Oklahoma

Highway safety laws differ from state to state. The summary information here can be used to compare laws in specific categories. We monitor legislative changes and update this information as needed.

DUI/DWI
BAC defined as illegal per se 0.08
Administrative license suspension 1st offense? 180 days
Restore driving privileges during suspension? yes1
RESTRICTIONS ON CELLPHONE USE AND TEXTING
Hand-held ban learner's permit and intermediate license holders
Young drivers all cellphone ban no2
Texting ban learner's permit holders, intermediate license holders, school bus drivers and public transit drivers
Enforcement primary
MAXIMUM POSTED SPEED LIMITS
Rural interstates (mph) 75
Urban interstates (mph) 70
Other limited access roads (mph) 70
Other roads (mph) 70
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
To get a learners license you must:
Have a minimum age of 15, 6 months3
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
Before getting a license or restricted license you must:
Have a mandatory holding period of 6 months
Have a minimum supervised driving time of 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night4
Have a minimum age of 16
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
Restrictions during intermediate or restricted license stage:
Nighttime restrictions 10 p.m.-5 a.m.
Passenger restrictions

(family members excepted unless otherwise noted)		 no more than 1 passenger5
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
Minimum age at which restrictions may be lifted:
Nighttime restrictions 16, 6 months (17 without driver education)
Passenger restrictions 16, 6 months (17 without driver education)
REGULAR LICENSING RENEWAL CYCLE
Length of regular renewal cycle 4 years
OLDER DRIVER SPECIAL LICENSING PROVISIONS
Accelerated renewal none
Other provisions none that are safety related6
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Must be in child restraint 5 years and younger7
Adult safety belt permissible 6 through 12 years
Maximum fine 1st offense $50
Seating preference law states no preference for rear seat
Children not covered 13+ years in rear seat
SAFETY BELT USE
Initial effective date 02/01/87
Standard enforcement? yes; effective 11/01/97
Who is covered? In what seats? 13+ years in front seat
Maximum fine 1st offense $20
Can nonuse decrease monetary awards for injuries in lawsuits? no
MOTORCYCLE HELMET USE
Motorcyclists covered 17 and younger
BICYCLE HELMET USE
Covered by state law no law
PICKUP TRUCKS: RESTRICTIONS ON RIDING IN CARGO AREAS
Restrictions on riding in cargo areas no state law
Gaps in coverage no state law
LOW-SPEED VEHICLES
On which roads are low-speed vehicles permitted? roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less
What is the top speed permissible for low-speed vehicles? 25 mph
MEDIUM-SPEED VEHICLES
On which roads are medium-speed vehicles permitted? roads with a posted limit of 45 mph or less
What is the top speed permissible for medium-speed vehicles? 35 mph
MINITRUCKS
Initial effective date 11/01/08
Where permitted any road except interstate highways
Speed restrictions no
Vehicle classification under state law mini-truck

1Drivers usually must demonstrate special hardship to justify restoring privileges during suspension, and then privileges often are restricted.

2In Oklahoma, learner's permit and intermediate license holders are banned from using a hand-held electronic device while operating a motor vehicle except in life-threatening emergencies.

3In Oklahoma, 15 year-olds may drive, but only while supervised by an instructor.

4In Oklahoma, learner's permit holders may only operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

5In Oklahoma, a person who has been issued an intermediate Class D license shall not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger unless all passengers live in the same household as the custodial legal parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver at least 21 years of age is actually occupying a seat beside the intermediate Class D licensee.

6In Oklahoma, the license fee is reduced for drivers 62-64 and is waived for drivers 65 and older. Mail renewal is available only if the preceding issuance or renewal was done in person by the applicant, regardless of age.

7In Oklahoma, children weighing more than 40 pounds may be belted without a booster seat if they are seated in the rear seat of a vehicle with only lap belts or when the lap and shoulder belts are being used by other children who weigh more than 40 pounds.