In various jurisdictions, the term "OVI" stands for "Operating a Vehicle Impaired" or "Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated". It refers to the offense of operating, driving, or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely. Some key points about OVI include:
- OVI is used in some states as an easier-to-prove alternative to DUI, as it does not necessarily require proof that the defendants driving abilities were impaired, but rather that they were operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired.
- OVI laws may also apply to boating, piloting aircraft, farm machinery, horse-drawn carriages, and bicycles.
- OVI is a broader category that includes impairment from alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs.
Overall, OVI is a legal term used to describe the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and its specific definition and legal implications may vary by jurisdiction.
