How Many Points to Suspend a License in Ohio: A Complete Guide
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The state of Ohio uses a points system to assess the severity of traffic violations. Essentially, the more points you get, the more likely you are to be fined or face a license suspension. You could even lose your license outright if you're a serial offender.
Under this system, it's natural to wonder, "How many points to suspend a license in Ohio?" This guide answers that question and more, breaking down Ohio's points system and explaining how it may affect your driving privileges.
Understanding Ohio's Driver's License Point System
Points are tied to your driver's license, which is the document that encompasses your driving record. You'll get points added to your record when you commit a traffic violation, like a speeding ticket or parking in an illegal spot. These points fall off your driving record after a sustained period of safe driving.
However, if you accrue 12 points within a two-year period, you'll face license suspension. Before you get to that point, you may face other penalties and fines.
Categories of Traffic Violations
Ohio assigns two, four, or six points to different types of offenses.
Two-Point Offenses
Most moving violations are two-point offenses, including:
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
- Failure to yield
- Running a stop sign
- Driving the wrong way
- Following another car too closely
- Improper turns
- Driving without a license
- Driving under a restriction
Four-Point Offenses
Four-point offenses include:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding more than 25 mph over the limit
- Juvenile driving under the influence (DUI)
Six-Point Offenses
Six-point offenses include:
- Street racing
- Driving under the influence
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Driving on a suspended license in Ohio
Accumulating Points on Your Driving Record
Points stay on your record for two years after the violation date. Even minor violations can stack up in that time until you're facing serious penalties.
If you tend to incur traffic tickets, don't ignore them. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) typically sends a warning when you reach six points, but you can always check your license status to see how many points you have at a given time.
While license suspension is the most severe penalty once you reach 12 points, there may be even harsher penalties for repeat offenders. If you continue to get your license suspended, a judge may revoke your driving privileges entirely.
Consequences of Accumulating 12 Points
Accumulating 12 points on your driver's license within a two-year period automatically triggers a six-month suspension. To get your license reinstated, you must complete a remedial driving course, file an SR-22 certificate of insurance, pay a reinstatement fee ($25 to $600), and retake the driver's license exam to prove your understanding of the Ohio Driver's Handbook.
In addition to the inconvenience and out-of-pocket costs, you'll likely see your Ohio car insurance premiums go up. Insurance companies pay close attention to your driving record, and if they determine you're at risk of accidents or violations, they will charge you more for insurance.
Checking Points on Your Driving Record
You can check your driving record on the Ohio BMV website. The state allows you to check your record online or request a paper record in the mail. (There's a $5 charge for paper records.)
Monitoring your driving record regularly will help you avoid any surprise penalties. While most people abide by traffic laws, sometimes a ticket slips your mind. It's good to be sure of a clean driving record by checking once a year or so.
Methods for Point Reduction
If you do have points on your record, there are ways to reduce them.
- Defensive driving courses: Ohio allows all drivers to take a remedial driving course to reduce two points on their driving record. If you're close to a suspension, this can be a good way to avoid it.
- Contesting violations: Law enforcement officers aren't always correct, and if you believe you were issued a ticket in error, you can always contest a ticket by appearing in court. Each county has its own process for contesting, so make sure to check your local process.
Steps To Take if Your License Is Suspended
First, you may want to know, "How to check if my license is suspended in Ohio?" You can do so by checking the BMV website or requesting your driving record.
If it is suspended, you must wait six months until you can begin the reinstatement process. This means the total time without your license will likely be longer than six months unless you can complete a driving course, pay the fee, and complete the driver's exam.
Understanding the Impact on Car Insurance Rates
A license suspension may send your car insurance rates soaring. That's one reason it's in your best interest to lock in the lowest rates possible ahead of time. You use EverQuote's comparison tools to compare quotes in real time to find the best coverages for your budget.