Speed Limits Vary by State
Speed limits differ widely across states:
- Ohio: 65 mph on most highways
- Indiana: 70 mph on rural interstates
- Michigan: 65 mph urban / 70 mph rural
- Pennsylvania: Some rural roads as low as 50 mph
School zones are also inconsistent—Ohio enforces 20 mph during school hours, while Kentucky may enforce 25 mph all day. Going 30+ mph over in Ohio adds 4 points. Stay alert and use apps like Waze to avoid costly mistakes.
Texting and Cell Phone Laws Differ
Cell phone laws change across states:
- Ohio: No handheld use for texting, calling, or browsing—$150 fine, 2 points
- Indiana: Hands-free required, GPS OK
- Michigan: Limited use for adults, none for teens
- Kentucky: Texting banned, calls allowed for 18+
- West Virginia: All handheld use banned
Violations often follow you home through the Driver License Compact, impacting your Ohio record. Use Bluetooth or dash-mounted devices to stay compliant across borders.
License Plate and Vehicle Requirements
Vehicle setup matters on interstate trips:
- Plates: Ohio requires front and rear plates; Indiana and Kentucky only need rear.
- Window Tint: Ohio allows 50% light through front side windows; Pennsylvania requires 70%.
- Headlights: Ohio = rain/dusk; West Virginia = fog too.
Carry insurance proof—digital or paper. Some states (e.g., Michigan) demand it immediately. Non-compliance can earn 2-point tickets.
Turn and Lane Change Regulations
Even basic moves vary by state:
- Ohio: Signal 100 feet before turns/lane changes
- Indiana: Requires 200 feet on highways
- Michigan: Strict “no weaving” laws—2-point penalty
- Pennsylvania: Left-lane cruising banned without passing
Signal violations add points and raise crash risks. Always match the local rules during your drive.
Alcohol and OVI Laws Across States
Drinking and driving laws vary—and are harsh everywhere:
- Ohio: 0.08% BAC = 6 points + $375–$1,075 in fines
- Indiana: Same limit, harsher jail—7 days minimum
- Michigan: 0.02% BAC for drivers under 21
- Pennsylvania: 0.10% “high-tier” increases penalties fast
- Kentucky: 0.08% + alcohol education for first offenses
An OVI out-of-state still hits your Ohio license via the Driver License Compact. Avoid alcohol entirely before driving.
The Bigger Picture: Costs of Violations
- Speeding: $100–$300 fines, 2–4 points
- Texting: $150 fine, 2 points
- OVI: 6 points, $1,000+ fines, possible jail
- Insurance hike: 20–50% for 2+ years
Out-of-state citations still hurt. Insurance companies see all points, and the Ohio BMV suspends licenses at 12. Careers in trucking or delivery can suffer. Our $69.95 course offers a 2-point credit to help you recover.
Tips to Navigate Interstate Laws
- Research: Check DMV sites before traveling
- Use Apps: Waze and Google Maps show limits and alerts
- Signal Early: Match each state’s law
- Inspect Car: Fix plates, lights, and tint before departure
- Drive Sober: Avoid OVI risks entirely
What If You Get a Ticket?
- Pull over calmly and provide ID
- Note officer name, road conditions
- Pay online to avoid license issues
- Hire local counsel if fighting it
- Take our 8-hour BMV-approved course for a 2-point credit
Long-Term Fallout
Tickets stick for 2 years. They raise insurance and risk suspensions. An OVI—or crash—brings lasting legal and emotional impacts. Our course helps you recover and protect your license.
Travel Smart—Join Us!
Interstate travel means shifting laws and new risks. Stay safe and reduce license points with our $69.95 remedial course at Online Two Point Driving Classes. Earn a 2-point credit online from anywhere in Ohio.
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.
