What happens if a driver refuses a chemical test after an OWI arrest?

When a driver refuses to submit to a chemical test after being arrested for operating while intoxicated (OWI), the primary consequence is a one-year suspension of their driver's license. This aligns with Indiana's implied consent laws, which indicate that individuals operating a vehicle implicitly agree to submit to chemical testing when requested by law enforcement. Refusal to comply with this testing results in administrative penalties, specifically the one-year suspension.

Understanding the reason behind the legal framework is crucial. The purpose of these consequences is to discourage individuals from refusing tests, which are instrumental in determining blood alcohol content and driving impairment. The penalties aim to maintain road safety and deter impaired driving. While other possibilities exist for consequences of subsequent offenses or additional legal violations, the standard immediate penalty for the first instance of refusal is indeed a one-year suspension of the license.