In Ohio, maintaining your driving privileges means following traffic laws and avoiding violations that could lead to license revocation. License revocation can significantly impact your day-to-day life, making it essential to know how to protect your license from suspension or revocation. Here’s how to keep your record clean and avoid serious penalties.
Understanding Ohio’s Point System
Ohio operates on a point system to track driving violations. Each time you violate traffic laws, points are added to your record. Accumulating 12 points within two years results in an automatic license suspension. Here’s an overview of common violations and their point values:
- Speeding: 2-4 points
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- Driving under the influence (OVI): 6 points
To avoid suspension, you should aim to keep your point total low by practicing safe driving habits and staying aware of how points are accumulated.
How to Prevent Point Accumulation
One of the most effective ways to prevent license revocation is to avoid accumulating too many points in the first place. There are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Follow Ohio Traffic Laws: The simplest way to avoid points is to always follow the rules of the road. Abide by speed limits, stop at traffic signals, and avoid distracted driving.
- Take a Defensive Driving Course: If you do accumulate points, completing a state-approved remedial driving course can help to credit up to two points to your license. Improved Driving offers an online course specifically designed to help you avoid the penalties of point accumulation. The flexibility of the course makes it easy to fit into your schedule and prevents the possibility of revocation.
- Avoid Major Violations: Certain traffic offenses carry heavier penalties, like OVI or reckless driving. Both of these infractions can result in significant point accumulation and could lead to immediate license suspension.
Address Traffic Violations Quickly
Ignoring traffic violations or failing to address them promptly can lead to a buildup of points on your license. Even minor infractions can add up over time, resulting in serious penalties. It’s important to deal with tickets as soon as they’re issued to prevent additional complications. By paying fines on time, attending required court hearings, and addressing any violations, you can prevent points from stacking up and avoid facing a license suspension.
Complete a Remedial Driving Course
If you’ve already accumulated points, a state-approved remedial driving course is your best option for improving your record. These courses help refresh your knowledge of Ohio’s driving laws, making it easier for you to prevent further infractions. Improved Driving offers an 8-hour course that you can complete online, crediting up to two points to your license. Completing a course not only lowers your point total but also enhances your overall driving habits, ensuring that you stay within the legal boundaries on the road.
Maintain Valid Auto Insurance
Driving without insurance is a serious violation in Ohio and can lead to immediate license suspension. Not only is insurance required by law, but it also protects you and other drivers in the event of an accident. Failing to maintain valid auto insurance can lead to hefty fines and points on your record.
Understand the Consequences of OVI
Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI) is one of the most severe traffic violations in Ohio. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher leads to automatic points on your license and can result in immediate suspension. The consequences of OVI can include jail time, large fines, and mandatory alcohol or drug treatment programs. Multiple OVI offenses can result in permanent license revocation. To avoid these penalties, it’s essential to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Instead, always use alternative transportation, such as a designated driver or rideshare service.
Keep Track of Your Driving Record
Monitoring your driving record is crucial in preventing license revocation. Ohio drivers can check their records through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to stay updated on their point total. By regularly checking your record, you can track your progress and avoid reaching the 12-point limit. If you notice your point total climbing, consider enrolling in a remedial driving course to credit points back to your license and avoid further penalties.
Follow Legal Procedures
If you receive a traffic ticket or are required to attend a court hearing for a driving-related offense, make sure to follow all legal procedures. Failing to appear in court can result in additional points and even an arrest warrant. Always handle tickets and court appearances promptly to avoid escalating the situation. If you’re unsure about the legal process, consulting with a legal professional or reaching out to the BMV can help ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary requirements.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic violations and accidents in Ohio. Whether it’s texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving, any form of distraction can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving not only puts you at risk of accumulating points but can also cause accidents that lead to injury or death. To avoid points and penalties, always keep your full attention on the road.
Know the Repercussions of License Suspension
If you do reach the 12-point limit within two years, your license will be suspended. The suspension typically lasts six months, during which you’ll be unable to legally drive. To have your license reinstated, you’ll need to complete a remedial driving course, pay reinstatement fees, and potentially retake your driving test. By taking proactive steps to avoid points and violations, you can prevent the headache and hassle of losing your driving privileges in Ohio.
Credit Points on Your License in Ohio with OTPDC
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.
