Texting and Driving in Ohio: Laws and Dangers

Texting and driving is a growing hazard on Ohio roads, blending distraction with dire consequences. Ohio has cracked down with strict laws to curb this behavior, but the risks—crashes, injuries, and even death—persist when drivers can’t resist their phones. At Online Two Point Driving Classes, we’re here to unpack these laws, highlight the dangers, and show how our Ohio-approved online remedial course can help you stay safe and legal. Let’s explore what texting and driving means in Ohio, the penalties you face, and how to break the habit.

Why Texting and Driving Is a Big Deal

Texting and driving steals your focus from the road, making it one of the deadliest forms of distracted driving. In Ohio, it’s not just a bad habit—it’s illegal, and for good reason. The Ohio Department of Public Safety reports thousands of crashes yearly linked to distracted driving, with texting as a top culprit. A quick glance at your phone—about 5 seconds—takes your eyes off the road long enough to cover a football field at 55 mph. That’s time enough for a child to dart out, a car to brake suddenly, or a curve to catch you off guard.

The danger isn’t just physical. Getting caught texting and driving can slap you with fines, points on your license, and higher insurance rates. Worse, if you cause a crash, the guilt of hurting someone—or worse—can weigh on you forever. Understanding Ohio’s laws and risks is the first step to keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Ohio’s Texting and Driving Laws

Ohio banned texting and driving statewide in 2023 under House Bill 283, known as the “Distracted Driving Law.” Here’s what it covers:

• Primary Offense: Texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning police can pull you over just for doing it—no other violation needed.
• What’s Prohibited: Holding or using a phone to text, email, dial, or browse (e.g., social media) while driving. Even at a stoplight, it’s illegal unless you’re parked off-road.
• Exceptions: Hands-free use (e.g., Bluetooth, voice commands) is okay if set up before driving. Emergency calls to 911 are also allowed.
• Under 18: Minors can’t use any electronic device while driving—texting or otherwise—except for emergencies.
• Enhanced Penalties: If texting contributes to another violation (e.g., speeding) or a crash, penalties jump.

Police enforce this via observation—spotting a phone in your hand—or crash investigations where phone records prove distraction. The law aims to cut the 13,000+ distraction-related crashes Ohio sees annually.

Penalties for Texting and Driving in Ohio

Breaking Ohio’s texting and driving law hits your wallet and record. Penalties scale with frequency and severity:

First Offense

• Fine: Up to $150.
• Credit Points: 2 points added to your license.
• Option: Complete a distracted driving course (like ours) within 90 days to waive the fine and points—first time only.

Second Offense (Within 2 Years)

• Fine: Up to $250.
• Credit Points: 3 points.
• No Waiver: The course option vanishes—pay and take the points.

Third Offense (Within 2 Years)

• Fine: Up to $500.
• Credit Points: 4 points.
• License Suspension: 90-day suspension possible.

Enhanced Violations

• With Another Offense: Add $100 to the base fine if texting ties to speeding, reckless driving, etc.
• Causing a Crash: If texting leads to an accident, fines and points double, and jail time (up to 6 months) or felony charges could apply for serious injury or death.

Racking up points risks a 12-point BMV suspension, but our course at Online Two Point Driving Classes offers a 2-point credit to help.

The Dangers Beyond the Law

Texting and driving isn’t just illegal—it’s lethal. Studies show it’s six times more dangerous than drunk driving, as it distracts your eyes, hands, and mind simultaneously. In Ohio, distracted driving kills dozens and injures thousands yearly—texting often to blame. A split-second text can mean missing a stop sign, rear-ending a car, or worse. Teens, who text more, are especially at risk, but no age group is immune.

The fallout extends past crashes. Fines and points hike insurance costs—sometimes by 20-30%—and employers may frown on a marred record. If you cause harm, legal battles and emotional scars pile on. Texting and driving trades a fleeting message for lasting regret.

How Ohio Enforces the Ban

Ohio police actively target texting and driving. Officers patrol for drivers holding phones, using vantage points like overpasses or unmarked cars. Sobriety checkpoints double as distraction checks, and crash scenes often prompt phone record subpoenas. Since it’s a primary offense, a quick peek at your screen can mean lights in your rearview. Campaigns like “Phone Down, Eyes Up” boost awareness, but enforcement is year-round—especially in high-crash zones like cities and highways.

Avoiding Texting While Driving

Ditch the phone with these tips:

• Go Hands-Free: Set up Bluetooth or voice-to-text before you roll—keep it legal and safe.
• Silence It: Turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode or stash your phone in the glovebox or backseat.
• Pull Over: Need to text? Find a parking lot or rest stop—don’t risk it at a light.
• Passenger Help: Let a friend or family member handle messages.
• Plan Ahead: Send texts or set GPS before leaving—avoid mid-drive tweaks.

What If You’re Caught?

If nabbed for texting and driving:

• Stay calm, admit nothing beyond ID, and note the stop’s details.
• Pay the fine or fight it with a lawyer if evidence is shaky.
• First offense? Take our course at Online Two Point Driving Classes to waive penalties.
• Multiple tickets? Enroll anyway for a 2-point credit to offset points.

Our 8-hour, $69.95 online remedial course—Ohio BMV-approved—lets you learn distraction risks and earn credits from home.

Beyond the Ticket: Long-Term Impact

A texting violation lingers. Points raise insurance for 3-5 years, and crashes can lead to lawsuits or lost jobs—especially for pros like truckers. Teens face parental wrath or school discipline. Our course helps mitigate this, offering a 2-point credit to keep your record manageable.

Drive Focused—Join Us!

Texting and driving in Ohio isn’t worth the risk—laws and dangers prove it. Stay distraction-free and sign up for our remedial course at Online Two Point Driving Classes—just $69.95 for 8 hours online, earning you a 2-point credit! Check out our course to learn more or sign up today!

Q&A

1. Can I use my phone while driving if I’m stopped at a traffic light in Ohio? No, texting or using your phone while stopped at a traffic light is still illegal in Ohio unless you are parked off the road. Even though you are temporarily stopped, using your phone to text, email, browse, or use social media remains a violation of the law.
2. What happens if I cause an accident while texting and driving in Ohio? If you cause an accident while texting, the penalties are much more severe. Fines and points can double, and you could face jail time, especially if the accident causes serious injury or death. Depending on the circumstances, felony charges could apply, and your license could be suspended.
3. How long will points from a texting violation stay on my record in Ohio? Points from a texting and driving violation can stay on your driving record for 3 years. Accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. However, completing a driving course like the one offered at Online Two Point Driving Classes can help you reduce the points on your record.
4. Can I avoid paying the fine if I take a remedial course for my first offense? Yes! If this is your first offense, you can complete a distracted driving course like ours at Online Two Point Driving Classes within 90 days to waive the fine and prevent points from being added to your license.
5. Are there any exceptions for texting while driving in Ohio? Yes, hands-free use of your phone (such as Bluetooth or voice commands) is allowed, as long as the setup is done before driving. Emergency calls to 911 are also allowed. However, using your phone for texting, emailing, or browsing while driving—whether you’re moving or stopped—is illegal.