CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF BELLAIRE – PART THREE

PART THREE – TRAFFIC CODE

TITLE ONE – Administration

TITLE THREE – Streets and Traffic Control Devices

TITLE FIVE – Vehicles

TITLE SEVEN – Parking

TITLE NINE – Pedestrians, Bicycles and Motorcycles

TITLE ONE – Administration

Chap. 301. Definitions.
Chap. 303. Enforcement, Impounding and Penalty.
Chap. 305. Traffic Control.

CHAPTER 301
Definitions

301.01 Meaning of words and phrases.
301.02 Agricultural tractor.
301.03 Alley.
301.031 Beacon; hybrid beacon.
301.04 Bicycle; motorized bicycle.
301.05 Bus.
301.06 Business district.
301.07 Commercial tractor.
301.08 Controlled-access highway.
301.09 Crosswalk.
301.10 Driver or operator.
301.11 Emergency vehicle.
301.12 Explosives.
301.13 Expressway.
301.14 Flammable liquid.
301.15 Freeway.
301.16 Gross weight.
301.161 Highway maintenance vehicle.
301.162 Highway traffic signal.
301.17 Intersection.
301.18 Laned street or highway.
301.181 Median.
301.19 Motorcycle.
301.20 Motor vehicle.
301.201 Operate.
301.21 Park or parking.
301.22 Pedestrian.
301.23 Person.
301.24 Pole trailer.
301.25 Police officer.
301.251 Predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense.
301.26 Private road or driveway.
301.27 Public safety vehicle.
301.28 Railroad.
301.29 Railroad sign or signal.
301.30 Railroad train.
301.31 Residence district.
301.32 Right of way.
301.321 Road service vehicle.
301.33 Roadway.
301.34 Safety zone.
301.35 School bus.
301.36 Semitrailer.
301.361 Shared-use path.
301.37 Sidewalk.
301.38 State route.
301.39 Stop (when required).
301.40 Stopping or standing.
301.41 Stop intersection.
301.42 Street or highway; arterial street.
301.43 Through street or highway.
301.44 Thruway.
301.45 Traffic.
301.46 Traffic control device.
301.47 Traffic control signal.
301.48 Trailer.
301.49 Truck.
301.50 Urban district.
301.51 Vehicle.
301.52 Wheelchair, motorized.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Funeral procession defined – see TRAF. 331.24
Street racing defined – see TRAF. 333.07
Studded tire defined – see TRAF. 339.11
Blind person defined – see TRAF. 371.02
Snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle and all purpose vehicle defined – see TRAF. 375.01
School zones defined – see TRAF. 333.03(b)

301.01 MEANING OF WORDS AND PHRASES.

The following words and phrases when used in this Traffic Code, except as otherwise provided, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this chapter.

301.02 AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR.

“Agricultural tractor” means every self-propelling vehicle designed or used for drawing other vehicles or wheeled machinery but having no provision for carrying loads independently of such other vehicles, and used principally for agricultural purposes. (ORC 4511.01(J))

301.03 ALLEY.

“Alley” means a street or highway intended to provide access to the rear or side of lots or buildings in urban districts and not intended for the purpose of through vehicular traffic, and includes any street or highway that has been declared an “alley” by Council. (ORC 4511.01(XX))

301.031 BEACON; HYBRID BEACON.

(a) “Beacon” means a highway traffic signal with one or more signal sections that operate in a flashing mode. (ORC 4511.01(KKK))

(b) “Hybrid beacon” means a type of beacon that is intentionally placed in a dark mode between periods of operation where no indications are displayed and, when in operation, displays both steady and flashing traffic control signal indications.
(ORC 4511.01(LLL))

301.04 BICYCLE; MOTORIZED BICYCLE.

(a) “Bicycle” means every device, other than a device that is designed solely for use as a play vehicle by a child, that is propelled solely by human power, upon which a person may ride and that has two or more wheels any of which is more than fourteen inches in diameter.
(ORC 4511.01(G))

(b) “Motorized bicycle” means any vehicle having either two tandem wheels or one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear, that is capable of being pedaled and is equipped with a helper motor of not more than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement which produces no more than one brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of no greater than twenty miles per hour on a level surface. (ORC 4511.01(H))

301.05 BUS.

“Bus” means every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than nine passengers and used for the transportation of persons other than in a ridesharing arrangement as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.01, and every motor vehicle, automobile for hire or funeral car, other than a taxicab or motor vehicle used in a ridesharing arrangement, designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. (ORC 4511.01(L))

301.06 BUSINESS DISTRICT.

“Business district” means the territory fronting upon a street or highway, including the street or highway, between successive intersections where fifty percent or more of the frontage between such successive intersections is occupied by buildings in use for business, or where fifty percent or more of the frontage for a distance of 300 feet or more is occupied by buildings in use for business, and the character of such territory is indicated by official traffic control devices. (ORC 4511.01(NN))

301.07 COMMERCIAL TRACTOR.

“Commercial tractor” means every motor vehicle having motive power designed or used for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry any load thereon, or designed or used for drawing other vehicles while carrying a portion of such other vehicles, or the load thereon, or both. (ORC 4511.01(I))

301.08 CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAY.

“Controlled-access highway” means every street or highway in respect to which owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right or access to or from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over such street or highway. (ORC 4511.01(CC))

301.09 CROSSWALK.

“Crosswalk” means:

(a) That part of a roadway at intersections ordinarily included within the real or projected prolongation of property lines and curb lines or, in the absence of curbs, the edges of the traversable roadway;

(b) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere, distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface;

(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) hereof, there shall not be a crosswalk where authorized signs have been placed indicating no crossing.
(ORC 4511.01(LL))

301.10 DRIVER OR OPERATOR.

“Driver” or “operator” means every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. (ORC 4511.01(Y))

301.11 EMERGENCY VEHICLE.

“Emergency vehicle” means emergency vehicles of municipal, township or county departments or public utility corporations when identified as such as required by law, the Ohio Director of Public Safety or local authorities, and motor vehicles when commandeered by a police officer. (ORC 4511.01(D))

301.12 EXPLOSIVES.

“Explosives” means any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that is intended for the purpose of producing an explosion that contains any oxidizing and combustible units or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities or packing that an ignition by fire, by friction, by concussion, by percussion or by a detonator of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects, or of destroying life or limb.

Manufactured articles shall not be held to be explosives when the individual units contain explosives in such limited quantities, of such nature or in such packing, that it is impossible to procure a simultaneous or a destructive explosion of such units, to the injury of life, limb or property by fire, by friction, by concussion, by percussion or by a detonator, such as fixed ammunition for small arms, firecrackers or safety fuse matches. (ORC 4511.01(T))

301.13 EXPRESSWAY.

“Expressway” means a divided arterial highway for through traffic with full or partial control of access with an excess of fifty percent of all crossroads separated in grade.
(ORC 4511.01(ZZ))

301.14 FLAMMABLE LIQUID.

“Flammable liquid” means any liquid that has a flash point of seventy degrees Fahrenheit, or less, as determined by a tagliabue or equivalent closed cup test device.
(ORC 4511.01(U))

301.15 FREEWAY.

“Freeway” means a divided multi-lane highway for through traffic with all crossroads separated in grade and with full control of access. (ORC 4511.01(YY))

301.16 GROSS WEIGHT.

“Gross weight” means the weight of a vehicle plus the weight of any load thereon.
(ORC 4511.01(V))

301.161 HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE VEHICLE.

“Highway maintenance vehicle” means a vehicle used in snow and ice removal or road surface maintenance, including a snow plow, traffic line striper, road sweeper, mowing machine, asphalt distributing vehicle, or other such vehicle designed for use in specific highway maintenance activities. (ORC 4511.01(QQQ))

301.162 HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

“Highway traffic signal”means a power-operated traffic control device by which traffic is warned or directed to take some specific action. “Highway traffic signal” does not include a power-operated sign, steadily illuminated pavement markers, warning light, or steady burning electric lamp. (ORC 4511.01(MMM))

301.17 INTERSECTION.

“Intersection” means:

(a) The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways that join at any other angle might come into conflict. The junction of an alley or driveway with a roadway or highway does not constitute an intersection unless the roadway or highway at the junction is controlled by a traffic control device.

(b) If a highway includes two roadways that are thirty feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway constitutes a separate intersection. If both intersecting highways include two roadways thirty feet or more apart, then every crossing of any two roadways of such highways constitutes a separate intersection.

(c) At a location controlled by a traffic control signal, regardless of the distance between the separate intersections as described in subsection (b) of this section:

(1) If a stop line, yield line, or crosswalk has not been designated on the roadway within the median between the separate intersections, the two intersections and the roadway and median constitute one intersection.
(2) Where a stop line, yield line, or crosswalk line is designated on the roadway on the intersection approach, the area within the crosswalk and any area beyond the designated stop line or yield line constitute part of the intersection.
(3) Where a crosswalk is designated on a roadway on the departure from the intersection, the intersection includes the area that extends to the far side of the crosswalk. (ORC 4511.01(KK))

301.18 LANED STREET OR HIGHWAY.

“Laned street or highway” means a street or highway the roadway of which is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic. (ORC 4511.01(GG))

301.181 MEDIAN.

“Median” means the area between two roadways of a divided highway, measured from edge of traveled way to edge of traveled way, but excluding turn lanes. The width of a median may be different between intersections, between interchanges, and at opposite approaches of the same intersection. (ORC 4511.01(NNN))

301.19 MOTORCYCLE.

“Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle, other than a tractor, having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including but not limited to, motor vehicles known as “motor-driven cycle,” “motor scooter”, “cab-enclosed motorcycle” or “motorcycle” without regard to weight or brake horsepower. (ORC 4511.01(C))

301.20 MOTOR VEHICLE.

“Motor vehicle” means every vehicle propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power, except motorized bicycles, road rollers, traction engines, power shovels, power cranes and other equipment used in construction work and not designed for or employed in general highway transportation, hole-digging machinery, well-drilling machinery, ditch-digging machinery, farm machinery, and trailers designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a street or highway for a distance of no more than ten miles and at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less.
(ORC 4511.01(B))

301.201 OPERATE.

“Operate” means to cause or have caused movement of a vehicle.
(ORC 4511.01(HHH))

301.21 PARK OR PARKING.

“Park or parking” means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.

301.22 PEDESTRIAN.

“Pedestrian” means any natural person afoot. (ORC 4511.01(X))

301.23 PERSON.

“Person” means every natural person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation.
(ORC 4511.01(W))

301.24 POLE TRAILER.

“Pole trailer” means every trailer or semitrailer attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach, pole or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregular shaped loads such as poles, pipes or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connection.
(ORC 4511.01(O))

301.25 POLICE OFFICER.

“Police officer” means every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic, or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations. (ORC 4511.01(Z))

301.251 PREDICATE MOTOR VEHICLE OR TRAFFIC OFFENSE.

“Predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense” means any of the following:

(a) A violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.03, 4511.051, 4511.12, 4511.132, 4511.16, 4511.20, 4511.201, 4511.21, 4511.211, 4511.213, 4511.22, 4511.23, 4511.25, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.40, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.432, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.451, 4511.452, 4511.46, 4511.47, 4511.48, 4511.481, 4511.49, 4511.50, 4511.511, 4511.53, 4511.54, 4511.55, 4511.56, 4511.57, 4511.58, 4511.59, 4511.60, 4511.61, 4511.64, 4511.66, 4511.661, 4511.68, 4511.70, 4511.701, 4511.71, 4511.711, 4511.712, 4511.713, 4511.72, 4511.73, 4511.763, 4511.771, 4511.78 or 4511.84;

(b) A violation of division (A)(2) of Ohio R.C. 4511.17, divisions (A) to (D) of Ohio R.C. 4511.51, or division (A) of Ohio R.C. 4511.74;

(c) A violation of any provision of Ohio R.C. 4511.01 to 4511.76 for which no penalty otherwise is provided in the section that contains the provision violated;

(d) A violation of a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to any section or provision set forth or described in subsection (a) to (c) of this section.
(ORC 4511.01(III))

301.26 PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY.

(a) “Private road or driveway” means every way or place in private ownership used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner but not by other persons. (ORC 4511.01(DD))

