Ohio Facts
The information below is updated periodically but things often change between updates. Do not rely on this information without checking with another source.
If you see an error, let us know at nma@motorists.org
Points of Interest
Ohio is notorious for small town speed traps and speed enforcement excesses.
You will be fined heavily if you don't file an accident report with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 30 days.
Speed Limits
Absolute
Interstates
Prima Facie
all other roads
 |
|
| Urban | 35 mph |
| Rural | 55 mph |
| Four-lane highways | *65 mph |
| Interstates | *65 mph |
Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
|
|
|
| Pacing | Yes |
| Radar | Yes |
| Vascar | Yes |
| Photo Radar | No |
| Aircraft | Yes |
| Laser | Yes |
Tickets
Tickets can be paid in person. Tickets can also be paid by mail in certain jurisdictions for the first offense.
Trial By Declaration Allowed
Guided by local courts.
Jury Trial Allowed
|
|
|
| Speeding | *Yes |
| Parking | *Yes |
| Equipment | *Yes |
| DWI | *Yes |
Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes
Member of Driver License Compact
Yes
When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $400 must be reported immediately to the local authorities. Accidents must also be reported in writing within 30 days to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Resident Insurance Requirements
Compulsory insurance law.
Minimum limits: $12,500/25,000/7,500.
Regulations
- Open intoxicants are prohibited in the vehicle.
- The BAC level is .08%. Under age 18 BAC level is .02%.
- Ohio has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 1-year driver's license suspension.
- Rifles, shotguns, and handguns must be transported in a cased and unloaded condition; firearms carried in the passenger compartment must be cased and unloaded or in plain view with the actions open and unloaded.
- Studded tires are permitted from November 1 to April 15.
- Tire chains are not required.
- Ohio has a secondary enforcement seat belt law.
- Ohio has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 5 years of age and weighing less than 40 pounds, requiring the use of approved car safety seats.
- Ohio has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law for persons under 18 years of age and for persons with less than one year of experience.
- If you get stopped with a rider on a motorcycle under 18 with no helmet, you can be written a "Endangering the welfare of a child" ticket.
- Registration is not required to be carried in the vehicle. Insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.
General Information
Telephone: 614/466-2660
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: 911 or DUI (384)