Ohio Driving Laws

The state of Ohio ranks 35th in size among the 50 states, making it one of the smallest states west of the Appalachian Mountains. But just because Ohio is small in size, doesn’t mean it’s small when it comes to population. In fact, with 11,485,910 residents, Ohio has the 7th largest population in the nation. This means, the state also has its fair share of crowded roads and licensed driver’s – 8,728,546 to date, and counting. Ohio driving laws were created to help keep millions of Ohio residents safe and its motorists informed. These important driving laws are made up of traffic laws, auto insurance laws, DUI laws, and teen driving laws.

Ohio Traffic Laws
According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, in the state of Ohio it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones or ear plugs in both ears. It is also against the law to drive without a seatbelt or allow a front seat passenger to ride without a seatbelt. And finally, at railroad crossings, all vehicles must stop within 50 feet of the crossing, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail if signaled to do so or an approaching train is plainly visible.

Ohio Auto Insurance Laws
In the state of Ohio, auto insurance or proof of financial responsibility (FR) is mandatory. All Ohio motorists must carry minimum auto liability insurance of 12.5/25/7.5, which is equal to $12,500 bodily injury per person, $25,000 bodily injury for two or more people, and $7,500 for property damage. Financial responsibility options include: a Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) bond secured by real estate equity of at least $60,000, a surety bond of $30,000 issued by any authorized surety company, or a BMV certificate for money or government bonds in the amount of $30,000 on deposit with the State Treasurer. Failure to provide proof of insurance upon request could result in a 90-day license suspension and fees ranging from $75-$500.

Ohio DUI laws
Driving under the influence in Ohio means, you have a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For an adult, a BAC of 0.08% may be as little as a few beers or several glasses of wine. If you get caught driving under the influence in the state of Ohio, you will go to jail for at least 72 hours – even if it’s your first offense. You will also have to pay a fine equal to no less than $250 and a maximum of $1,000. Driving under the influence in Ohio means, you have a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Ohio Teen Driving Laws
All Ohio teens must make it through the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing program before the state will grant full driving privileges. Teen drivers are eligible to begin the program at age 15 ½. To begin the program, Ohio teens must obtain a temporary instruction permit by providing the BMV with proof of age, a social security number, proof of identity, and the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Under the instruction permit, the teen will complete a class, plus 50 hour of supervised driving. After 6 months the teen is eligible for a probationary license that allows the teen to drive unsupervised during the day. If the teen follows all traffic laws (see first section), he may obtain an unrestricted license at age 18.

It doesn’t matter if you hold an instruction permit or unrestricted license, all Ohio teen drivers must follow the state’s DUI laws. Simply put, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. This basically means, Ohio has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Offenders with a temporary permit or a probationary license will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of 6 months. Unrestricted license holders might suffer the same consequences as adult drivers.

For more information about Ohio Driving laws, Ohio driving statistics, and more, please visit:

Ohio Auto Insurance – AutoInsuranceTips.com

http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/ – Ohio Department of Public Safety, Department of Motor Vehicles

http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/driver_license/gdl.htm – Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Graduated Driver Licensing Program

http://www.census.gov/ – United States Census Bureau