(b) “Private road open to public travel” means a private toll road or road, including any adjacent sidewalks that generally run parallel to the road, within a shopping center, airport, sports arena, or other similar business or recreation facility that is privately owned but where the public is allowed to travel without access restrictions. “Private road open to public travel” includes a gated toll road but does not include a road within a private gated property where access is restricted at all times, a parking area, a driving aisle within a parking area, or a private grade crossing. (ORC 4511.01(OOO))

301.27 PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLE.

“Public safety vehicle” means any of the following:

(a) Ambulances, including private ambulance companies under contract to a municipal corporation, township or county and private ambulances and transport vehicles bearing license plates issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.49;

(b) Motor vehicles used by public law enforcement officers or other persons sworn to enforce the criminal and traffic laws of the State or the Municipality;

(c) Any motor vehicle when properly identified as required by the Ohio Director of Public Safety, when used in response to fire emergency calls or to provide emergency medical service to ill or injured persons, and when operated by a duly qualified person who is a member of a volunteer rescue service or a volunteer fire department, and who is on duty pursuant to the rules or directives of that service. The Ohio Fire Marshal shall be designated by the Ohio Director of Public Safety as the certifying agency for all public safety vehicles described in this subsection (c);

(d) Vehicles used by fire departments, including motor vehicles when used by volunteer fire fighters responding to emergency calls in the fire department service when identified as required by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. Any vehicle used to transport or provide emergency medical service to an ill or injured person, when certified as a public safety vehicle, shall be considered a public safety vehicle when transporting an ill or injured person to a hospital regardless of whether such vehicle has already passed a hospital.
(ORC 4511.01(E))

(e) Vehicles used by the Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit for the enforcement of orders and rules of the Public Utilities Commission as specified in Ohio R.C. 5503.34. (ORC 4511.01(E))

301.28 RAILROAD.

“Railroad” means a carrier of persons or property operating upon rails placed principally on a private right of way. (ORC 4511.01(P))

301.29 RAILROAD SIGN OR SIGNAL.

“Railroad sign or signal” means any sign, signal or device erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train. (ORC 4511.01(SS))

301.30 RAILROAD TRAIN.

“Railroad train” means a steam engine, or an electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated by a railroad. (ORC 4511.01(Q))

301.31 RESIDENCE DISTRICT.

“Residence district” means the territory, not comprising a business district, fronting on a street or highway, including the street or highway, where, for a distance of 300 feet or more, the frontage is improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
(ORC 4511.01(OO))

301.32 RIGHT OF WAY.

“Right of way” means either of the following, as the context requires:

(a) The right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed uninterruptedly in a lawful manner in the direction in which it or the individual is moving in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian approaching from a different direction into its or the
individual’s path;

(b) A general term denoting land, property or the interest therein, usually in the configuration of a strip, acquired for or devoted to transportation purposes. When used in this context, right of way includes the roadway, shoulders or berm, ditch, and slopes extending to the right-of-way limits under the control of the State or local authority. (ORC 4511.01(UU))

301.321 ROAD SERVICE VEHICLE.

“Road service vehicle” means wreckers, utility repair vehicles, and state, county, and municipal service vehicles equipped with visual signals by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights. (ORC 4511.01(JJJ))

301.33 ROADWAY.

“Roadway” means that portion of a street or highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, except the berm or shoulder. If a street or highway includes two or more separate roadways, the term “roadway” means any such roadway separately but not all such roadways collectively. (ORC 4511.01(EE))

301.34 SAFETY ZONE.

“Safety zone” means the area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and protected or marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times. (ORC 4511.01(MM))

301.35 SCHOOL BUS.

“School bus” means every bus designed for carrying more than nine passengers that is owned by a public, private or governmental agency or institution of learning and operated for the transportation of children to or from a school session or a school function, or owned by a private person and operated for compensation for the transportation of children to or from a school session or a school function; provided “school bus” does not include a bus operated by a municipally owned transportation system, a mass transit company operating exclusively within the territorial limits of the Municipality, or within such limits and the territorial limits of municipal corporations immediately contiguous to the Municipality, nor a common passenger carrier certified by the Public Utilities Commission unless such bus is devoted exclusively to the transportation of children to and from a school session or a school function, and “school bus” does not include a van or bus used by a licensed child day-care center or type A family day-care home to transport children from the child day-care center or type A family day-care home to a school if the van or bus does not have more than fifteen children in the van or bus at any time. “Child day-care center” and “type A family day-care home” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 5104.01.
(ORC 4511.01(F), (FFF))

301.36 SEMITRAILER.

“Semitrailer” means every vehicle designed or used for carrying persons or property with another and separate motor vehicle so that in operation a part of its own weight or that of its load, or both, rests upon and is carried by another vehicle. (ORC 4511.01(N))

301.361 SHARED-USE PATH.

“Shared-use path” means a bikeway outside the traveled way and physically separate from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent alignment. A shared-use path also may be used by pedestrians, including skaters, joggers, users of manual and motorized wheelchairs, and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users. (ORC 4511.01(PPP))

301.37 SIDEWALK.

“Sidewalk” means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, intended for the use of pedestrians. (ORC 4511.01(FF))

301.38 STATE ROUTE.

“State route” means every highway that is designated with an official State route number and so marked. (ORC 4511.01(JJ))

301.39 STOP (WHEN REQUIRED).

“Stop” when required means a complete cessation of movement.

301.40 STOPPING OR STANDING.

(a) “Stop or stopping” when prohibited means any halting of a vehicle, even momentarily, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device.

(b) “Stand or standing” means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers.

301.41 STOP INTERSECTION.

“Stop intersection” means any intersection at one or more entrances of which stop signs are erected. (ORC 4511.01(BBB))

301.42 STREET OR HIGHWAY; ARTERIAL STREET.

(a) “Street” or “highway” are synonymous and mean the entire width between the boundary lines of every way open to the use of the public as a thoroughfare for purposes of vehicular travel. (ORC 4511.01(BB))

(b) “Arterial street” means any United States or State numbered route, controlled access highway or other major radial or circumferential street or highway designated by local authorities within their respective jurisdictions as part of a major arterial system of streets or highways. (ORC 4511.01(CCC))

301.43 THROUGH STREET OR HIGHWAY.

“Through street or highway” means every street or highway as provided in Section 313.02.
(ORC 4511.01(HH))

301.44 THRUWAY.

“Thruway” means a through street or highway whose entire roadway is reserved for through traffic and on which roadway parking is prohibited.
(ORC 4511.01(AAA))

301.45 TRAFFIC.

“Traffic” means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles and other devices, either singly or together, while using for purposes of travel any street or highway or private road open to public travel. (ORC 4511.01(TT))

301.46 TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE.

“Traffic control device” means a flagger, sign, signal, marking, or other device used to regulate, warn or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, private road open to public travel, pedestrian facility, or shared-use path by authority of a public agency or official having jurisdiction, or, in the case of a private road open to public travel, by authority of the private owner or private official having jurisdiction.
(ORC 4511.01(QQ))

301.47 TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL.

“Traffic control signal” means any highway traffic signal by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted to proceed.
(ORC 4511.01(RR))

301.48 TRAILER.

“Trailer” means every vehicle designed or used for carrying persons or property wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, including any such vehicle when formed by or operated as a combination of a semitrailer and a vehicle of the dolly type, such as that commonly known as a trailer dolly, a vehicle used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials between a local place of storage or supply and the farm when drawn or towed on a street or highway at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour and a vehicle designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a street or highway for a distance of more than ten miles or at a speed of more than twenty-five miles per hour.
(ORC 4511.01(M))

301.49 TRUCK.

“Truck” means every motor vehicle, except trailers and semitrailers, designed and used to carry property. (ORC 4511.01(K))

301.50 URBAN DISTRICT.

“Urban district” means the territory contiguous to and including any street or highway which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry or dwelling houses situated at intervals of less than 100 feet for distance of a quarter of a mile or more, and the character of such territory is indicated by official traffic control devices. (ORC 4511.01(PP))

301.51 VEHICLE.

“Vehicle” means every device, including a motorized bicycle, in, upon or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn upon a street or highway, except that “vehicle” does not include any motorized wheelchair, any electric personal assistive mobility device, or any device, other than a bicycle, that is moved by human power. (ORC 4511.01(A))

301.52 WHEELCHAIR, MOTORIZED.

“Motorized wheelchair” means any self-propelled vehicle designed for, and used by, a handicapped person and that is incapable of a speed in excess of eight miles per hour.
(ORC 4511.01(EEE))

CHAPTER 303
Enforcement, Impounding and Penalty

303.01 Compliance with lawful order of police officer; fleeing.
303.02 Traffic direction in emergencies; obedience to school guard.
303.03 Officer may remove ignition key.
303.04 Road workers, motor vehicles records; and equipment excepted.
303.041 Emergency, public safety and coroner’s vehicles exempt.
303.05 Application to persons riding, driving animals upon roadway.
303.06 Freeway use prohibited by pedestrians, bicycles and animals.
303.07 Application to drivers of government vehicles.
303.08 Impounding of vehicles; redemption.
303.081 Impounding vehicles on private residential or agricultural property.
303.082 Private tow-away zones.
303.083 Release of vehicle; charges.
303.09 Leaving junk and other vehicles on private or public property without permission or notification.
303.10 Leaving junk vehicles on private property with permission of owner.
303.11 Providing false information to police officer.
303.99 General Traffic Code penalties.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Disposition of unclaimed vehicles – see Ohio R.C. 737.32, 4513.62 et seq.
Citations for minor misdemeanors – see Ohio R.C. 2935.26 et seq.
Power of trial court of record to suspend or revoke license for certain violations – see Ohio R.C. 4507.16, 4507.34
State point system suspension – see Ohio R.C. 4507.40
Uniform application of Ohio Traffic Law – see Ohio R.C. 4511.06
Marking motor vehicles used by traffic officers – see Ohio R.C. 4549.13
Distinctive uniform required for traffic officers – see Ohio R.C. 4549.15
Exceptions for emergency or public safety vehicles – see TRAF. 331.20, 333.06

303.01 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWFUL ORDER OF POLICE OFFICER; FLEEING.

(a) No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.

(b) No person shall operate a motor vehicle so as willfully to elude or flee a police officer after receiving a visible or audible signal from a police officer to bring the person’s motor vehicle to a stop.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Refer to Ohio R.C. 2921.331 for filing charges under subsection (b) hereof since the jury or judge as trier of fact may determine the violation to be a felony.)

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer. A violation of subsection (a) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Except as hereinafter provided, a violation of subsection (b) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. A violation of subsection (b) is a felony if the jury or judge as trier of fact finds any one of the following by proof beyond a reasonable doubt:

(1) In committing the offense, the offender was fleeing immediately after the commission of a felony;
(2) The operation of the motor vehicle by the offender was a proximate cause of serious physical harm to persons or property;
(3) The operation of the motor vehicle by the offender caused a substantial risk of serious physical harm to persons or property.

(d) In addition to any other sanction imposed for a violation of subsection (a) of this section or a misdemeanor violation of subsection (b) of this section, the court shall impose a class five suspension from the range specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.02(A)(5). If the offender previously has been found guilty of an offense under this section, in addition to any other sanction imposed for the offense, the court shall impose a class one suspension as described in division (A)(1) of that section. The court may grant limited driving privileges to the offender on a suspension imposed for a misdemeanor violation of this section as set forth in Ohio R.C. 4510.021. No judge shall suspend the first three years of suspension under a class two suspension of an offender’s license, permit or privilege required by this division on any portion of the suspension under a class one suspension of an offender’s license, permit, or privilege required by this subsection.
(ORC 2921.331)

303.02 TRAFFIC DIRECTION IN EMERGENCIES; OBEDIENCE TO SCHOOL GUARD.

(a) Police officers shall direct or regulate traffic in accordance with the provisions of this Traffic Code, provided that, in the event of fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or safeguard pedestrians, they are authorized to direct traffic as conditions may require notwithstanding the provisions of this Traffic Code. Firemen, when at the scene of a fire, may direct or assist the police in directing traffic thereat or in the immediate vicinity. The direction of traffic may be by word or audible signal, by gesture or visible signal or by any combination thereof. No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer or fireman issued pursuant to this section.

