Minimum Driving Age
- Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC): Available at 15 years and 6 months.
- Probationary Driver’s License: Eligible at 16 years old, after holding a TIPIC for at least 6 months and completing required training.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Available at 18 years old.
Learner’s Permit Rules (TIPIC)
- Supervision:
- Under 16: Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor in the front passenger seat.
- 16 or older: May drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- Under 16: Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor in the front passenger seat.
- Driving Hours: Must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- Driver Education: Must complete a 24-hour classroom or online course and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for all drivers under 18, including hands-free devices.
- Curfew: Driving is not allowed between midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or traveling to or from work, school, or religious events.
License Types
- Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC): For practicing with a licensed adult.
- Probationary Driver’s License: Intermediate license with restrictions for drivers under 18.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Available at 18 years old.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Needed to operate a motorcycle.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Ohio, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or other approved documents.
- Proof of Social Security Number: SSN card or approved document.
- Proof of Ohio Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or school transcript.
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18.
- School Enrollment Verification: May be required for minors.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants.
- Child Restraints:
- Under age 4 or under 40 pounds: Must be in a child safety seat.
- Ages 4 to 8 and under 4’9″ tall: Must use a booster seat.
- Ages 8 through 15: Must use a seatbelt.
- Under age 4 or under 40 pounds: Must be in a child safety seat.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Texting While Driving: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Drivers Under 18: Prohibited from using any electronic communication devices, including cell phones, even in hands-free mode.
DUI/OVI Laws
- Legal BAC Limit:
- 0.08% for drivers 21 and over.
- 0.02% for drivers under 21.
- 0.08% for drivers 21 and over.
- First Offense Penalties:
- License Suspension: Minimum 6 months.
- Fine: $375–$1,075.
- Jail Time: 3 days to 6 months.
- Driver Intervention Program: Mandatory attendance.
- Ignition Interlock Device: May be required.
- License Suspension: Minimum 6 months.
Speed Limits
- Urban Areas: Typically 25–35 mph.
- Rural Highways: Up to 55 mph.
- Interstate Highways: Up to 70 mph.
- School Zones: Generally 20 mph during school hours.
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
- Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety.
- Penalties:
- First Offense: Misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine.
- Subsequent Offenses: Increased penalties, including potential license suspension.
- First Offense: Misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine.
Points System
Ohio operates a demerit point system:
- 12 or more points in a 2-year period: License suspension.
- Examples:
- Speeding: 2–4 points, depending on speed.
- Reckless Driving: 4 points.
- DUI/OVI: 6 points.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: Required minimums:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Recommended.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Under 21: License expires on the 21st birthday.
- 21 and over: Every 4 years.
- Vision Test: Required at every renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations.
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