Gavin Howe
Ohio's Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes if possible when approaching vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This law aims to protect people working or stranded on the roadside, such as police officers, construction workers, and tow truck operators. Violating this law can result in fines, penalties, and even imprisonment, depending on the driver's record. For example, a first-time offender with a clean record will receive a $300 fine, while repeat offenders or those with prior traffic violations may face higher fines or jail time. Understanding and complying with Ohio's Move Over Law is crucial for ensuring the safety of those working or stranded on the roadside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the law | Requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if possible to do so safely, if there are vehicles stopped on the side of the road |
| Vehicles the law applies to | Emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and any vehicle with flashing lights (including construction vehicles) |
| Purpose of the law | To protect police officers, construction workers, and tow truck operators |
| Penalty for violating the law | Ticket, fine, and possible imprisonment depending on the driver's previous record |
| Fine amount for first violation | $300 |
| Fine amount for second violation within a year | $500 and up to 30 days in jail |
| Fine amount for third violation within a year | $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail |
What You'll Learn
Fines for breaking Ohio's Move Over Law
Ohio's Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down and move over, if it is safe to do so, when passing vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This law was expanded in 2013 to include any vehicle with flashing lights, such as construction vehicles, in addition to emergency vehicles and tow trucks.
Fines for failing to comply with Ohio's Move Over Law vary depending on the motorist's previous driving record. For a first violation, a motorist with a clean driving record over the past year will be fined $300. However, if the motorist has been previously ticketed for violating the Move Over Law or any other traffic law in the past year, it is considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor, resulting in a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. If the motorist has been ticketed twice or more for any traffic violations in the past year, a violation of the Move Over Law is a third-degree misdemeanor, carrying a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
In addition to fines, a violation of Ohio's Move Over Law can lead to other consequences, such as an increase in insurance rates or even policy cancellation. It is important to note that these fines and penalties are subject to change over time, and seeking legal advice from a qualified traffic attorney in Ohio is recommended.
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Imprisonment for violating the law
Ohio's Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if it is safe to do so, when passing vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and any other vehicles with flashing lights, such as construction vehicles. The law aims to protect individuals who work at the side of the road, such as police officers, construction workers, and tow truck operators.
Violating Ohio's Move Over Law can result in fines, points on your license, and even imprisonment, depending on the driver's previous driving record. If a driver has a clean record but is pulled over for violating the Move Over Law, they will be fined $300. However, if the driver has been ticketed for violating the Move Over Law or any other traffic law in the past year, it is considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. If the motorist has been ticketed twice or more in the past year for any traffic violations, then a ticket for violating the Move Over Law is considered a third-degree misdemeanor, carrying a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
It is important to note that even a single ticket for violating the Move Over Law can have significant consequences beyond just the monetary fine. Automobile insurance rates may increase, and in some cases, policies may even be canceled. As such, it is advisable to consult an attorney to discuss legal options and potentially fight the ticket to avoid these additional repercussions.
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Points on your driving record
In Ohio, points are added to your driving record for committing certain traffic violations. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is responsible for recording and maintaining records of convictions for violations of state laws or municipal ordinances related to vehicle operations. The court clerk sends a certified abstract to the BMV, which then uses a predetermined table to assign points to your driver's license.
The number of points assigned for common moving violations in Ohio includes:
- Two points for speeding 30 mph or less over the limit, most other moving violations, and tailgating.
- Four points for speeding 30 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles per hour, and operating a motor vehicle with an unlawful alcohol concentration under the age of 21.
- Six points for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI), leaving the scene of an accident, driving under a suspended license, vehicular homicide, willful fleeing of a law enforcement officer, operating a vehicle without the owner's consent, and using a motor vehicle to commit a felony.
If you accumulate six points within a two-year period, the BMV will issue a warning letter listing the violations and corresponding points. If you receive 12 or more points within two years, you will be sent a suspension letter with information on reinstating your license, which may include passing a remedial driving course, filing proof of insurance, and retaking the driver's license exam.
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License suspension
In Ohio, a driver's license can be suspended for several reasons, including alcohol-related suspensions, insurance suspensions, and accumulating too many points on a driving record. If you continue to drive with a suspended license, you may face penalties such as fines and jail time.
Ohio has a point-based system for license suspensions, where drivers receive points for specific violations. If a driver accumulates 12 points or more within a two-year period, their license will be suspended for six months. The two-year period starts from the date of the first conviction, not necessarily from January 1 of that year. Once the suspension period ends, the driver may need to pay a reinstatement fee, take a remedial driving course, and possibly retake a driving exam to regain their driving privileges.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains records of convictions for violations of state laws or municipal ordinances related to vehicle operations. Once a traffic conviction is finalized in an Ohio court, the court must provide BMV with the details of the conviction and the number of points assessed. If a driver accumulates six points within a two-year period, BMV is required to issue a warning letter outlining the suspension provisions and reinstatement requirements.
It's important to note that even if your license is suspended in Ohio but issued by another state, you may still lose your driving privileges in both states. While your home state may not always acknowledge the suspension, you will still need to address the charges in Ohio.
To avoid a license suspension, it's crucial to keep your driving points low and avoid driving under the influence. If you believe you were wrongly ticketed, you should consider fighting the ticket in court. Attending driving courses can also help remove points from your record.
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The law's impact on insurance rates
In Ohio, insurance companies determine rates based on a driver's history. Therefore, as long as speeding tickets or any moving violation stay on a driver's record, they can expect to pay more for insurance.
In Ohio, a speeding ticket can increase insurance premiums by 18% on average. The more miles per hour over the speed limit, the higher the insurance rates.
Insurance companies will designate drivers with speeding tickets on their record as high-risk, and charge them higher rates than those with a clean driving record.
In Ohio, a speeding ticket will stay on a driver's record for three years.
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Frequently asked questions
Ohio's Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if possible to do so safely, if there are vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This includes emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and any vehicle with flashing lights, such as construction vehicles.
Violating Ohio's Move Over Law is considered a minor misdemeanor. The first violation carries a substantial $300 fine, with fines escalating for each subsequent violation. If a driver has a clean record but is pulled over for this violation, they will be assessed a $300 fine. If the driver has been ticketed for any traffic law in the past year, it is a fourth-degree misdemeanor with a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail. If the motorist has been ticketed twice or more in the past year for any traffic violations, it is a third-degree misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) records and maintains convictions for violations of vehicle operation laws. Once a traffic conviction is final, the court furnishes the BMV with the number of points assessed. Accumulating 12 or more points over a two-year period will result in a license suspension.
Speeding 30 mph or less over the limit is 2 points, while speeding 30 mph or more over is 4 points. Most other moving violations are 2 points. Texting while driving, following too closely, and speeding less than 25 mph over the limit are also considered 2-point violations. Reckless driving, exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence are examples of 4-point violations.
