COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio drivers convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence will face stiffer penalties starting Wednesday, as Liv’s Law takes effect, aiming to curb repeat offenders following the death of a young woman killed by a drunk driver.

The legislation, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine after unanimous passage in the Statehouse, increases fines and prison terms for DUI-related offenses, known in Ohio as OVI (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence). Named for Olivia Wright, a 22-year-old killed in September 2020 near Ashville by an impaired driver, the law reflects a push to strengthen what some called lenient state penalties.

Reps. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe, and Kevin Miller, R-Newark, sponsored the bill after a constituent, Bryan Wright, Olivia’s father, highlighted Ohio’s weaker DUI laws compared to other states. “It’s my hope that Liv’s Law will serve as a deterrent for those who repeatedly put lives at risk,” Miller said.

Under the new law, fines for OVI convictions rise by $190, with the minimum penalty for a first offense jumping from $375 to $565 and a second offense from $525 to $715. For aggravated vehicular homicide, the maximum fine increases from $15,000 to $25,000, and the maximum prison sentence extends from 15 to 20 years. Courts can now consider OVI convictions from the past 20 years, up from 10.

Law enforcement gains a new tool with the authorization of oral fluid testing to detect substance use on-site, complementing blood, urine, and breath tests. Refusal to submit to the swab, like other tests, can lead to misdemeanor charges under Ohio’s implied consent laws.

The law also mandates ignition interlock devices—breathalyzers required to start a vehicle—for anyone with two or more OVI charges, removing judicial discretion that previously applied in some second-offense cases.

Introduced in February 2023, Liv’s Law sailed through the legislature without opposition, passing in December 2024. Supporters say it honors Olivia Wright’s memory while addressing a critical public safety issue.

“We’re trying to stop any drunk driver from becoming a repeat offender,” Johnson said. The law takes effect April 9, 2025, marking a significant shift in Ohio’s approach to DUI enforcement.