Points, tickets and licence suspension in Ohio

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how Ohio's two-year point system works.
• You can say what happens at 6 points and at 12 points.
• You can list the extra suspensions that apply to drivers under 18.
• You can describe common reinstatement requirements, such as fees, courses and retesting.
• You can explain why one early ticket matters so much for a new teen driver.

What you need to know and understand

• Points are counted over a two-year period.
• The BMV sends a warning letter when a driver reaches 6 points in two years.
• Reaching 12 or more points in two years brings a six-month suspension.
• To reinstate after a 12-point suspension you must serve the suspension, complete a remedial driving course, file proof of insurance (an SR-22 or bond), pay a reinstatement fee and retake the complete license exam.
• A driver under 18 convicted of two separate moving violations faces a 90-day suspension; three violations mean a one-year suspension.
• A traffic conviction in the first six months of a probationary license may require a parent or guardian to ride along for six months or until age 17.
• Distracted driving adds 2 to 4 points for adults, depending on how many offenses in two years.

The two-year point count

When you are convicted of a traffic offense, the court reports it to the BMV and points are added to your record. Points from different offenses add up over any two-year period. At 6 points you get a warning letter listing your violations; at 12 points your license is suspended.

Points are only part of the picture. Some offenses, such as OVI or test refusal, bring their own suspensions no matter how many points you have.

Extra rules for drivers under 18

• Ticket in the first six months of your license: a parent or guardian may have to accompany you for six months or until you turn 17.
• Two moving violations before 18: 90-day suspension, juvenile remedial driving course, reinstatement fee and the complete license exam.
• Three moving violations before 18: one-year suspension plus the same course, fee and retest.
• Distracted driving while under 18: 60-day suspension and $150 fine for a first offense; one year and $300 for a second.

If you are suspended

1. Stop driving immediately for the full suspension period.
2. Check your record and exact reinstatement requirements with the Ohio BMV.
3. Complete any required course and, where needed, file proof of insurance.
4. Pay the reinstatement fee and retake any required exams before driving again.

Common mistakes

• Thinking points disappear after one year. Ohio counts them over two years.
• Ignoring the 6-point warning letter instead of changing your driving.
• Assuming a teen's second ticket is just another fine. Two moving violations before 18 means a suspension.
• Driving during a suspension, which leads to further, more serious penalties.

Test yourself: Points, tickets and licence suspension in Ohio

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s License in Ohio
• Moving to Ohio
• Ohio 50-Hour Affidavit