How to Comply With Rules of the Road for OH Drivers

Written by Mary Salatino

Understanding the rules of the road helps keep drivers safe. Whether you're learning to drive or refreshing your knowledge, a thorough understanding of Ohio traffic laws can help you avoid fines, accidents and legal trouble.

We’ll teach you everything you need to know to stay compliant, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, licensing requirements and distracted driving laws.

Basic Traffic Laws

Operating a vehicle safely in Ohio begins with remembering the state’s various rules and traffic laws. Here’s what you need to know to follow the guidelines and avoid traffic violations:

Speed Limits

The Buckeye State enforces speed limits based on road type and location. Unless otherwise posted, the default speed limits are:

  • Residential areas: 25 mph
  • School zones: 20 mph during designated hours
  • Urban freeways and rural expressways: 65 mph
  • Rural freeways: 75 mph for passenger vehicles with lower limits for trucks
  • Two-lane state highways: 55 mph

Exceeding the speed limit may lead to fines, points on your driving record or even license suspension in extreme cases. Did you know that speeding in work zones carries doubled fines?

If you already have points on your record, why not try a defensive driving course? It’s a simple way to reduce points and could lower your insurance premiums.

Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way laws help keep intersections and busy areas safe. What do these rules mean for you? Here are the essentials:

  • Intersections with stop signs or signals — The first vehicle to reach the stop has the right of way. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right goes first.
  • Uncontrolled intersections — Always yield. Let vehicles already in the intersection or those coming from the right pass first.
  • Pedestrians — Always give way to pedestrians in crosswalks, even if the crossing isn’t formally marked. Their safety comes first.
  • Emergency vehicles — You must yield to police, fire or ambulance vehicles with flashing lights and sirens. Pull over to the right and stop until they pass. Isn’t it crucial to clear the path for emergencies?
  • Turning left — Always yield to oncoming traffic. Safety should never be compromised.

Failing to yield can result in citations, fines or even liability in accidents. Would you risk those consequences?

Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat Laws

In Ohio, every driver and passenger must be buckled up. Special rules apply to child safety seats.

The rule is simple: Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. Are you sure every passenger is secure? Drivers may face fines if passengers under 15 aren't secured with a seatbelt.

Here are three car seat regulations to follow:

  1. Children under four years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must ride in a child safety seat.
  2. Children under eight years old and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches need a booster seat.
  3. Kids ages eight to 15 must wear a seat belt no matter where they sit in the car.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is no trivial matter. It can cause serious accidents — or even fatalities. For drivers aged 21 and older, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you’re under 21, any alcohol in your system can lead to arrest.

A DUI conviction might result in fines, a suspended license, mandatory alcohol education and even jail time. Under Ohio’s implied consent law, if you refuse a sobriety test when pulled over, your license is automatically suspended. Is it worth the risk?

Licensing and Permit Requirements in Ohio

Ohio follows a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with phased requirements for new drivers:

  • Temporary Permit (TIPIC) (15 1/2 and older) — Pass a written exam and vision screening. This permit requires 24 hours of classroom instruction, eight hours of behind-the-wheel training and 50 hours of practice with a licensed adult.
  • Probationary License (16 to 18) — Hold your permit for at least six months. Night driving (from midnight to 6 a.m.) and passenger limits apply. At age 17, nighttime restrictions change to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Full License (18 and older) — Congrats, all restrictions are lifted!

Renewal Requirements for Ohio Driver’s Licenses

An Ohio driver’s license must be renewed every four years for drivers under 65 years old and every eight years for drivers 65 and older. Crucial renewal details include:

  • Vision screening is required at every renewal.
  • Online renewal is available for eligible drivers.
  • In-person renewal is required for those with medical conditions or expired licenses.

Delaying your license renewal can result in late fees and penalties.

Distracted Driving Laws in Ohio

Ohio’s distracted driving laws are in place to reduce accidents caused by driver inattention. These laws prohibit the use of handheld devices while behind the wheel, with specific restrictions and penalties designed to improve road safety.

Handheld Device and Texting Restrictions

Ohio enforced a statewide handheld device ban in January 2023, making this act a primary offense under Senate Bill 288. Since then, law enforcement can pull drivers over solely for phone use.

Prohibited actions include:

Drivers under 18 years old cannot use phones at all while driving, even hands-free.

Exceptions to the Ban

  • Calling 911, police, fire or EMS.
  • Using a phone while parked or stopped at a red light.
  • Using hands-free devices for calls and navigation (drivers over 18).

Penalties for Violations

Violations may result in fines, points or license suspension.

  • First offense: Warning or up to $150 fine, two points.
  • Second offense (within two years): Up to $250 fine, three points.
  • Third offense or more: Up to $500 fine, four points, 90-day suspension.
  • Work zone violations: Your fine will be doubled.

Stay Safe and Informed Regarding Ohio Driving Laws

With a little knowledge, you’ll be able to navigate Ohio’s roads like a pro, all while avoiding violations and protecting yourself and others.

Want to refine your skills and maybe even save on insurance premiums? Sign up for an Ohio-approved defensive driving course today!