On November 1, 2025, Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) went into effect, making Oklahoma’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws stricter than ever before.
With the passage of SB 54, those who drive with a minor while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are subject to an aggravated or felony offense in lieu of a standard DUI. This applies to both first-time offenders and those who have been convicted of a DUI more than once.
A DUI Involving a Minor Is Now Considered a Felony
If you’re found driving with anyone under 18 in your car and are convicted of driving under the influence, you will receive a prison sentence, fines, revocation of your driver’s license, and other felony penalties.
Outside of these felony penalties, you are subject to collateral consequences for a DUI conviction if you have a minor in your case. These collateral consequences can include a social stigma that damages your relationships with family and friends, international travel restrictions, and a criminal record that hurts your chances of landing a job, buying a home, or achieving other life milestones.
Along with being a felony, driving under the influence is classified as “aggravated” if it involves a minor. Because of this, if you’re a first-time DUI offender, you are subject to mandatory incarceration and an inpatient alcohol treatment program. You will also be required to place an ignition interlock in your car for a minimum of 30 days, and you will have to complete 480 hours of community service.
What Oklahoma’s Child Endangerment DUI Laws for 2025 Mean for Drivers
The passage of SB 54 increases driving under the influence penalties for motorists who choose to allow a child to travel with them. If you drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a minor as a passenger in your vehicle, you are putting this child in danger. As such, if you are convicted of a DUI, you will face penalties harsher than those you may receive if you were driving alone.
As always, motorists should take every precaution behind the wheel. Rather than risk alcohol-impaired driving, a motorist should consider alternatives. Otherwise, if this individual drives, they can cause an accident that harms others.
Child safety should be a top consideration as well. People should not drive with children if there is any chance that they could put them in danger. If a motorist is driving while intoxicated and has a minor with them, they should expect to be punished to the full extent of Oklahoma law.
What to Do If You Are Charged with a DUI and Child Endangerment in Oklahoma
Seek legal help from an Oklahoma aggravated DUI attorney within days of your arrest. Your lawyer will learn about your criminal charge. They will teach you about the short- and long-term ramifications that will come with a criminal conviction. From here, you and your lawyer can work together to prepare a legal strategy that will resonate in court.
Your lawyer could negotiate a plea deal in which you agree to a lesser charge than the one you initially faced. They may encourage you to go to rehab or do other things to show that you’re taking your DUI and child endangerment charges seriously. With your attorney’s legal guidance and support, you could get your criminal charges lowered or dismissed.