Traffic violations are more than just a ticket and a fine—they can accumulate points on your driving record, increase insurance rates, and even lead to a suspended license. In Ohio, each violation adds points to your license, and once these add up, it can have serious consequences. Understanding common violations and learning how to avoid them can keep you safe on the road and help you maintain a clean driving record. For those who need to credit points, taking steps to drive responsibly is essential.
Speeding
One of the most common violations in Ohio is speeding. Speed limits are set to keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe, and going over the limit significantly increases the risk of accidents. Ohio has specific penalties for exceeding speed limits, and the points added to your license can vary based on how much you exceed the speed limit.
- 1-10 mph over the limit: 2 points
- 11-29 mph over the limit: 4 points
- 30+ mph over the limit: 6 points
Tips to Avoid Speeding
Stay aware of posted speed limits and keep an eye on your speedometer, especially when transitioning from highways to local roads where limits change. Setting cruise control can help on highways to avoid accidental speeding, especially on long trips.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign is considered a serious offense in Ohio. These violations are extremely dangerous as they often lead to intersection collisions, some of the most severe types of accidents. In Ohio, running a red light or stop sign adds 2 points to your license.
Tips to Avoid This Violation
Always approach intersections with caution. Slow down as you near a red light and stop fully at stop signs, even if there’s no other traffic. Take a moment to look both ways before proceeding.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others, and it’s a serious offense that results in 4 points on your license. Reckless driving includes behaviors like aggressive tailgating, weaving through traffic, or excessive speeding.
Tips to Avoid Reckless Driving
Practice patience on the road. Aggressive driving often results from frustration or impatience. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and if another driver is irritating you, remember that reacting aggressively can lead to costly tickets and points on your license.
Failure to Yield
Failure to yield when required is another common traffic violation in Ohio. This can occur when merging onto highways, at intersections, or when making left turns. Yielding ensures smooth traffic flow and prevents collisions. Failing to yield adds 2 points to your driving record.
Tips to Avoid This Violation
Familiarize yourself with Ohio’s yield laws and stay attentive in situations where you need to give the right of way. When in doubt, it’s better to yield than to risk a violation or an accident. Make eye contact with other drivers when possible to communicate intentions.
Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Following too closely, or tailgating, is a frequent cause of rear-end accidents. It’s a traffic violation in Ohio that results in 2 points on your license. Tailgating decreases reaction time, making it difficult to stop if the car in front brakes suddenly.
Tips to Avoid Tailgating
Maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. Increase this distance in bad weather or heavy traffic. If you find yourself in a rush, remember that tailgating won’t get you there faster but could lead to a ticket.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes behaviors like texting, eating, or adjusting controls while driving. In Ohio, distracted driving, particularly involving mobile devices, is taken seriously and can lead to hefty fines and points on your license.
Tips to Avoid This Violation
Put your phone away while driving, use Bluetooth for hands-free calls if necessary, and avoid multitasking behind the wheel. Consider setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode to eliminate distractions.
Driving Without Insurance
Driving without valid insurance in Ohio is a serious offense that can result in a license suspension and points on your record. Ohio requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to protect themselves and others.
Tips to Avoid This Violation
Make sure your insurance policy is always up to date, and keep a copy of your insurance card in your vehicle. Setting reminders for policy renewal can help you avoid lapses in coverage.
DUI or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI or OVI in Ohio) is one of the most severe traffic violations. It results in an immediate license suspension, heavy fines, and possible jail time. DUI offenses also add 6 points to your license.
Tips to Avoid DUI Violations
If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-share service, or stay overnight where you are. Ohio has strict penalties for impaired driving, so it’s essential to make safe choices that protect you and others on the road.
Got Accumulation of Points From Traffic Violations?
If you’ve accumulated points from traffic violations, they can add up quickly, leading to possible license suspension. In Ohio, one effective way to credit points is by completing a state-approved Online Remedial Driving Course. Improved Driving’s Online Two Point Driving Course provides Ohio drivers with a straightforward, efficient way to credit points.
The course covers defensive driving, Ohio-specific traffic laws, and accident prevention. Once completed, drivers earn a certificate that can be submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to credit points on their license.
Why Choose Improved Driving’s Online Remedial Driving Course
Improved Driving’s course is designed to provide a high-quality learning experience that’s fast-paced, informative, and engaging. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- Flexible, Self-Paced Format: Complete the course at your convenience, from anywhere with internet access.
- Video-Based Learning: Engaging video lessons keep you attentive and ensure you retain essential information.
- Positive User Experience: With practical advice, real-life scenarios, and the latest information, the course is crafted to help you credit points and drive safer.
Take Control of Your Driving Record Today
For a convenient, efficient way to manage your driving record, check out the Online Two Point Driving Course. Based in Independence, Ohio, OTPDC provides the best-value driver improvement courses. Visit our website to learn more!
Jim Trakas is a licensed instructor with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Driver Training Program. He has a distinguished history of public service, including his role as a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and current Councilperson at Large for the City of Independence.
As the founder and owner of the American Online Learning Center, Jim has been providing comprehensive behavioral corrective programming since 2014, helping individuals achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Jim’s commitment to service extends to his military background, where he has earned several prestigious honors. He was awarded the Ohio Commendation Medal by the Ohio Army National Guard and the Pandemic Campaign Medal by the United States Public Health Service. Additionally, he is an Honor Graduate of the Ohio Military Reserve Training Academy’s Officer Candidate School and a two-time recipient of the Military Proficiency Award, as well as the Military Achievement Award.