(b) No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any school crossing guard invested with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic in the vicinity of the school to which such guard may be assigned.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

303.03 OFFICER MAY REMOVE IGNITION KEY.

A law enforcement officer may remove the ignition key left in the ignition switch of an unlocked and unattended motor vehicle parked on a street or highway, or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking. The officer removing such key shall place notification upon the vehicle detailing his name and badge number, the place where such key may be reclaimed and the procedure for reclaiming such key. The key shall be returned to the owner of the motor vehicle upon presentation of proof of ownership.
(ORC 4549.05)

303.04 ROAD WORKERS, MOTOR VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT EXCEPTED.

(a) The provisions of this Traffic Code do not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway within an area designated by traffic control devices, but apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work.

(b) The driver of a highway maintenance vehicle owned by this state or any political subdivision of this state, while the driver is engaged in the performance of official duties upon a street or highway, provided the highway maintenance vehicle is equipped with flashing lights and such other markings as are required by law, and such lights are in operation when the driver and vehicle are so engaged, shall be exempt from criminal prosecution for violations of Sections 331.01 to 331.04, 331.06 to 331.08, 331.31, 333.04, 337.01 and Ohio R.C. 4511.66 and 5577.01 to 5577.09.

(c) (1) This section does not exempt a driver of a highway maintenance vehicle from civil liability arising from a violation of Sections 331.01 to 331.04, 331.06 to 331.08, 331.31, 333.04, 337.01 or Ohio R.C. 4511.66 or 5577.01 to 5577.09.
(2) This section does not exempt the driver of a vehicle that is engaged in the transport of highway maintenance equipment from criminal liability for a violation of Ohio R.C. 5577.01 to 5577.09.
(ORC 4511.04)

303.041 EMERGENCY, PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORONER’S VEHICLES EXEMPT.

(a) Ohio R.C. 4511.12, 4511.13, 4511.131, 4511.132, 4511.14, 4511.202, 4511.21, 4511.211, 4511.22, 4511.23, 4511.25, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.40, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.432, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.57, 4511.58, 4511.59, 4511.60, 4511.61, 4511.62, 4511.66, 4511.68, 4511.681 and 4511.69 and all sections of this Traffic Code or other municipal ordinances that are substantially equivalent to the sections listed above, do not apply to the driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle if the emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle is responding to an emergency call, is equipped with and displaying at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and if the driver of the vehicle is giving an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell. This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway. (ORC 4511.041)

(b) Ohio R.C. 4511.25, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38 and 4511.66, and all sections of this Traffic Code or other municipal ordinances that are substantially equivalent to the sections listed above, do not apply to a coroner, deputy coroner, or coroner’s investigator operating a motor vehicle in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4513.171. This section does not relieve a coroner, deputy coroner, or coroner’s investigator operating a motor vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway. (ORC 4511.042)

303.05 APPLICATION TO PERSONS RIDING, DRIVING ANIMALS UPON ROADWAY.

Every person riding, driving or leading an animal upon a roadway shall be subject to the provisions of this Traffic Code applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of such sections which by their nature are inapplicable. (ORC 4511.05)

303.06 FREEWAY USE PROHIBITED BY PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES AND ANIMALS.

(a) No person, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:

(1) As a pedestrian, occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, except: in a rest area; on a facility that is separated from the roadway and shoulders of the freeway and is designed and appropriately marked for pedestrian use; in the performance of public works or official duties; as a result of an emergency caused by an accident or breakdown of a motor vehicle; or to obtain assistance;
(2) Occupy any space within the limits of the right of way of a freeway, with: an animal-drawn vehicle; a ridden or led animal; herded animals; a pushcart; a bicycle, except on a facility that is separated from the roadway and shoulders of the freeway and is designed and appropriately marked for bicycle use; a bicycle with motor attached; a motor driven cycle with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower; an agricultural tractor; farm machinery; except in the performance of public works or official duties.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.051)

303.07 APPLICATION TO DRIVERS OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES.

The provisions of this Traffic Code applicable to the drivers of vehicles shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, any state or any political subdivision thereof, including this Municipality, except as may be otherwise provided by law and subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth with reference to authorized emergency and public safety vehicles.

303.08 IMPOUNDING OF VEHICLES; REDEMPTION.

(a) Police officers are authorized to provide for the removal of a vehicle under the following circumstances:

(1) When any vehicle is left unattended upon any street, bridge or causeway and is so illegally parked so as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the normal movement of traffic, or so as to unreasonably interfere with street cleaning or snow removal operations.
(2) When any vehicle or “abandoned junk motor vehicle” as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.63 is left on private property for more than forty-eight consecutive hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property, or on a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, or upon or within the right of way of any road or highway, for forty-eight consecutive hours or longer, without notification to the Police Chief of the reasons for leaving such vehicle in such place. Prior to disposal of an “abandoned junk motor vehicle” as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.63, it shall be photographed by a law enforcement officer.
(3) When any vehicle has been stolen or operated without the consent of the owner and is located upon either public or private property.
(4) When any vehicle displays illegal license plates or fails to display the current lawfully required plates and is located upon any public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.
(5) When any vehicle has been used in or connected with the commission of a felony and is located upon either public or private property.
(6) When any vehicle has been damaged or wrecked so as to be inoperable or violates equipment provisions of this Traffic Code whereby its continued operation would constitute a condition hazardous to life, limb or property, and is located upon any public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.
(7) When any vehicle is left unattended either on public or private property due to the removal of an ill, injured or arrested operator, or due to the abandonment thereof by the operator during or immediately after pursuit by a law enforcement officer.
(8) When any vehicle has been operated by any person who has failed to stop in case of an accident or collision and is located either on public or private property.
(9) When any vehicle has been operated by any person who is driving without a lawful license or while his license has been suspended or revoked and is located upon a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.
(10) When any vehicle is found for which two or more citation tags for violations of this Traffic Code have been issued and the owner or operator thereof has failed to respond to such citation tags as lawfully required, and is located upon a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking.

(b) Any vehicle removed under authority of subsection (a)(2) hereof shall be ordered into storage and/or disposed of as provided under Ohio R.C. 4513.60 et seq. Any other vehicle removed under authority of this section shall be ordered into storage and the Municipal police shall forthwith notify the registered vehicle owner of the fact of such removal and impounding, reasons therefor and the place of storage. Any person desiring to redeem an impounded vehicle shall appear at the police offices to furnish satisfactory evidence of identity and ownership or right to possession. Prior to issuance of a release form, the claimant, owner or operator shall either pay the amount due for any fines for violations on account of which such vehicle was impounded or, as the court may require, post a bond in an amount set by the court, to appear to answer to such violations. The pound operator shall release such vehicle upon the receipt of the release form and payment of all towage and storage charges.

(c) No owner or operator shall remove an impounded vehicle from the place of storage without complying with the above procedure. Possession of a vehicle which has been impounded and unlawfully taken from the place of storage, by the owner or operator, shall constitute prima-facie evidence that it was so removed by the owner or operator.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

303.081 IMPOUNDING VEHICLES ON PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL OR AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY.

(a) (1) The Chief of Police upon complaint of any person adversely affected may order into storage any motor vehicle, other than an abandoned junk motor vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.63, that has been left on private residential or private agricultural property for at least four hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property. The Chief of Police, upon complaint of the owner of a repair garage or place of storage, may order into storage any motor vehicle, other than an abandoned junk motor vehicle, that has been left at the garage or place of storage for a longer period than that agreed upon. When ordering a motor vehicle into storage pursuant to this section, the Chief of Police may arrange for the removal of the motor vehicle by a towing service and shall designate a storage facility.
(2) A towing service towing a motor vehicle under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall remove the motor vehicle in accordance with that subsection. The towing service shall deliver the motor vehicle to the location designated by the Chief of Police not more than two hours after the time it is removed from the private property.
(3) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the owner of a motor vehicle that has been removed pursuant to this subsection may recover the vehicle only in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.
(4) As used in this section “private residential property” means private property on which is located one or more structures that are used as a home, residence or sleeping place by one or more persons, if no more than three separate households are maintained in the structure or structures. “Private residential property” does not include any private property on which is located one or more structures that are used as a home, residence or sleeping place by two or more persons, if more than three separate households are maintained in the structure or structures.

(b) If the owner or operator of a motor vehicle that has been ordered into storage pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section arrives after the motor vehicle has been prepared for removal, but prior to its actual removal from the property, the towing service shall give the owner or operator oral or written notification at the time of such arrival that the vehicle owner or operator may pay a fee of not more than one-half of the fee for the removal of the motor vehicle under subsection (d)(1) of this section in order to obtain release of the motor vehicle. Upon payment of that fee, the towing service shall give the vehicle owner or operator a receipt showing both the full amount normally assessed and the actual amount received and shall release the motor vehicle to the owner or operator. Upon its release, the owner or operator immediately shall move it so that it is not on the private residential or private agricultural property without the permission of the person having the right to possession of the property, or is not at the garage or place of storage without the permission of the owner, whichever is applicable.

(c) (1) The Chief of Police shall maintain a record of motor vehicles that the Chief orders into storage pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section. The record shall include an entry for each such motor vehicle that identifies the motor vehicle’s license number, make, model and color, the location from which it was removed, the date and time of the removal, the telephone number of the person from whom it may be recovered, and the address of the place to which it has been taken and from which it may be recovered. The Chief of Police shall provide any information in the record that pertains to a particular motor vehicle to any person who, either in person or pursuant to a telephone call, identifies self as the owner or operator of the motor vehicle and requests information pertaining to its location.
(2) Any person who registers a complaint that is the basis of the Police Chief’s order for the removal and storage of a motor vehicle under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall provide the identity of the law enforcement agency with which the complaint was registered to any person who identifies self as the owner or operator of the motor vehicle and requests information pertaining to its location.

(d) (1) The owner or lienholder of a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section may reclaim it upon both of the following:

A. Payment of the following fees:

  1. Not more than ninety dollars ($90.00) for the removal of the motor vehicle. However, if the motor vehicle has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating in excess of ten thousand pounds, and is a truck, bus or a combination of a commercial tractor and trailer or semitrailer, not more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for the removal.
  2. Not more than twelve dollars ($12.00) per twenty-four hour period for the storage of the motor vehicle. However, if the motor vehicle has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating in excess of ten thousand pounds and is a truck, bus or a combination of a commercial tractor and trailer or semitrailer, not more than twenty dollars ($20.00) per twenty-four hour period for storage.

B. Presentation of proof of ownership, which may be evidenced by a certificate of title to the motor vehicle, a certificate of registration for the motor vehicle, or a lease agreement.

(2) Upon presentation of proof of ownership, as required under subsection (d)(1)B. of this section, the owner of a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage under subsection (a)(1) of this section may retrieve any personal items from the motor vehicle without retrieving the vehicle and without paying any fee. However, the owner may not retrieve any personal item that has been determined by the Chief of Police, as applicable, to be necessary to a criminal investigation. For purposes of subsection (d)(2) of this section, “personal items” do not include any items that are attached to the motor vehicle.
(3) If a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section remains unclaimed by the owner for thirty days, the procedures established by Ohio R.C. 4513.61 and 4513.62 apply.

(e) (1) No person shall remove, or cause the removal of, any motor vehicle from any private residential or private agricultural property other than in accordance with subsection (a)(1) of this section or Ohio R.C. 4513.61 to 4513.65.
(2) No towing service or storage facility shall fail to comply with the requirements of this section.

(f) This section does not apply to any private residential or private agricultural property that is established as a private tow-away zone in accordance with Section 303.082.

(g) The owner of any towing service or storage facility that violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.60)

303.082 PRIVATE TOW-AWAY ZONES.

(a) The owner of private property may establish a private tow-away zone, but may do so only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The owner posts on the owner’s property a sign, that is at least eighteen inches by twenty-four inches in size, that is visible from all entrances to the property, and that includes all of the following information:

A. A statement that the property is a tow-away zone;
B. A description of persons authorized to park on the property. If the property is a residential property, the owner of the private property may include on the sign a statement that only tenants and guests may park in the private tow-away zone, subject to the terms of the property owner. If the property is a commercial property, the owner of the private property may include on the sign a statement that only customers may park in the private tow-away zone. In all cases, if it is not apparent which persons may park in the private tow-away zone, the owner shall include on the sign the address of the property on which the private tow-away zone is located, or the name of the business that is located on the property designated as a private towaway zone.
C. If the private tow-away zone is not enforceable at all times, the times during which the parking restrictions are enforced;
D. The telephone number and the address of the place from which a towed vehicle may be recovered at any time during the day or night;
E. A statement that the failure to recover a towed vehicle may result in the loss of title to the vehicle as provided in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 4505.101.

