Oklahoma Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Alcohol is sold by private retailers in Oklahoma, while grocery and convenience stores sell low alcohol beer. The hours that alcohol may be served or sold are at the digression of local ordinances.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
As in all states, at 21 years of age, a person can legally drink alcohol. At 18, a person can work as a bartender or server that sells alcohol, or may transport alcohol.

Open Container Laws
All alcohol that has been previously opened must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle due to open container laws. This is so the driver and passenger do not have access.

BAC Limits
If a person tests (breath, blood, or urine) with a BAC (blood-alcohol content) of .08 or higher, they are considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and can be arrested and convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) without further evidence.

If a driver has a BAC level that is .15 percent or more over the maximum legal intoxication limit of .08 percent, they are subject to more harsh penalties.

‘Zero tolerance laws’ attempt to deter underage drivers from drinking. If a driver under the legal age of 21 tests with any BAC level, they face DUI penalties.

Penalties
If a driver does not comply with an officer’s request to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine their level of intoxication when they are suspected of being under the influence, they can face penalties due to ‘implied consent laws.’ Their refusal can result in the mandatory suspension of their driver’s license for up to one year.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) can suspend a driver’s license for 30 days for the first offense, six months for the second offense, and one year for the third offense.

The state is able to confiscate a driver’s vehicle either permanently or temporarily due to a DUI conviction, mainly for repeat offenders. The installation of an ignition interlock device is also a penalty option, which requires the driver to take a breath-test before the vehicle will start. The offender may also be required to undergo alcohol education, treatment, or assessment for alcohol abuse in certain circumstances.

After the first conviction, DUI is considered a felony.