Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone for young Ohio drivers, but license suspensions for young drivers can quickly turn freedom into frustration. Whether it’s a speeding ticket on I-71 or a more serious offense like OVI, suspensions hit teens and young adults hard, limiting their ability to get to school, work, or social events. In Ohio, drivers under 21 face stricter rules under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) policies, with over 10,000 youth suspensions annually, per the Ohio State Highway Patrol. At Online Two Point Driving Classes, we’re breaking down what young drivers need to know about license suspensions for young drivers, how to avoid them, and how our Ohio-approved online remedial course can help manage points to keep your license active.
What Are License Suspensions for Young Drivers in Ohio?
License suspensions for young drivers in Ohio occur when the BMV or a court revokes driving privileges due to traffic violations or other infractions. For drivers under 21, Ohio’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system (ORC § 4507.021) imposes tougher restrictions, like curfews and passenger limits, making suspensions more likely. Suspensions can last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the offense, and require reinstatement steps to restore driving rights. Common causes include:
- Traffic Violations: Accumulating 12 points in 2 years (e.g., speeding, 2-4 points).
- OVI/DUI: Zero-tolerance for under-21 drivers (BAC 0.02%+, 6 points).
- No Insurance: Suspension until proof of coverage.
- GDL Violations: Driving past midnight or with too many passengers.
- School Issues: Truancy or dropping out can trigger suspensions (ORC § 4510.32).
Common Causes of License Suspensions for Young Drivers
- GDL Violations (ORC § 4507.071)Teens with a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) or probationary license (under 18) must follow:
- Curfew: No driving midnight-6 a.m. (16-year-olds) or 1 a.m.-5 a.m. (17-year-olds), except for work/school.
- Passengers: One non-family passenger unless supervised by a parent.
- Penalties: Violations add 2 points, $100 fines, and 90-day suspensions.
- Speeding (ORC § 4511.21)Speeding over 65 mph on highways or 20 mph in school zones is common among young drivers:
- Penalties: 2-4 points, $100-$300 fines; 6-month suspension at 12 points.
- Stats: Speeding causes 30% of teen crashes in Ohio, per ODOT.
- OVI/DUI (ORC § 4511.19)Ohio’s zero-tolerance law for under-21 drivers (BAC 0.02%+) is strict:
- Penalties: 6 points, $375-$1,075 fines, 1-3 year suspension, alcohol treatment.
- Impact: Even one drink risks suspension for young drivers.
- Texting While Driving (ORC § 4511.204)Handheld phone use is a primary offense for under-18 drivers:
- Penalties: 2 points, $150 fine (double for first offense under GDL), 60-day suspension for first offense.
- Stats: Distraction causes 15% of teen crashes, per Ohio State Highway Patrol.
- No Insurance (ORC § 4509.101)Driving without $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 liability coverage triggers suspension:
- Penalties: $100-$500 fines, suspension until SR-22 proof (3-5 years).
- Risk: Common for young drivers cutting costs.
- School-Related Suspensions (ORC § 4510.32)Dropping out or excessive truancy can suspend a license until age 18:
- Penalties: Suspension until reinstatement or age 18, no points.
- Fix: Provide proof of enrollment or GED completion.
Consequences of License Suspensions for Young Drivers
- Restricted Mobility: No driving to school, work, or activities for 6 months to 3 years.
- Fines and Fees: $100-$1,075 fines, plus $40-$475 reinstatement fees.
- Insurance Hikes: 20-50% premium increases ($500-$1,500 yearly) for 3-5 years, per the Insurance Information Institute.
- Points: 2-6 credit points per violation; 12+ points trigger a 6-month suspension.
- Employment Barriers: Suspensions block driving jobs like delivery or rideshare.
- Background Checks: Misdemeanors like OVI appear for 3-7 years, impacting college or job applications.
- Crash Liability: Uninsured crashes lead to lawsuits or wage garnishment.
Driving under suspension adds 6 points, $1,000 fines, and 180 days jail (ORC § 4510.11), worsening the situation.