Any owner of property that has been established as a private tow-away zone under Ohio R.C. 4513.60 or Section 303.081 et seq. of this Traffic Code as that section existed prior to the effective date of this section who does not have a contract with a towing service for the removal of vehicles from the property may retain existing private tow-away zone signs that comply with that section for up to six months after the effective date of this section. At any time, in order to comply with the requirements of subsection (b)(1) of this section, such a property owner may modify the existing sign by affixing to the existing sign stickers or an addendum in lieu of replacing the sign.

(2) A towing service ensures that a vehicle towed under this section is taken to a location from which it may be recovered that complies with all of the following:

A. It is located within twenty linear miles of the location of the private tow-away zone, unless it is not practicable to take the vehicle to a place of storage within twenty linear miles.
B. It is well-lighted.
C. It is on or within a reasonable distance of a regularly scheduled route of one or more modes of public transportation, if any public transportation is available in the municipal corporation or township in which the private tow-away zone is located.

(b) (1) If a vehicle is parked on private property that is established as a private towaway zone in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, without the consent of the owner of the property or in violation of any posted parking condition or regulation, the owner may cause the removal of the vehicle by a towing service. The towing service shall remove the vehicle in accordance with this section. The vehicle owner and the operator of the vehicle are considered to have consented to the removal and storage of the vehicle, to the payment of the applicable fees established under subsection (g) of this section, and to the right of a towing service to obtain title to the vehicle if it remains unclaimed as provided in Ohio R.C. 4505.101. The owner or lienholder of a vehicle that has been removed under this section, subject to subsection (c) of this section, may recover the vehicle in accordance with subsection (g) of this section.
(2) If a municipal corporation requires tow trucks and tow truck operators to be licensed, no owner of private property located within the municipal corporation shall cause the removal and storage of any vehicle pursuant to subsection (b) of this section by an unlicensed tow truck or unlicensed tow truck operator.

(c) If the owner or operator of a vehicle that is being removed under authority of subsection (b) of this section, arrives after the vehicle has been prepared for removal, but prior to the actual removal from the property, the towing service shall give the vehicle owner or operator oral or written notification at the time of such arrival that the vehicle owner or operator may pay a fee of not more than one-half of the fee for the removal of the vehicle established under subsection (g) of this section, in order to obtain release of the vehicle. Upon payment of that fee, the towing service shall give the vehicle owner or operator a receipt showing both the full amount normally assessed and the actual amount received and shall release the vehicle to the owner or operator. Upon its release the owner or operator immediately shall move the vehicle so that the vehicle is not parked on the private property established as a private tow-away zone without the consent of the owner or in violation of any posted parking condition or regulation.

(d) (1) Prior to towing a vehicle under subsection (b) of this section, a towing service shall make all reasonable efforts to take as many photographs as necessary to evidence that the vehicle is clearly parked on private property in violation of a private tow-away zone established under subsection (a) of this section. The towing service shall record the time and date of the photographs taken under this section. The towing service shall retain the photographs and the record of the time and date, in electronic or printed form, for at least thirty days after the date on which the vehicle is recovered by the owner or lienholder or at least two years after the date on which the vehicle was towed, whichever is earlier.
(2) A towing service shall deliver a vehicle towed under subsection (b) of this section to the location from which it may be recovered not more than two hours after the time it was removed from the private tow-away zone.

(e) (1) If an owner of private property that is established as a private tow-away zone in accordance with subsection (a) of this section causes the removal of a vehicle from that property by a towing service under subsection (b) of this section, the towing service, within two hours of removing the vehicle, shall provide notice to the Police Department concerning all of the following:

A. The vehicle’s license number, make, model and color;
B. The location from which the vehicle was removed;
C. The date and time the vehicle was removed;
D. The telephone number of the person from whom the vehicle may be recovered;
E. The address of the place from which the vehicle may be recovered.

(2) The Chief of Police shall maintain a record of any vehicle removed from private property in the Chief’s jurisdiction that is established as a private towaway zone of which the Chief has received notice under this section. The record shall include all information submitted by the towing service. The Chief shall provide any information in the record that pertains to a particular vehicle to a person who, either in person or pursuant to a telephone call, identifies self as the owner, operator or lienholder of the vehicle, and requests information pertaining to the vehicle.

(f) (1) When a vehicle is removed from private property in accordance with this section, the owner of the towing service or storage facility from which the vehicle may be recovered shall immediately cause a search to be made of the records of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to ascertain the identity of the owner and any lienholder of the motor vehicle. Subject to subsection (f)(4) of this section, the owner of the towing service or storage facility shall send notice to the vehicle owner and any known lienholder as follows:

A. Within five business days of removal of the vehicle from the private tow-away zone, if the vehicle has not yet been recovered, to the owner’s and lienholder’s last known address by certified or express mail with return receipt requested or by a commercial carrier service utilizing any form of delivery requiring a signed receipt;
B. If the vehicle remains unclaimed thirty days after the first notice is sent, in the manner authorized in subsection (f)(1)A. of this section;
C. If the vehicle remains unclaimed forty-five days after the first notice is sent, in the manner authorized in subsection (f)(1)A. of this section.

(2) Sixty days after any notice sent pursuant to subsection (f)(1) of this section is received, as evidenced by a receipt signed by any person, or the towing service or storage facility has been notified that delivery was not possible, the owner of a towing service or storage facility, if authorized under subsection (B) of Ohio R.C. 4505.101, may initiate the process for obtaining a certificate of title to the motor vehicle as provided in that section.
(3) A towing service or storage facility that does not receive a signed receipt of notice, or a notification that delivery was not possible, shall not obtain, and shall not attempt to obtain, a certificate of title to the motor vehicle under division (B) of Ohio R.C. 4505.101.
(4) With respect to a vehicle concerning which a towing service or storage facility is not eligible to obtain title under Ohio R.C. 4505.101, the towing service or storage facility need only comply with the initial notice required under subsection (f)(1)A. of this section.

(g) (1) The owner or lienholder of a vehicle that is removed under subsection (b) of this section may reclaim it upon all of the following:

A. Presentation of proof of ownership, which may be evidenced by a certificate of title to the vehicle, a certificate of registration for the motor vehicle or a lease agreement;
B. Payment of the following fees:

  1. Not more than ninety dollars ($90.00) for the removal of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating in excess of ten thousand pounds and is a truck, bus or a combination of a commercial tractor and trailer or semitrailer, not more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for the removal.
  2. Not more than twelve dollars ($12.00) per twenty-four-hour period for the storage of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating in excess of ten thousand pounds and is a truck, bus, or a combination of a commercial tractor and trailer or semitrailer, not more than twenty dollars ($20.00) per twenty-four-hour period for storage.
  3. If notice has been sent to the owner and lienholder as described in subsection (f) of this section, a processing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

(2) A towing service or storage facility in possession of a vehicle that is removed under authority of subsection (b) of this section shall show the vehicle owner, operator or lienholder who contests the removal of the vehicle all photographs taken under subsection (d) of this section. Upon request, the towing service or storage facility shall provide copies of all photographs in the medium in which the photographs are stored, whether paper, electronic, or otherwise.
(3) Upon presentation of proof of ownership, which may be evidenced by a certificate of title to the vehicle, a certificate of registration for the motor vehicle or a lease agreement, the owner of a vehicle that is removed under authority of subsection (b) of this section may retrieve any personal items from the vehicle without retrieving the vehicle and without paying any fee. For purposes of subsection (g)(3) of this section, “personal items” do not include any items that are attached to the vehicle.

(h) No towing service or storage facility shall remove, or cause the removal of any vehicle from private property that is established as a private tow-away zone under this section, store such a vehicle other than in accordance with this section, or otherwise fail to comply with any applicable requirement of this section.

(i) This section does not affect or limit the operation of Ohio R.C. 4513.60 or Ohio R.C. 4513.61 to 4613.65 as they relate to property other than private property that is established as a private tow-away zone under subsection (a) of this section.

(j) The owner of any towing service or storage facility or property owner that violates subsection (h) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.601)

303.083 RELEASE OF VEHICLE; RECORDS; CHARGES.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The provisions of former Section 303.083 as amended are now codified in Section 303.081.)

303.09 LEAVING JUNK AND OTHER VEHICLES ON PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION OR NOTIFICATION.

(a) No person shall willfully leave any vehicle or an “abandoned junk motor vehicle” as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.63 on private property for more than seventy-two consecutive hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property or on a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, or upon or within the right of way of any road or highway, for forty-eight consecutive hours or longer, without notification to the Police Chief of the reasons for leaving the vehicle in such place. For purposes of this section, the fact that a vehicle has been so left without permission or notification is prima-facie evidence of abandonment. Nothing contained in this section shall invalidate the provisions of other ordinances regulating or prohibiting the abandonment of motor vehicles on streets, highways, public property or private property within the Municipality.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall also be assessed any costs incurred by the Municipality in disposing of an abandoned junk motor vehicle that is the basis of the violation, less any money accruing to the Municipality from this disposal of the vehicle. (ORC 4513.64)

303.10 LEAVING JUNK VEHICLES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WITH PERMISSION OF OWNER.

(a) For the purposes of this section, “junk motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle meeting the requirements of Ohio R.C. 4513.63(B) to (E) that is left uncovered in the open on private property for more than seventy-two hours with the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property, except if the person is operating a junk yard or scrap metal processing facility licensed under authority of Ohio R.C. 4737.05 to 4737.12; or regulated under authority of the Municipality; or if the property on which the motor vehicle is left is not subject to licensure or regulation by any governmental authority, unless the person having the right to the possession of the property can establish that the motor vehicle is part of a bona fide commercial operation, or if the motor vehicle is a collector’s vehicle.

Persons may store or keep by unrestricted method any collector’s vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4501.01(F) on private property with the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property; except that such person having such permission shall conceal, by means of buildings, fences, vegetation, terrain or other suitable obstruction, any unlicensed collector’s vehicle stored in the open.

Council, the Chief of Police or the Municipal Zoning Authority, may send notice by certified mail with return receipt requested, to the person having the right to the possession of the property on which a junk motor vehicle is left, that within ten days of receipt of the notice, the junk motor vehicle either shall be covered by being housed in a garage or other suitable structure or shall be removed from the property.

No person shall willfully leave a junk motor vehicle uncovered in the open for more than ten days after receipt of a notice as provided in this section. The fact that a junk motor vehicle is so left is prima-facie evidence of willful failure to comply with the notice. Each subsequent period of thirty days that a junk motor vehicle continues to be so left constitutes a separate offense.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 4513.65)

303.11 PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION TO POLICE OFFICER.

(a) No person shall knowingly present, display or orally communicate a false name, social security number or date of birth to a law enforcement officer who is in the process of issuing to the person a traffic ticket or complaint.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4513.361)

303.99 GENERAL TRAFFIC CODE PENALTIES.

(a) General Misdemeanor Classifications. Whoever violates any provision of this Traffic Code for which violation no penalty is otherwise provided, is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

(b) Penalties. Whoever is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this Traffic Code shall be imprisoned for a definite term or fined, or both, which term of imprisonment and fine shall be fixed by the court as provided in this section.

