle with a concentration of marijuana. This charge doesn’t require proof of impaired driving, just a chemical test that shows the presence of marijuana in your body.
Charge 3: Marijuana metabolite and impairment
If they catch you driving with a specific amount of marijuana metabolite in your system (15 ng/mL in urine or 5 ng/mL in blood) and you also show signs of impairment, law enforcement can charge you with operating a vehicle with a concentration of marijuana metabolite and under the influence. This charge combines both chemical and behavioral evidence.
Charge 4: Marijuana metabolite concentration
If you’re found to have a high concentration of marijuana metabolite in your body (35 ng/mL in urine or 50 ng/mL in blood), you can be charged with operating a vehicle with a concentration of marijuana metabolite. This charge doesn’t require proof of impairment, just the presence of marijuana metabolite in your system.
Penalties for an OVI charge in Ohio can include jail time, fines, license suspension, restricted driving privileges and potentially vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, with severity depending on factors such as prior offenses and test results. It is important to seek legal advice to understand and protect yourself against these charges.
Driving under the influence of marijuana is never worth the risk. These charges highlight the importance of responsible marijuana use and the dangers of driving while impaired. Stay informed and stay safe.