What is the penalty for a fifth conviction for operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts?

The penalty for a fifth conviction for operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts is a lifetime license suspension. This severe measure reflects the state's strict approach to repeat offenders, emphasizing the serious risks associated with repeated instances of impaired driving. The intent behind such a stringent penalty is to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals who have demonstrated a persistent disregard for traffic laws and the dangers of driving under the influence have their driving privileges revoked indefinitely.

This makes the lifetime suspension a critical component of the legal framework aimed at deterring repeated offenses and protecting the community from the hazards posed by habitual offenders. In comparison, the other options indicate time-limited suspensions, which do not align with the legal consequences stipulated for individuals who have reached a fifth OUI conviction.