Classification of MisdemeanorMaximum Term of ImprisonmentMaximum Fine
First degree180 days$1,000.00
Second degree90 days750.00
Third degree60 days500.00
Fourth degree30 days250.00
MinorNo imprisonment150.00

(ORC 2929.24; 2929.28)

CHAPTER 305
Traffic Control

305.01 Authority to regulate local traffic.
305.02 Conformity with State classification. manual.
305.03 Permit required for traffic signal on State route.
305.04 Violations subject to misdemeanor
305.05 Owner may establish non-liability for local traffic offenses by proof of lease of vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional history for similar State law
Power to designate highway as included in a freeway, expressway or thruway – see Ohio R.C. 4511.011
Uniform system of traffic control devices – see Ohio R.C. 4511.09, 4511.11(D)
Placing and maintaining local traffic control devices – see Ohio R.C. 4511.10, 4511.11
Alteration of prima-facie speed limits – see Ohio R.C. 4511.21, 4511.22(A), 4511.23
Power to erect stop signs at grade crossings – see Ohio R.C. 4511.61
Designation of through streets and erection of stop or yield signs – see Ohio R.C. 4511.65; TRAF. 313.02
Traffic control devices defined – see TRAF. 301.46

305.01 AUTHORITY TO REGULATE LOCAL TRAFFIC.

(a) The provisions of the State Traffic Code as contained in Ohio R.C. Chapters 4511 and 4513 do not prevent the Municipality from enacting local traffic regulations covering the following activities with respect to the streets and highways under local jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of the police power by the Municipality:

(1) Regulating the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles;
(2) Regulating traffic by means of police officers or traffic control devices;
(3) Regulating or prohibiting processions or assemblages on streets or highways;
(4) Designating particular streets as one-way streets and requiring that all vehicles on the one-way streets be moved in one specific direction;
(5) Regulating the speed of vehicles in public parks;
(6) Designating any street or highway as a through street or highway and requiring that all vehicles stop before entering or crossing a through street or highway, or designating any intersection as a stop intersection and requiring all vehicles to stop at one or more entrances to the intersection;
(7) Regulating or prohibiting vehicles from passing to the left of safety zones;
(8) Regulating the operation of bicycles; provided that no such regulation shall be fundamentally inconsistent with the uniform rules of the road prescribed by this Traffic Code and that no such regulation shall prohibit the use of bicycles on any public street or highway except as provided in Section 303.06;
(9) Requiring the registration and licensing of bicycles, including the requirement of a registration fee for residents of the Municipality;
(10) Regulating the use of certain streets by vehicles.

(b) No ordinance or regulation enacted under subsections (a)(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (10) of this section shall be effective until signs giving notice of the local traffic regulations are posted upon or at the entrance to the street or highway or part of the street or highway affected, as may be most appropriate.

(c) Every ordinance, resolution or regulation enacted under subsection (a)(1) hereof shall be enforced in compliance with Section 305.05. (ORC 4511.07)

305.02 CONFORMITY WITH STATE MANUAL.

All traffic control devices placed pursuant to the provisions of this Traffic Code shall conform to the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, as set forth in Ohio R.C. 4511.09.

305.03 PERMIT REQUIRED FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON STATE ROUTE.

No traffic control signal shall be placed or maintained upon an extension of the State highway system within the Village without first obtaining the permission of the Ohio Director of Transportation. The Director may revoke the permission and may require to be removed any traffic control signal that has been erected without his permission on an extension of a State highway within the Village, or that, if erected under a permit granted by the Director, does not conform to the State manual as required by Section 305.02, or that is not operated in accordance with the terms of the permit. (ORC 4511.11(C))

305.04 VIOLATIONS SUBJECT TO MISDEMEANOR CLASSIFICATION.

Except as otherwise provided, any person violating the rules and regulations promulgated in connection with this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be classified as provided in Section 303.99.

305.05 OWNER MAY ESTABLISH NONLIABILITY FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC OFFENSES BY PROOF OF LEASE OF VEHICLE.

(a) The owner of a vehicle shall be entitled to establish nonliability for prosecution for violation of an ordinance, resolution or regulation enacted under Section 305.01(a)(1) by proving the vehicle was in the care, custody or control of a person other than the owner at the time of the violation pursuant to a written lease agreement providing that except for such agreement, no other business relationship with respect to the vehicle in question exists between the operator and owner.

(b) Proof that the vehicle was in the care, custody or control of a person other than the owner shall be established by sending a copy of such written lease agreement to the prosecuting authority within thirty days from the date of receipt by the owner of the notice of violation. The furnishing of a copy of a written lease agreement shall be prima-facie evidence that a vehicle was in the care, custody or control of a person other than the owner.
(ORC 4511.071)

TITLE THREE – Streets and Traffic Control Devices

Chap. 311. Street Obstructions and Special Uses.
Chap. 313. Traffic Control Devices.

CHAPTER 311
Street Obstructions and Special Uses

311.01 Placing injurious material or obstruction in street.
311.02 Parades and assemblages.
311.03 Toy vehicles on streets.
311.04 Play street.
311.05 Zone of quiet.
311.99 Penalty.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional history for similar State law
Power to regulate processions or assemblages – see Ohio R.C. 4511.07(C)
Dropping, sifting and leaking loads – see TRAF. 339.08

311.01 PLACING INJURIOUS MATERIAL OR OBSTRUCTION IN STREET.

(a) No person shall place or knowingly drop upon any part of a street, highway or alley any tacks, bottles, wire, glass, nails or other articles which may damage or injure any person, vehicle or animal traveling along or upon such street, except such substances that may be placed upon the roadway by proper authority for the repair or construction thereof.

(b) Any person who drops or permits to be dropped or thrown upon any street any noxious, destructive or injurious material shall immediately remove the same.

(c) Any person authorized to remove a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a street shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the street from such vehicle.

(d) No person shall place any obstruction in or upon a street without proper authority.

(e) No person, with intent to cause physical harm to a person or vehicle, shall place or knowingly drop upon any part of a highway, lane, road, street or alley any tacks, bottles, wire, glass, nails or other articles which may damage or injure any person, vehicle or animal traveling along or upon such highway, except such substances that may be placed upon the roadway by proper authority for the repair or construction thereof.

(f) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(2) Whoever violates subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 4511.74)

311.02 PARADES AND ASSEMBLAGES.

(a) No person, group of persons or organization shall conduct or participate in any parade, assemblage or procession other than a funeral procession upon any street or highway, or block off any street or highway area, without first obtaining a permit from the Police Chief.

Applications for such permits shall be made on such forms as may be prescribed and shall contain such information as is reasonably necessary to a fair determination of whether a permit should be issued. Applications shall be filed not less than five days before the time intended for such parade, procession or assemblage.

The permit may be refused or cancelled if:

(1) The time, place, size or conduct of the parade including the assembly areas and route of march would unreasonably interfere with the public convenience and safe use of the streets and highways.
(2) The parade would require the diversion of so great a number of police officers to properly police the line of movement, assembly area and areas contiguous thereto so as to deny normal police protection to the Municipality.
(3) The parade route of march or assembly areas would unreasonably interfere with the movement of police vehicles, fire-fighting equipment or ambulance service to other areas of the Municipality.
(4) The parade would unreasonably interfere with another parade for which a permit has been issued.
(5) The information contained in the application is found to be false, misleading or incomplete in any material detail.
(6) An emergency such as a fire or storm would prevent the proper conduct of the parade.

The permit or any order accompanying it may limit or prescribe reasonable conditions, including the hours, the place of assembly and of dispersal, the route of march or travel and the streets, highways or portions thereof which may be used or occupied.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

311.03 TOY VEHICLES ON STREETS.

No person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any sled, toy vehicle or similar device shall go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk and except upon streets set aside as play streets when and as authorized by the Police Chief.
(Ord. 2398. passed 10-19-57.)

311.04 PLAY STREET.

The Police Chief is hereby authorized to establish play streets. Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating any street or part thereof as a play street, no person shall drive a vehicle upon any such street or portion thereof except drivers of vehicles having business or whose residences are within such closed area and then such drivers shall exercise the greatest care in driving upon any such street or portion thereof.
(Ord. 2398. Passed 10-19-57.)

311.05 ZONE OF QUIET.

The Police Chief is hereby authorized, where it is necessary to preserve health, to establish zones of quiet. Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating a zone of quiet, no person operating a motor vehicle within any such zone shall sound the horn or other warning device of such vehicle except in an emergency.
(Ord. 2398. Passed 10-19-57.)

311.99 PENALTY.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: See Section 303.99 for general Traffic Code penalty and penalties applicable to misdemeanor classifications.)

Whoever violates Section 311.01(e) is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4511.99)

CHAPTER 313
Traffic Control Devices

313.01 Obedience to traffic control devices.
313.02 Through streets; stop and yield right-of-way signs.
313.03 Traffic signal indications.
313.04 Lane-use control signal indications.
313.05 Special pedestrian control signals.
313.06 Flashing traffic signals. (Repealed)
313.07 Unauthorized signs and signals, hiding from view, advertising.
313.08 Alteration, injury, removal of traffic control devices.
313.09 Driver’s duties upon approaching ambiguous or non-working traffic signal.
313.10 Unlawful purchase, possession or sale.
313.11 Portable signal preemption devices prohibited.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Designation of through streets or stop intersections – see Ohio R.C. 4511.07(F), 4511.65
Uniform system of traffic control devices – see Ohio R.C. 4511.09, 4511.11(D)
Placing and maintaining local traffic control devices – see Ohio R.C. 4511.10, 4511.11
Traffic control devices defined – TRAF. 301.46

313.01 OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.

(a) No pedestrian or driver of a vehicle shall disobey the instructions of any traffic control device placed in accordance with the provisions of this Traffic Code, unless at the time otherwise directed by a police officer.

No provisions of this Traffic Code for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official sign is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section of this Traffic Code does not state that signs are required, that section shall be effective even though no signs are erected or in place.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.12)

313.02 THROUGH STREETS; STOP AND YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY SIGNS.

(a) All State routes are hereby designated as through streets or highways, provided that stop signs, yield signs or traffic control signals shall be erected at all intersections with such through streets or highways, except as otherwise provided in this section. Where two or more State routes that are through streets or highways intersect and no traffic control signal is in operation, stop signs or yield signs shall be erected at one or more entrances thereto by the Ohio Department of Transportation, except as otherwise provided in this section.

Whenever the Ohio Director of Transportation determines on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that stop signs are necessary to stop traffic on a through highway for safe and efficient operation, nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent such installations. When circumstances warrant, the Director also may omit stop signs on roadways intersecting through highways under his jurisdiction. Before the Director either installs or removes a stop sign under this paragraph, he shall give notice, in writing, of that proposed action to the Municipality at least thirty days before installing or removing the stop sign.

(b) Other streets or highways or portions thereof, are hereby designated through streets or highways, if they are within the Municipality, if they have a continuous length of more than one mile between the limits of such street or highway or portion thereof, and if they have “stop” or “yield” signs or traffic control signals at the entrances of the majority of intersecting streets or highways. For purposes of this section, the limits of such street or highway or portion thereof, shall be a municipal corporation line, the physical terminus of the street or highway or any point on such street or highway at which vehicular traffic thereon is required by regulatory signs to stop or yield to traffic on the intersecting street, provided that in residence districts the Municipality may by ordinance designate such street or highway, or portion thereof, not to be a through highway and thereafter the affected residence district shall be indicated by official traffic control devices. Where two or more streets or highways designated under this subsection (b) intersect and no traffic control signal is in operation, stop signs or yield signs shall be erected at one or more entrances thereto by the Ohio Department of Transportation or by Council or the authorized local authority, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(c) Stop signs need not be erected at intersections so constructed as to permit traffic to safely enter a through street or highway without coming to a stop. Signs shall be erected at such intersections indicating that the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to or merge with all traffic proceeding on the through street or highway.

(d) Council or the authorized local authority may designate additional through streets or highways and shall erect stop signs, yield signs or traffic control signals at all streets and highways intersecting such through streets or highways, or may designate any intersection as a stop or yield intersection and shall erect like signs at one or more entrances to such intersection.
(ORC 4511.65)

313.03 TRAFFIC SIGNAL INDICATIONS.

Highway traffic signal indications for vehicles, and pedestrians shall have the following meanings:

(a) Steady Green Signal Indication:

(1) A. Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal indication is permitted to proceed straight through or turn right or left, or make a u-turn movement except as such movement is modified by a laneuse sign, turn prohibition sign, lane marking, roadway design, separate turn signal indication, or other traffic control device. Such vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left or making a u-turn movement, shall yield the right-of-way to both of the following:

  1. Pedestrians lawfully within an associated crosswalk;
  2. Other vehicles lawfully within the intersection.

B. In addition, vehicular traffic turning left or making a u-turn movement to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such turning vehicle is moving across or within the intersection.

