Ohio Driver Laws: Suspension, Safety, Insurance, and DUI Penalties

What is the penalty for driving under suspension in Ohio?

An additional one-year Driver License suspension.

What is prohibited regarding riding on the outside of a vehicle in Ohio?

No person shall hang onto or ride on the outside of any moving motor vehicle.

What are the conditions under which a person under age 16 can ride in the cargo area of a vehicle?

The cargo area must have a secured seat and safety belt, or an emergency must exist, or the passengers must be workers performing maintenance under public agency authority.

What are the requirements for child safety seats in Ohio?

Children under age 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds must be in a child safety seat; children age 4 to under 8 must be in a booster seat unless they are 4'9" or taller; children age 8 to under 15 must be properly restrained with a safety belt.

What is the legal drinking age in Ohio?

21 years or older.

What is the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Ohio?

.08% or higher for all drivers, .04% for commercial drivers, and .02% for drivers under age 21.

What happens if a driver refuses to take a chemical test in Ohio?

The driver will face a suspension of one to five years, starting immediately.

What is the consequence of driving without insurance in Ohio?

License plate impoundment, Driver License suspension, and fines/reinstatement fees.

What are the minimum liability insurance requirements in Ohio?

$25,000 for injury/death of one person, $50,000 for injury/death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.

What is the penalty for Operating a Vehicle after Underage Alcohol Consumption (OVUAC)?

License suspension of three months to two years, a remedial driving course, and possible jail time.

What is the consequence of accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period in Ohio?

The driver will be required to file proof of high-risk insurance.

What are the effects of alcohol on driving ability?

Blurred vision, slowed reaction time, and impaired judgment.

What should children age 12 and younger do in a vehicle for safety?

They should sit in the rear seat to avoid injury from an airbag.

What happens if a driver is involved in a crash resulting in more than $400 in property damage?

They must show proof of financial responsibility (insurance).

What is the consequence for a first refusal to test for alcohol/drugs?

One year license suspension.

What is the consequence for a first test over the limit for alcohol/drugs?

Three months (90 days) license suspension.

What is required when registering a vehicle in Ohio regarding insurance?

A sworn statement that the driver will not operate a vehicle without liability insurance.

What is the penalty for driving with a BAC of .08% or higher?

Immediate confiscation of Driver License and suspension up to five years.

What are the exemptions to child passenger restraint laws in Ohio?

Public safety vehicles, taxicabs, and vehicles not required by law to have safety belts.

What is the consequence for two prior OVI/drug convictions?

Two years license suspension for testing over the limit.

What should drivers do if they suspect they are impaired?

They should not operate a vehicle and seek assistance.

What is the penalty for a driver convicted of OVI five or more times?

Jail time, possible vehicle immobilization or forfeiture, and placement on the Habitual OVI/OMVI Offender Registry.

What is the consequence for a second refusal to test for alcohol/drugs?

Two years license suspension.

What is the consequence for a driver with two prior refusals or OVI/drug convictions?

Three years license suspension.