Some traffic tickets carry “points” on your record with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You can lose your license for accumulating too many points.
Review the BMV points system to understand what types of traffic offenses can result in license suspension.
Point-based suspension
If you receive 12 points in two years, the BMV will suspend your license for six months. Drivers receive a warning letter when they reach six points.
To get your license back, you have to retake the state driving test, pay a reinstatement fee, take a remedial driving class and obtain costly SR-22 insurance for high-risk drivers.
Violations that carry points
The most serious traffic offenses result in six points for a single ticket. Examples include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Racing other vehicles
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Running from a police officer
Four-point violations include unsafe or reckless operation of your vehicle. However, most violations carry two points, such as:
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Crossing the yellow lines of a street or median of a divided highway
- Passing a school bus
- Disobeying a law enforcement officer
- Losing control of your vehicle
- Making an improper turn
- Weaving in traffic
- Failing to stop at a railroad crossing
- Disregarding license restrictions for Ohio teen drivers, including passenger limits and curfew
- Driving with a suspended license
- Passing in a safety zone
- Wearing headphones while driving
- Driving with an obstructed view
- Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license
Points for speeding vary depending on the circumstances. Prompt attention to your traffic ticket can potentially reduce your court penalties.
