Will Ohio police officers give you a ride home if you’re too drunk to drive? What to know
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The holidays are coming up and that means celebrations galore, so get the champagne and cocktails ready. But get your designated driver ready, too.
And well, if you don’t have one at the end of the night and you find yourself too drunk to drive, here’s what you can do:
Will an Ohio police officer give you a ride home if you’re too drunk to drive?
Short answer: no, probably not. There is no law in Ohio saying officers must give someone a ride home if they are too drunk to drive themselves, but it can depend on the station and officer you call at that particular time.
While several Quora users said it is “highly unlikely,” some users said otherwise. In fact, one Quora user wrote in as a police sergeant of 30 years:
“In my jurisdiction, sure will,” said George Whittington. “I worry for your safety. . . But know that I am not your taxi.”
Other determining factors can include how busy your local police station is, how busy your city or town is, if it’s a holiday or not and of course, if the police officer is in a good mood or not. For instance, some officers may simply arrest you, take you to a holding cell and wait until you sleep it off (i.e. “the drunk tank”).
So, since it is not a guarantee that an officer will give you a ride home, it’s best that you look at other options. Here’s what you can do:
Tips for getting a sober ride home
According to the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone dies every 39 minutes due to a drunk driver. This equals over 13,000 lost lives each year.
So, before you go out for a night on the town, it’s best to prepare and make plans ahead of time to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others. Making a plan can include a few things: arranging a ride ahead of time, having somewhere to stay that’s close to you like a hotel or friends house or paying for a taxi later.
If you need a ride home after drinking too much, here are some ride share programs to take advantage of and additional tips:
Book a ride with SafeRide America in your area.
Download Uber or Lyft and find drivers in your area.
If it’s an extra special night out with a big group, consider splitting the cost of a party bus or limo.
Or take the obvious approach and have a designated driver. Phone a friend before you go out or ask a family member nicely. But soften the request with an “I-owe-you” for later on.
Other tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
- If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
- If you see an impaired driver, call 911. And always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
Consequences for driving drunk
One thing you should definitely not do is drive while intoxicated, so you can cross that option right off your list.
If it’s the cost of a ride you’re worried about, don’t be, because driving drunk and getting a DUI will cost you far more than a $20 ride home.
“A DUI conviction can cost you thousands, and leave you with a permanent criminal record. A conviction involves over $1,000 in fines and fees, costs for DUI school and alcohol counseling and years of higher insurance premiums that can really add up,” said a representative with Berry Law Group.
Other consequences include suspended license, jail time and hours of community service.
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