(2) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal indication, displayed alone or in combination with another signal indication, is permitted to cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or such other movement as is permitted by other indications displayed at the same time. Such vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left or making a u-turn movement, shall yield the right-of-way to both of the following:

A. Pedestrians lawfully within an associated crosswalk.
B. Other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

(3) A. Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal indication, as provided in Section 313.05, pedestrians facing a circular green signal indication are permitted to proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked associated crosswalk. The pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection or so close as to create an immediate hazard at the time that the green signal indication is first displayed.
B. Pedestrians facing a green arrow signal indication, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal indication or other traffic control device, shall not cross the roadway.

(b) Steady Yellow Signal Indication:

(1) Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular yellow signal indication is thereby warned that the related green movement or the related flashing arrow movement is being terminated or that a steady red signal indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection. The provisions governing vehicular operation under the movement being terminated shall continue to apply while the steady circular yellow signal indication is displayed.
(2) Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow arrow signal indication is thereby warned that the related green arrow movement or the related flashing arrow movement is being terminated. The provisions governing vehicular operation under the movement being terminated shall continue to apply while the steady yellow arrow signal indication is displayed.
(3) Pedestrians facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal indication, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal indication as provided in Section 313.05 or other traffic control device, shall not start to cross the roadway.

(c) Steady Red Signal Indication:

(1) A. Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal indication, unless entering the intersection to make another movement permitted by another signal indication, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; but if there is no stop line, traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; or if there is no crosswalk, before then before entering the intersection; and shall remain stopped until a signal indication to proceed is displayed except as provided in subsections (c)(1), (2) and (3) of this section.
B. Except when a traffic control device is in place prohibiting a turn on red or a steady red arrow signal indication is displayed, vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal indication is permitted, after stopping, to enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street. The right to proceed with the turn shall be subject to the provisions that are applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

(2) A. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal indication shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make another movement permitted by another signal indication, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; but if there is no stop line, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; or if there is no crosswalk, then before entering the intersection; and shall remain stopped until a signal indication or other traffic control device permitting the movement indicated by such red arrow is displayed.
B. When a traffic control device is in place permitting a turn on a steady red arrow signal indication, vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow indication is permitted, after stopping, to enter the intersection to turn right or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street. The right to proceed with the turn shall be limited to the direction indicated by the arrow, and shall be subject to the provisions that are applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

(3) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal indication as provided in Section 313.05 or other traffic control device, pedestrians facing a steady circular red or steady red arrow signal indication shall not enter the roadway.

(4) Local authorities by ordinance, or the Director of Transportation on State highways, may prohibit a right or a left turn against a steady red signal at any intersection, which shall be effective when signs giving notice thereof are posted at the intersection.

(d) Flashing Green Signal Indication. A flashing green signal indication has no meaning and shall not be used.

(e) Flashing Yellow Signal Indication:

(1) A. Vehicular traffic, on an approach to an intersection, facing a flashing circular yellow signal indication, is permitted to cautiously enter the intersection to proceed straight through or turn right or left or make a u-turn movement except as such movement is modified by lane-use signs, turn prohibition signs, lane markings, roadway design, separate turn signal indications, or other traffic control devices. Such vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left or making a u-turn movement, shall yield the right-of-way to both of the following:

  1. Pedestrians lawfully within an associated crosswalk;
  2. Other vehicles lawfully within the intersection.

B. In addition, vehicular traffic turning left or making a u-turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such turning vehicle is moving across or within the intersection.

(2) A. Vehicular traffic, on an approach to an intersection, facing a flashing yellow arrow signal indication, displayed alone or in combination with another signal indication, is permitted to cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or other such movement as is permitted by other signal indications displayed at the same time. Such vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left or making a u-turn, shall yield the right-of-way to both of the following:

  1. Pedestrians lawfully within an associated crosswalk;
  2. Other vehicles lawfully within the intersection.

B. In addition, vehicular traffic turning left or making a u-turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such turning vehicle is moving across or within the intersection.

(3) Pedestrians facing any flashing yellow signal indication at an intersection, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal indication or other traffic control device, are permitted to proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked associated crosswalk. Pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that the flashing yellow signal indication is first displayed.
(4) When a flashing circular yellow signal indication is displayed as a beacon to supplement another traffic control device, road users are notified that there is a need to pay additional attention to the message contained thereon or that the regulatory or warning requirements of the other traffic control device, which might not be applicable at all times, are currently applicable.

(f) Flashing Red Signal Indication:

(1) Vehicular traffic, on an approach to an intersection, facing a flashing circular red signal indication, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; but if there is no stop line, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; or if there is no crosswalk, at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. The right to proceed shall be subject to the provisions that are applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(2) Pedestrians facing any flashing red signal indication at an intersection, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian signal indication or other traffic control device, are permitted to proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked associated crosswalk. Pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that the flashing red signal indication is first displayed.
(3) When a flashing circular red signal indication is displayed as a beacon to supplement another traffic control device, road users are notified that there is a need to pay additional attention to the message contained thereon or that the regulatory requirements of the other traffic control device, which might not be applicable at all times, are currently applicable. Use of this signal indication shall be limited to supplementing stop, do not enter, or wrong way signs, and to applications where compliance with the supplemented traffic control device requires a stop at a designated point.

(g) General Application: In the event an official traffic-control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.

(h) Exception. This section does not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by Ohio R.C. 4511.61 and 4511.62. (ORC 4511.13)

313.04 LANE-USE CONTROL SIGNAL INDICATIONS.

(a) The meanings of lane-use control signal indications are as follows:

(1) A steady downward green arrow: A road user is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal indication is located.
(2) A steady yellow “X”: A road user is to prepare to vacate the lane over which the signal indication is located because a lane control change is being made to a steady red “X” signal indication.
(3) A steady white two-way left-turn arrow: A road user is permitted to use a lane over which the signal indication is located for a left turn, but not for through travel, with the understanding that common use of the lane by oncoming road users for left turns also is permitted.
(4) A steady white one-way left-turn arrow: A road user is permitted to use a lane over which the signal indication is located for a left turn, without opposing turns in the same lane, but not for through travel.
(5) A steady red “X”: A road user is not permitted to use the lane over which the signal indication is located and that this signal indication shall modify accordingly the meaning of other traffic controls present.
(ORC 4511.131)

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.99)

313.05 SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN CONTROL SIGNALS.

(a) Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words “walk” or “don’t walk”, or the symbol of a walking person or an upraised palm are in place, such signals shall indicate the following instructions:

(1) A steady walking person signal indication, which symbolizes “walk”, means that a pedestrian facing the signal indication is permitted to start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal indication, possibly in conflict with turning vehicles. The pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that the walking person signal indication is first shown.
(2) A flashing upraised hand signal indication, which symbolizes “don’t walk”, means that a pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal indication, but that any pedestrian who has already started to cross on a steady walking person signal indication shall proceed to the far side of the traveled way of the street or highway, unless otherwise directed by a traffic control device to proceed only to the median of a divided highway or only to some other island or pedestrian refuge area.
(3) A steady upraised hand signal indication means that a pedestrian shall not enter the roadway in the direction of the signal indication.
(4) Nothing int his section shall be construed to invalidate the continued use of pedestrian control signals utilizing the word “wait” if those signals were installed prior to March 28, 1985.
(5) A flashing walking person signal indication has no meaning and shall not be used. (ORC 4511.14)

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.99)

313.06 FLASHING TRAFFIC SIGNALS.

(Former Ohio R.C. 4511.15 from which Section 313.06 was derived was repealed by House Bill 349, effective April 20, 2012.)

313.07 UNAUTHORIZED SIGNS AND SIGNALS, HIDING FROM VIEW, ADVERTISING.

(a) No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any street any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be, is an imitation of or resembles a traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, and no person shall place or maintain, nor shall any public authority permit upon any street any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising. This section does not prohibit either the erection upon private property adjacent to streets of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for traffic control devices, or the erection upon private property of traffic control devices by the owner of real property in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4511.211 and 4511.432.

Every such prohibited sign, signal, marking or device is a public nuisance, and the Police Chief is authorized to remove it or cause it to be removed.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.16)

313.08 ALTERATION, INJURY, REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.

(a) No person without lawful authority, shall do any of the following:

(1) Knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with any traffic control device, any railroad sign or signal, or any inscription, shield or insignia on the device, sign or signal, or any part of the device, sign or signal;
(2) Knowingly drive upon or over any freshly applied pavement marking material on the surface of a roadway while the marking material is in an undried condition and is marked by flags, markers, signs or other devices intended to protect it;
(3) Knowingly move, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with a manhole cover.

(b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (a)(1) or (3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. If a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (3) of this section creates a risk of physical harm to any person, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (3) of this section causes serious physical harm to property that is owned, leased, or controlled by a state or local authority, the offender is guilty of a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.17)

313.09 DRIVER’S DUTIES UPON APPROACHING AMBIGUOUS OR NON-WORKING TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

(a) The driver of a vehicle who approaches an intersection where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals shall do all of the following, if the signal facing the driver either exhibits no colored lights or colored lighted arrows or exhibits a combination of such lights or arrows that fails to clearly indicate the assignment of right of way:

(1) Stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, stop before entering the intersection;
(2) Yield the right of way to all vehicles in the intersection or approaching on an intersecting road, if the vehicles will constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.
(3) Exercise ordinary care while proceeding through the intersection. 41 Traffic Control Devices 313.11

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.132)

313.10 UNLAWFUL PURCHASE, POSSESSION OR SALE.

(a) As used in this section, “traffic control device” means any sign, traffic control signal or other device conforming to and placed or erected in accordance with the manual adopted under Ohio R.C. 4511.09 by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic, including signs denoting the names of streets and highways, but does not mean any pavement marking.

(b) No individual shall buy or otherwise possess or sell, a traffic control device, except when one of the following applies:

(1) In the course of the individual’s employment by the State or a local authority for the express or implied purpose of manufacturing, providing, erecting, moving or removing such a traffic control device;
(2) In the course of the individual’s employment by any manufacturer of traffic control devices other than a State or local authority;
(3) For the purpose of demonstrating the design and function of a traffic control device to State or local officials;
(4) When the traffic control device has been purchased from the State or a local authority at a sale of property that is no longer needed or is unfit for use;
(5) The traffic control device has been properly purchased from a manufacturer for use on private property and the person possessing the device has a sales receipt for the device or other acknowledgment of sale issued by the manufacturer.

(c) This section does not preclude, and shall not be construed as precluding, prosecution for theft in violation of Ohio R.C. 2913.02 or a municipal ordinance relating to theft, or for receiving stolen property in violation of Ohio R.C. 2913.51 or a municipal ordinance relating to receiving stolen property.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.18)

313.11 PORTABLE SIGNAL PREEMPTION DEVICES PROHIBITED.

(a) (1) No person shall possess a portable signal preemption device.
(2) No person shall use a portable signal preemption device to affect the operation of a traffic control signal.

(b) Subsection (a)(1) of this section does not apply to any of the following persons and subsection (a)(2) of this section does not apply to any of the following persons when responding to an emergency call:

(1) A peace officer, as defined in Ohio R.C. 109.71(A)(11), (12), (14) or (19);
(2) A State highway patrol trooper;
(3) A person while occupying a public safety vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.01(E)(1), (3) or (4).

(c) Whoever violates subsection (a)(1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Whoever violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) As used in this section, “portable signal preemption device” means a device that, if activated by a person, is capable of changing a traffic control signal to green out of sequence.
(ORC 4511.031)

TITLE FIVE – Vehicles

Chap. 331. Operation Generally.
Chap. 333. OVI; Willful Misconduct; Speed.
Chap. 335. Licensing; Accidents.
Chap. 337. Safety and Equipment.
Chap. 339. Commercial and Heavy Vehicles.
Chap. 341. Commercial Drivers.

