Oklahoma’s New DUI Law Starts November 1, 2025. The state of Oklahoma will implement major reforms to its driving-under-the-influence (DUI) laws. They significantly raise the stakes for drivers charged with DUI. These changes expand when a DUI may be charged as a felony and impose more severe consequences for impairing driving in certain aggravating circumstances. For anyone facing a DUI in Oklahoma — or advising someone who is — the landscape has shifted. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing in the DUI Law?
Here are the key triggers under the new Senate Bill 54 (and related reform statutes) — effective November 1, 2025. In Oklahoma, that may cause a typical DUI/APC charge to escalate into a felony or aggravated DUI.
- Oklahoma’s New DUI Law allows a first-time DUI to be enhanced; even a first-time DUI may be elevated to a felony and is treated as an aggravated DUI if certain conditions are met.
- Among the new aggravating factors:
- A blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher than the legal limit. This means that as little as 3 drinks in an hour may lead to felony DUI
- If you are in an accident and above the legal limit, the DUI is enhanced to a felony. This includes any accident, even if it doesn’t result in someone’s death or serious bodily injury
- Driving DUI with a minor passenger in the vehicle. Formally, this was charged separately as child neglect, but after November 1st, the first time DUI itself is charged as a felony
- Speeding or reckless driving while impaired is now a felony. This one is particularly worrisome as it allows the arresting officer lots of discretion that leads to an aggravated DUI.
- Attempting to flee law enforcement or engaging in unsafe passing / crossing the center‐line violations while impaired may also enhance the DUI to a felony.
- The legislation is found in the text of Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), along with House Bill 2827 (HB 2827) which is considered in drafting SB 54
- Its important to note that as of November 1st, 2025, if you are found guilty of a DUI and its been enhanced to a felony, there may be mandatory jail time. It’s still unclear how local District Attorneys will handle the new law, but in Tulsa, we expect the State to ask for at least some jail time.
Impact on People Charged With Oklahoma’s New DUI Law
The reforms reshape both the risks and the defense strategy for anyone arrested for DUI in Oklahoma.
Higher stakes and broader felony risk
Oklahoma’s New DUI Law can have a profound impact on first-time offenders. What was once considered a routine misdemeanor DUI can now expose a first-time driver to felony prosecution under the updated statutes. This shift dramatically expands the range of potential penalties. Some of those include the possibility of jail time, extended driver’s license suspensions, and significantly longer waiting periods before the offense can be expunged from one’s record. In short, a first DUI conviction in Oklahoma is no longer a minor legal matter.
Call a DUI Attorney Near You
Oklahoma’s New DUI Law goes into effect in November 2025. If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI under Oklahoma’s new laws, don’t face it alone. The penalties are tougher than ever, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. Contact the Tulsa DUI attorneys at Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our DUI defense team knows the courts, the prosecutors. Through this, they know the strategies needed to protect your license, your record, and your future. Call us now to get the aggressive defense you deserve. Call 918. 416.0358. Or you can ask a free online legal question from our website.