Wood County License Hearing Guide

Navigating the DMV After a DUI in Wood County, Ohio: A Practical Guide

If you've been arrested for a DUI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired - OVI) in Wood County, Ohio, understanding the administrative processes of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is crucial, especially regarding license suspensions and reinstatement. This guide provides specific information to help you navigate the BMV requirements in Wood County.

Understanding Your License Suspension

An OVI arrest in Wood County triggers an immediate Administrative License Suspension (ALS). This suspension begins immediately at the time of arrest if you either failed a chemical test (blood, breath, or urine) with a result at or above the legal limit, or if you refused to submit to testing. The length of the ALS depends on prior OVI offenses and the circumstances of your arrest.

• First Offense: Suspension of 90 days to 3 years.
• Second Offense (within 10 years): Suspension of 1 to 5 years.
• Third Offense (within 10 years): Suspension of 2 to 10 years.
• Fourth Offense (within 10 years): Suspension of 3 years to permanent revocation.

It's important to note that this ALS is separate from any suspension imposed by the court as part of your criminal case. If convicted of OVI, the court will likely impose an additional suspension.

BMV Reinstatement Requirements

After your suspension period ends, you are not automatically eligible to drive. You must actively reinstate your driving privileges through the BMV. The specific requirements for reinstatement in Wood County include:

1. Payment of Reinstatement Fee: The reinstatement fee is typically $475. This fee can be paid online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.
2. Proof of Insurance (SR-22): You will likely be required to obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company. This form certifies that you have the minimum required liability insurance coverage in Ohio. You must maintain SR-22 insurance for a period of 3-5 years, depending on the circumstances of your OVI.
3. Completion of Any Court-Ordered Programs: If the court ordered you to complete a driver intervention program, alcohol treatment, or any other program, you must provide proof of completion to the BMV.
4. Passing the Driving Tests: Depending on the length of your suspension and your driving record, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and/or the driving skills test.
5. Application for Reinstatement: You must complete an application for reinstatement and submit it to the BMV.

Wood County BMV Locations

While the Ohio BMV has a central website, you'll likely need to visit a local office for certain reinstatement procedures. The closest BMV locations to Wood County are:

• Bowling Green Deputy Registrar: 1031 S Main St, Bowling Green, OH 43402
• Perrysburg Deputy Registrar: 13367 Eckel Junction Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551

It's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm their hours of operation and to ask about any specific requirements for your situation.

Navigating the Impound and Towing Process

Beyond the BMV, another immediate concern after an OVI arrest is retrieving your vehicle. In Wood County, this process can be complex due to the use of private towing companies.

Bowling Green Police Division (BGPD) Arrests:

If arrested by BGPD, your vehicle is in the "constructive custody" of the police, even if it's physically at a tow yard. You must obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the BGPD station at 175 West Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402 before going to the tow yard. The Records Division will verify your identity and check for any "release conditions," such as unpaid fines. If you have unpaid fines, you may not be able to retrieve your vehicle until they are paid.

Sheriff's Office or OSHP Arrests:

If arrested by the Wood County Sheriff's Office or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the process is slightly different. The Sheriff's deputy will place a "Hold" on the vehicle only if it's evidence or subject to forfeiture. If no hold is placed, you can proceed directly to the tow yard with proof of ownership and a valid ID. However, you need to determine which towing company was used. This information should be on the tow slip given at the time of arrest.

Key Friction Points and How to Avoid Them

• The "Authorized Person" Nuance: Due to the ALS, you may not be able to drive your vehicle off the lot yourself. You'll need an "Authorized Person" with a valid driver's license to retrieve it. If you cannot be present, you'll need a notarized authorization form or limited power of attorney.
• Unpaid Fines: Ensure all outstanding fines are paid to avoid delays in retrieving your vehicle.
• Lost Tow Slip: If you lost the tow slip, contact the Wood County Sheriff's Office to determine which towing company has your vehicle.

Next Steps

After an OVI arrest in Wood County, your immediate next steps should include:

1. Contacting an attorney to discuss your legal options.
2. Determining the location of your impounded vehicle and the requirements for its release.
3. Understanding the terms of your ALS and the requirements for reinstatement.

For information about bond posting, you can visit the Bowling Green Municipal Court or the Bowling Green Police Department, which are open 24/7 for this purpose.