CHAPTER 331
Operation Generally

331.01 Driving upon right side of roadway; exceptions.
331.02 Passing to right when proceeding in opposite directions.
331.03 Overtaking, passing to left; driver’s duties.
331.04 Overtaking and passing upon right.
331.05 Overtaking, passing to left of center.
331.06 Additional restrictions on driving upon left side of roadway.
331.07 Hazardous or no passing zones.
331.08 Driving in marked lanes or continuous lines of traffic.
331.09 Following too closely.
331.10 Turning at intersections.
331.11 Turning into private driveway, alley or building.
331.12 “U” turns restricted.
331.13 Starting and backing vehicles.
331.14 Signals before changing course, turning or stopping.
331.15 Hand and arm signals.
331.16 Right of way at intersections.
331.17 Right of way when turning left.
331.18 Operation of vehicle at yield signs.
331.19 Operation of vehicle at stop signs.
331.20 Emergency or public safety vehicles at stop signals or signs.
331.21 Right of way of public safety or coroner’s vehicle.
331.22 Driving onto roadway from place other than roadway: duty to yield.
331.23 Driving onto roadway from place other than roadway: stopping at sidewalk.
331.24 Right of way of funeral procession.
331.25 Driver’s view and control to be unobstructed by load or persons.
331.26 Driving upon street posted as closed for repair.
331.27 Following and parking near emergency or safety vehicles.
331.28 Driving over fire hose.
331.29 Driving through safety zone.
331.30 One-way streets and rotary traffic islands.
331.31 Driving upon divided roadways.
331.32 Entering and exiting controlled-access highway.
331.33 Obstructing intersection, crosswalk or grade crossing.
331.34 Failure to control; weaving; full time and attention.
331.35 Occupying a moving trailer or manufactured or mobile home.
331.36 Squealing tires, “peeling”, cracking exhaust noises.
331.37 Driving upon sidewalks, street lawns or curbs.
331.38 Stopping for school bus; discharging children.
331.39 Driving across grade crossing.
331.40 Stopping at grade crossing.
331.41 Shortcutting; avoiding traffic control devices.
331.42 Littering from motor vehicle.
331.43 Wearing earplugs or earphones prohibited.
331.44 Vehicular operation on street closed due to rise in water level.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Obedience to traffic control devices – see TRAF. 313.01
Operation of bicycles and motorcycles – see TRAF. 373.01 et seq.
School bus operation – see OAC Ch. 4501-3

331.01 DRIVING UPON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; EXCEPTIONS.

(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when making a left turn under the rules governing such movements;
(2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;
(3) When driving upon a roadway divided into three or more marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon;
(4) When driving upon a roadway designated and posted with signs for one-way traffic;
(5) When otherwise directed by a police officer or traffic control device.

(b) (1) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the prevailing and lawful speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, and far enough to the right to allow passing by faster vehicles if such passing is safe and reasonable, except under any of the following circumstances:

A. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
B. When preparing for a left turn;
C. When the driver must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on the driver’s intended route.

(2) Nothing in subsection (b)(1) of this section requires a driver of a slower vehicle to compromise the driver’s safety to allow overtaking by a faster vehicle.

(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use the lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a) (2) hereof. This subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.25)

331.02 PASSING TO RIGHT WHEN PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS.

(a) Operators of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction, each operator shall give to the other one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway or as nearly one-half as is reasonably possible.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.26)

331.03 OVERTAKING, PASSING TO LEFT; DRIVER’S DUTIES.

(a) The following rules govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction:

(1) The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall, except as provided in subsection (a)(3) hereof, signal to the vehicle to be overtaken, shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
(2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the operator of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle at the latter’s audible signal, and the operator shall not increase the speed of the operator’s vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
(3) The operator of a vehicle overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a divided street or highway as defined in Section 331.31, a limited access highway as defined in Ohio R.C. 5511.02 or a highway with four or more traffic lanes, is not required to signal audibly to the vehicle being overtaken and passed.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.27)

331.04 OVERTAKING AND PASSING UPON RIGHT.

(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2) Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.

(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. The movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.28)

331.05 OVERTAKING, PASSING TO LEFT OF CENTER.

(a) No vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing traffic proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made, without interfering with the safe operation of any traffic approaching from the opposite direction or any traffic overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for traffic approaching from the opposite direction before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.29)

331.06 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON DRIVING UPON LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY.

(a) No vehicle shall be driven upon the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:

(1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway, where the operator’s view is obstructed within such a distance as to create a hazard in the event traffic might approach from the opposite direction;
(2) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel;
(3) When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing.

(b) This section does not apply to vehicles upon a one-way roadway, upon a roadway where traffic is lawfully directed to be driven to the left side or under the conditions described in Section 331.01(a)(2).

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.30)

331.07 HAZARDOUS OR NO PASSING ZONES.

(a) Hazardous zones, commonly called “no passing zones,” shall consist of an auxiliary yellow line marked on the roadway pavement and placed parallel to the normal center line or marked lane line. When the auxiliary yellow line appears on the left side in the driver’s lane of travel and to the right of the normal center line or marked lane line, no driver shall drive across the auxiliary yellow line to overtake and pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. When auxiliary yellow lines appear on both sides of the normal center line or marked lane line, drivers proceeding in either direction shall not drive across such auxiliary yellow lines to overtake and pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. No driver shall, at any other time, drive across the yellow auxiliary line when it appears in the driver’s lane of travel, except to make a lawfully permitted left-hand turn under the rules governing such movement. No passing signs may also be erected facing traffic to indicate the beginning and end of each no passing zone. When appropriate signs or markings indicating hazardous or no passing zones are in place and clearly visible, every operator of a vehicle shall obey the directions of the signs or markings, notwithstanding the distance set out in Section 331.06.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply when all of the following apply:

(1) The slower vehicle is proceeding at less than half the speed of the speed limit applicable to that location.
(2) The faster vehicle is capable of overtaking and passing the slower vehicle without exceeding the speed limit.
(3) There is sufficient clear sight distance to the left of the center or center line of the roadway to meet the overtaking and passing provisions of Section 331.05, considering the speed of the slower vehicle.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.31)

331.08 DRIVING IN MARKED LANES OR CONTINUOUS LINES OF TRAFFIC.

(a) Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic or wherever traffic is lawfully moving in two or more substantially continuous lines in the same direction, the following rules apply:

(1) A vehicle shall be driven, as nearly as is practicable, entirely within a single lane or line of traffic and shall not be moved from such lane or line until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
(2) Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or when preparing for a left turn, or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is posted with signs to give notice of such allocation.
(3) Official signs may be erected directing specified traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, or restricting the use of a particular lane to only buses during certain hours or during all hours, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of such signs.
(4) Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.33)

331.09 FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY.

(a) The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

The driver of any truck, or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, when traveling upon a roadway outside a business or residence district shall maintain a sufficient space, whenever conditions permit, between such vehicle and another vehicle ahead so an overtaking motor vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger. This paragraph does not prevent overtaking and passing nor does it apply to any lane specially designated for use by trucks.

Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade, shall maintain a sufficient space between such vehicles so an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger. This paragraph shall not apply to funeral processions.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.34)

331.10 TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS.

(a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall be governed by the following rules:

(1) Approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(2) At any intersection where traffic is permitted to move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, an approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
(3) At any intersection where traffic is restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways, the driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable, in the left-hand lane of the roadway being entered lawfully available to the traffic moving in that lane.
(4) Markers, buttons or signs may be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when such markers, buttons or signs are so placed, no operator of a vehicle shall turn such vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by such markers, buttons or signs.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.36)

331.11 TURNING INTO PRIVATE DRIVEWAY, ALLEY OR BUILDING.

(a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn into a private road or driveway, alley or building from a public street or highway shall be governed by the following rules:

(1) Approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(2) Upon a roadway where traffic is proceeding in opposite directions, approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made from that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof.
(3) Upon a roadway where traffic is restricted to one direction, approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

It shall be the duty of the driver of any vehicle entering a private road or driveway, alley or building to yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully using the sidewalk or sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, private road, driveway or building.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

331.12 “U” TURNS RESTRICTED.

(a) Except as provided in Section 313.03 and subsection (b) hereof, no vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, if the vehicle cannot be seen within 500 feet by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction.

(b) The driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, may turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction. This subsection applies only when the emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle is responding to an emergency call, is equipped with and displaying at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and when the driver of the vehicle is giving an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell. This subsection does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.
(ORC 4511.37)

(c) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, no vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction within an intersection, or upon any street in a business district, or upon a freeway, expressway or controlled-access highway, or where authorized signs are erected to prohibit such movement, or at any other location unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety to other users of the street and without interfering with the safe operation of any traffic that may be affected by such movement.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.37)

331.13 STARTING AND BACKING VEHICLES.

(a) No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing or parked until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

Before backing, operators of vehicles shall give ample warning, and while backing they shall exercise vigilance not to injure person or property on the street or highway.

No person shall back a motor vehicle on a freeway, except: in a rest area; in the performance of public works or official duties; as a result of an emergency caused by an accident or breakdown of a motor vehicle.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.38)

331.14 SIGNALS BEFORE CHANGING COURSE, TURNING OR STOPPING.

(a) No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a highway unless and until such person has exercised due care to ascertain that the movement can be made with reasonable safety nor without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.

When required, a signal of intention to turn or move right or left shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning, except that in the case of a person operating a bicycle, the signal shall be made not less than one time but is not required to be continuous. A bicycle operator is not required to make a signal if the bicycle is in a designated turn lane, and a signal shall not be given when the operator’s hands are needed for the safe operation of the bicycle.

No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give a signal.

Any stop or turn signal required by this section shall be given either by means of the hand and arm, or by signal lights that clearly indicate to both approaching and following traffic intention to turn or move right or left, except that any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and the required signal shall be given by, signal lights when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen feet, whether a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles.

The signal lights required by this section shall not be flashed on one side only on a disabled vehicle, flashed as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear, nor be flashed on one side only of a parked vehicle except as may be necessary for compliance with this section.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.39)

331.15 HAND AND ARM SIGNALS.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, all signals required by this Traffic Code, when given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and such signals shall indicate as follows:

(1) Left turn: Hand and arm extended horizontally;
(2) Right turn: Hand and arm extended upward;
(3) Stop or decrease speed: Hand and arm extended downward.

(b) As an alternative to subsection (a)(2) hereof, a person operating a bicycle may give a right turn signal by extending the right hand and arm horizontally and to the right side of the bicycle.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.40)

331.16 RIGHT OF WAY AT INTERSECTIONS.

(a) When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different streets or highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.

(b) The right of way rule declared in subsection (a) hereof, is modified at through highways and otherwise as stated in this Traffic Code and Ohio R.C. Chapter 4511.
(ORC 4511.41)

(c) Subject to compliance with any traffic control device, when two vehicles approach or enter a junction of two or more alleys from different directions at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.41)

331.17 RIGHT OF WAY WHEN TURNING LEFT.

(a) The operator of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, whenever the approaching vehicle is within the intersection or so close to the intersection, alley, private road or driveway as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.42)

331.18 OPERATION OF VEHICLE AT YIELD SIGNS.

(a) The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways. Whenever a driver is involved in a collision with a vehicle in the intersection or junction of roadways, after driving past a yield sign without stopping, the collision shall be prima-facie evidence of the driver’s failure to yield the right of way.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.43(B))

331.19 OPERATION OF VEHICLE AT STOP SIGNS.

(a) Except when directed to proceed by a law enforcement officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.43(A))

331.20 EMERGENCY OR PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLES AT STOP SIGNALS OR SIGNS.

(a) The driver of any emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, upon approaching a red or stop signal or any stop sign shall slow down as necessary for safety to traffic, but may proceed cautiously past such red or stop sign or signal with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street or highway.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.03)

331.21 RIGHT OF WAY OF PUBLIC SAFETY OR CORONER’S VEHICLE.

(a) Upon the approach of a public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle, equipped with at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and the driver is giving an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell, no driver of any other vehicle shall fail to yield the right-of-way, immediately drive if practical to a position parallel to and as close as possible to, the right edge or curb of the street clear of any intersection, and stop and remain in that position until the public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

(b) This section does not relieve the driver of a public safety vehicle or coroner’s vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the street.