How to Avoid License Suspensions for Young Drivers
- Follow GDL Rules: Obey curfews (midnight-6 a.m.) and passenger limits.
- Drive Defensively: Maintain 3-4 second gaps, avoid texting, and stick to 65 mph on highways.
- Stay Insured: Carry proof of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 liability coverage.
- Avoid Alcohol: Zero-tolerance means no drinking before driving.
- Stay in School: Attend classes to avoid truancy suspensions.
- Check Vehicle: Ensure lights, brakes, and tires (35-40 psi) meet ORC standards to avoid 2-point equipment tickets.
Our $69.95 course at Online Two Point Driving Classes teaches these habits.
Reinstatement After a Suspension
- Serve Suspension Period: 60 days (texting) to 3 years (OVI).
- Complete Courses: 12-point suspensions require a remedial course; OVI needs alcohol treatment.
- Pay Fees: $40 up to $475, depending on the offense (e.g., OVI: $475).
- Show Insurance: Provide SR-22 for OVI or no-insurance suspensions (3-5 years).
- Resolve School Issues: Submit proof of enrollment for truancy suspensions.
- Retest (if Needed): Retake driving tests if the license expired over 6 months.
Check status on the BMV website. Our 8-hour online course earns a 2-point credit for 12-point suspensions.
If You Get a Ticket
- Stay calm, provide ID, don’t argue—note officer’s words for court.
- Pay fines online fast to avoid added suspensions.
- Hire a lawyer for high-point offenses (e.g., OVI, 6 points).
- Take our course at Online Two Point Driving Classes to earn a 2-point credit.
Our Ohio BMV-approved course—8 hours online—helps manage points.
Long-Term Impact
- Points: Stay 2 years, risking further suspensions.
- Insurance: Hikes last 3-5 years, costing thousands.
- Opportunities: Suspensions limit jobs, college, or extracurriculars.
- Crashes: Risk lawsuits or emotional toll from injuries.
Our course builds skills to prevent future violations.
Drive Smart—Join Us!
License suspensions for young drivers in Ohio can derail plans, but following GDL rules and driving safely keeps you on the road. Sign up for our $69.95 remedial course at Online Two Point Driving Classes—8 hours online for a 2-point credit! Check out our course to learn more or sign up today!
Common FAQS
1. What causes license suspensions for young drivers in Ohio?
License suspensions for young drivers stem from speeding (2 to 4 points), an OVI (6 points), texting, no insurance, or truancy.
2. How do GDL rules lead to license suspensions for young drivers?
Breaking curfews (midnight to 6 a.m.) or passenger limits adds 2 points, $100 fines, and 90-day suspensions for teens.
3. What’s the penalty for texting while driving for young Ohio drivers?
Under-18 drivers face 2 points, $150 fines (double for first offense), and 60-day license suspensions for young drivers.
4. How strict is Ohio’s OVI law for young drivers?
Zero-tolerance (BAC 0.02%+) means 6 points, $375 up to $1,075 fines, and a 1 to 3 year license suspensions for young drivers.
5. Can school issues cause license suspensions for young drivers?
Yes, truancy or dropping out suspends licenses until age 18 or enrollment proof is shown, per ORC § 4510.32.
6. How can young drivers avoid license suspensions in Ohio?
Follow Graduate Driver License rules, avoid texting, stay insured, and drive sober to prevent license suspensions for young drivers.
7. What are the long-term effects of license suspensions for young drivers?
Suspensions limit jobs, raise insurance 20 to 50% ($500-$1,500 yearly), and keep points on records for 2 years.
8. How do I reinstate a suspended license as a young driver in Ohio?
Serve the suspension, pay $40 up to $475 fees, show SR-22 for OVI, and take our course for 12-point cases.
9. How does the Online Two Point Driving Classes course help?
Our $69.95, 8-hour online course earns a 2-point credit to offset points and avoid license suspensions for young drivers.
10. Do out-of-state tickets affect young drivers in Ohio?
Yes, via the Driver License Compact, out-of-state points transfer, increasing risks of license suspensions for young drivers.
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.
