How Long Do I Have to Keep DUI Party Plates in Ohio?

Posted On: February 4th, 2025 by Bradley J. Groene
How Long Do I Have to Keep DUI Party Plates in Ohio?

If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) in Ohio and granted limited driving privileges, you may be required to install special yellow license plates with red lettering on your vehicle — commonly called “party plates” or “whiskey plates.”

These restricted plates publicly signal a DUI/OVI conviction to law enforcement and other drivers. Prior to 2004, Ohio judges had discretion over ordering DUI plates. Today, these yellow plates are mandatory under specific circumstances, particularly if you have a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or multiple DUI/OVI convictions within the past decade.

If you need legal guidance on DUI license plate requirements in Ohio, contact Cincinnati DUI lawyer Brad Groene at (513) 338-1890.

When Are DUI Party Plates Required in Ohio?

Ohio law mandates the use of restricted yellow plates in several situations, including:

In these cases, party plates are a condition for obtaining limited driving privileges, such as commuting to work, school, or medical appointments, while your regular driving rights are suspended.

You may not need to display restricted plates if you are not applying for limited driving privileges. Family members can still drive your vehicle with regular plates if they are fully licensed.

Which Vehicles Must Have Restricted Plates?

You must install the restricted plates on any vehicle you intend to drive during your restricted privileges. You may need to purchase these plates for more than one car. It does not matter if you are not the vehicle’s registered owner at the time. You are not allowed to drive any car that does not feature the party plates.

There is one exception. You do not have to put restricted plates on a work vehicle if your employer has been notified of your limited driving rights, the reason for these restrictions, and proof of the employer’s knowledge of these circumstances is within the vehicle.

How Long Must You Keep DUI Party Plates in Ohio?

You must display the yellow restricted plates for the entire duration of your limited driving privileges. This period typically lasts:

  • 6 months at a minimum
  • Up to 3 years depending on the severity of the offense and terms of the suspension

You can only remove the DUI plates and replace them with standard Ohio plates once your full driver’s license privileges have been officially reinstated through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Driving without required DUI plates during your suspension can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, extended license suspension, and loss of limited driving privileges.

How to Apply for Ohio DUI Restricted Plates

If ordered to use restricted plates, you must:

  • Complete an Application for Registration of a Motor Vehicle with Restricted Plates (available from the Ohio BMV).
  • Obtain court approval for your application.
  • Visit the BMV to surrender your regular plates and purchase the new yellow restricted plates.

Costs vary slightly by county but expect an additional administrative fee beyond regular plate registration costs.

Read Beyond Just Jail. The Penalties for a First Offense OVI in Ohio

Facing DUI License Plate Requirements? Call a Cincinnati DUI Lawyer

You will have a visible reminder of your DUI conviction on your car every day until your full driving privileges are reinstated. This could be for 6 months or up to 3 years. That is why it is crucial you work with a skilled DUI defense attorney right away after being charged with a DUI or notified of an administrative license suspension.

At LHA, Brad Groene will immediately fight for your driving privileges to be fully reinstated. If you cannot obtain your rights in full, he knows how to demonstrate to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the court that you need to be able to drive to school, work or doctor’s appointments. Brad will also fight for the minimum suspension duration possible under the law.

Attorney Brad Groene has extensive experience defending DUI/OVI cases across Cincinnati and Hamilton County. He will fight to:

  • Challenge the suspension of your driving privileges
  • Negotiate for the minimum license suspension period
  • Minimize penalties such as mandatory yellow plates
  • Pursue full reinstatement of your driving rights as soon as possible

Contact Brad Groene of Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP at (513) 338-1890 to learn more about Ohio DUI party plates.