(c) This section applies to a coroner’s vehicle only when the vehicle is operated in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4513.171. As used in this section, “coroner’s vehicle” means a vehicle used by a coroner, deputy coroner or coroner’s investigator that is equipped with a flashing, oscillating or rotating red or blue light and a siren, exhaust whistle, or bell capable of giving an audible signal.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense. On a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree, and, on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. (ORC 4511.45)

331.22 DRIVING ONTO ROADWAY FROM PLACE OTHER THAN ROADWAY: DUTY TO YIELD.

(a) Subject to compliance with any traffic control device, the operator of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an alley or from any place other than another roadway shall yield the right of way to all traffic approaching on the roadway to be entered or crossed.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.44)

331.23 DRIVING ONTO ROADWAY FROM PLACE OTHER THAN ROADWAY: STOPPING AT SIDEWALK.

(a) Subject to compliance with any traffic control device, the driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, building, private road or driveway within a business or residence district shall stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across the alley, building entrance, road or driveway, or in the event there is no sidewalk area, shall stop at the point nearest the street to be entered where the driver has a view of approaching traffic thereon.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.431)

331.24 RIGHT OF WAY OF FUNERAL PROCESSION.

(a) As used in this section “funeral procession” means two or more vehicles accompanying the cremated remains or the body of a deceased person in the daytime when each of the vehicles has its headlights lighted and is displaying a purple and white or an orange and white pennant attached to each vehicle in such a manner as to be clearly visible to traffic approaching from any direction.

(b) Excepting public safety vehicles proceeding in accordance with Section 331.21 or when directed otherwise by a police officer, pedestrians and the operators of all vehicles shall yield the right of way to each vehicle that is a part of a funeral procession. Whenever the lead vehicle in a funeral procession lawfully enters an intersection, the remainder of the vehicles in the procession may continue to follow the lead vehicle through the intersection notwithstanding any traffic control devices or right-of-way provisions of this Traffic Code, provided that the operator of each vehicle exercises due care to avoid colliding with any other vehicle or pedestrian.

(c) No person shall operate any vehicle as a part of a funeral procession without having the headlights of the vehicle lighted and without displaying a purple and white or an orange and white pennant in such a manner as to be clearly visible to traffic approaching from any direction.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.451)

331.25 DRIVER’S VIEW AND CONTROL TO BE UNOBSTRUCTED BY LOAD OR PERSONS.

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(b) No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver’s view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.70(A),(B),(D))

331.26 DRIVING UPON STREET POSTED AS CLOSED FOR REPAIR.

(a) No person shall drive upon, along or across a street or highway, or any part of a street or highway that has been closed in the process of its construction, reconstruction or repair, and posted with appropriate signs by the authority having jurisdiction to close such street or highway.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.71)

331.27 FOLLOWING AND PARKING NEAR EMERGENCY OR SAFETY VEHICLES.

(a) The driver of any vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle on official business, shall not follow any emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle traveling in response to an alarm closer than 500 feet, or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm, unless directed to do so by a police officer or a firefighter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.72)

331.28 DRIVING OVER FIRE HOSE.

(a) No vehicle shall, without the consent of the Fire Chief or fire official in command, be driven over any unprotected fire hose that is laid down on any street or private driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.73)

331.29 DRIVING THROUGH SAFETY ZONE.

(a) No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.60)

331.30 ONE-WAY STREETS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS.

(a) Upon a roadway designated and posted with signs for one-way traffic a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated. A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of the rotary traffic island.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.32)

331.31 DRIVING UPON DIVIDED ROADWAYS.

(a) Whenever any street has been divided into two roadways by an intervening space, or by a physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway, and no vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or median section, except through an opening, crossover or intersection established by public authority. This section does not prohibit the occupancy of such dividing space, barrier or median section for the purpose of an emergency stop or in compliance with an order of a police officer.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.35)

331.32 ENTERING AND EXITING CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAY.

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access highway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

331.33 OBSTRUCTING INTERSECTION, CROSSWALK OR GRADE CROSSING.

(a) No driver shall enter an intersection or marked crosswalk or drive onto any railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk or grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle the driver is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians or railroad trains, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.712)

331.34 FAILURE TO CONTROL; WEAVING; FULL TIME AND ATTENTION.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle without exercising reasonable and ordinary control over such vehicle.

(b) No person shall operate a vehicle in a weaving or zigzag course unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

(c) No person shall operate a vehicle without giving his full time and attention to the operation of such vehicle.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

331.35 OCCUPYING A MOVING TRAILER OR MANUFACTURED OR MOBILE HOME.

(a) No person shall occupy any travel trailer or manufactured or mobile home while it is being used as a conveyance upon a street or highway.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.701)

331.36 SQUEALING TIRES, “PEELING,” CRACKING EXHAUST NOISES.

(a) No person shall unnecessarily race the motor of any vehicle and no person shall operate any motor vehicle, except in an emergency, in such a manner that the vehicle is so rapidly accelerated or started from a stopped position that the exhaust system emits a loud, cracking or chattering noise unusual to its normal operation, or whereby the tires of such vehicle squeal or leave tire marks on the roadway, commonly called “peeling”.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

331.37 DRIVING UPON SIDEWALKS, STREET LAWNS OR CURBS.

(a) No person shall drive any vehicle, other than a bicycle, upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway. (ORC 4511.711)

(b) No person shall drive a vehicle on a street lawn area or the curb of a street, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway or when otherwise lawfully authorized.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.711)

331.38 STOPPING FOR SCHOOL BUS; DISCHARGING CHILDREN.

(a) The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and County boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency, shall stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed.

It is no defense to a charge under this subsection (a) hereof that the school bus involved failed to display or be equipped with an automatically extended stop warning sign as required by subsection (b) hereof.

(b) Every school bus shall be equipped with amber and red visual signals meeting the requirements of Ohio R.C. 4511.771, and an automatically extended stop warning sign of a type approved by the State Board of Education, which shall be actuated by the driver of the bus whenever but only whenever the bus is stopped or stopping on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and County boards of developmental disabilities, or children attending programs offered by head start agencies. A school bus driver shall not actuate the visual signals or the stop warning sign in designated school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the roadway or at school buildings when children or persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and County boards of developmental disabilities are loading or unloading at curbside or at buildings when children attending programs offered by head start agencies are boarding or unloading at curbside. The visual signals and stop warning sign shall be synchronized or otherwise operated as required by rule of the Board.

(c) Where a highway has been divided into four or more traffic lanes, a driver of a vehicle need not stop for a school bus approaching from the opposite direction which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and County boards of developmental disabilities, or children attending programs offered by head start agencies. The driver of any vehicle overtaking the school bus shall comply with subsection (a) hereof.

(d) School buses operating on divided highways or on highways with four or more traffic lanes shall receive and discharge all school children, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and County boards of developmental disabilities, and children attending programs offered by head start agencies on their residence side of the highway.

(e) No school bus driver shall start the driver’s bus until after any child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and County boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency who may have alighted therefrom has reached a place of safety on the child or person’s residence side of the road.

(f) As used in this section:

(1) “Head start agency” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 3301.32.
(2) “School bus”, as used in relation to children who attend a program offered by a head start agency, means a bus that is owned and operated by a head start agency, is equipped with an automatically extended stop warning sign of a type approved by the State Board of Education, is painted the color and displays the markings described in Ohio R.C. 4511.77, and is equipped with amber and red visual signals meeting the requirements of Ohio R.C. 4511.771, irrespective of whether or not the bus has fifteen or more children aboard at any time. “School bus” does not include a van owned and operated by a head start agency, irrespective of its color, lights, or markings.

(g) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section may be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). A person who is issued a citation for a violation of subsection (a) of this section is not permitted to enter a written plea of guilty and waive the person’s right to contest the citation in a trial but instead must appear in person in the proper court to answer the charge.
(2) In addition to and independent of any other penalty provided by law, the court or mayor may impose upon an offender who violates this section a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (a)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. When a license is suspended under this section, the court or mayor shall cause the offender to deliver the license to the court, and the court or clerk of the court immediately shall forward the license to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, together with notice of the court’s action.
(ORC 4511.75)

331.39 DRIVING ACROSS GRADE CROSSING.

(a) (1) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing, the person shall stop within fifty feet, but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of the railroad, if any of the following circumstances exist at the crossing:

A. A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train.
B. A crossing gate is lowered.
C. A flagperson gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a train.
D. There is insufficient space on the other side of the railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle the person is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians, or railroad trains, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed.
E. An approaching train is emitting an audible signal or is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
F. There is insufficient undercarriage clearance to safely negotiate the crossing.

(2) A person who is driving a vehicle and who approaches a railroad grade crossing shall not proceed as long as any of the circumstances described in divisions (a)(1)A. to F. of this section exist at the crossing.

(b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed unless the person is signaled by a law enforcement officer or flagperson that it is permissible to do so.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(ORC 4511.62)

331.40 STOPPING AT GRADE CROSSING.

(a) (1) Except as provided in subsection (a)(2) hereof, the operator of any bus, any school vehicle, or any vehicle transporting material required to be placarded under 49 CFR Parts 100-185, before crossing at grade any track of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle, and, while so stopped, shall listen through an open door or open window and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall proceed only upon exercising due care after stopping, looking and listening as required by this section. Upon proceeding, the operator of such a vehicle shall cross only in a gear that will ensure there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing and shall not shift gears while crossing the tracks.
(2) This section does not apply at grade crossings when the Ohio Public Utilities Commission has authorized and approved an exempt crossing as provided in this subsection.

A. Any local authority may file an application with the Commission requesting the approval of an exempt crossing. Upon receipt of such a request, the Commission shall authorize a limited period for the filing of comments by any party regarding the application and then shall conduct a public hearing in the community seeking the exempt crossing designation. The Commission shall provide appropriate prior public notice of the comment period and the public hearing. By registered mail, the Commission shall notify each railroad operating over the crossing of the comment period.
B. After considering any comments or other information received, the Commission may approve or reject the application. By order, the Commission may establish conditions for the exempt crossing designation, including compliance with division (b) of 49 C.F.R. Part 392.10, when applicable. An exempt crossing designation becomes effective only when appropriate signs giving notice of the exempt designation are erected at the crossing as ordered by the Commission and any other conditions ordered by the Commission are satisfied.
C. By order, the Commission may rescind any exempt crossing designation made under this section if the Commission finds that a condition at the exempt crossing has changed to such an extent that the continuation of the exempt crossing designation compromises public safety. The Commission may conduct a public hearing to investigate and determine whether to rescind the exempt crossing designation. If the Commission rescinds the designation, it shall order the removal of any exempt crossing signs and may make any other necessary order.

(3) As used in this section:

A. “School vehicle” means any vehicle used for the transportation of pupils to and from a school or school-related function if the vehicle is owned or operated by, or operated under contract with, a public or nonpublic school.
B. “Bus” means any vehicle originally designed by its manufacturer to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, or carries sixteen or more passengers, including the driver.
C. “Exempt crossing” means a highway rail grade crossing authorized and approved by the Public Utilities Commission under subsection (a)(2) hereof at which vehicles may cross without making the stop otherwise required by this section.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (a)(4), whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one or more violations of subsection (a) hereof or Ohio R.C. 4511.76, 4511.761, 4511.762, 4511.764, 4511.77 or 4511.79, or a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to any of those sections, whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (ORC 4511.63)

(b) (1) When authorized stop signs are erected at railroad grade crossings, the operator of any vehicle shall stop within fifty but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of the railroad tracks and shall exercise due care before proceeding across such grade crossing.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this subsection (b)(1) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.61)

331.41 SHORTCUTTING; AVOIDING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle across public or private property marked with signs “No Through Traffic” or words of similar import for the purpose of passing from one roadway to another.

(b) No person shall operate a vehicle across public or private property for the purpose of avoiding compliance with a traffic control device.

(c) It shall be prima-facie evidence of a violation of this section for the operator of a vehicle to cross public or private property as provided herein without using the service of such property, stopping the engine or both.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

331.42 LITTERING FROM MOTOR VEHICLE.

(a) No operator or occupant of a motor vehicle shall, regardless of intent, throw, drop, discard or deposit litter from any motor vehicle in operation upon any street, road or highway, except into a litter receptacle in a manner that prevents its being carried away or deposited by the elements.

(b) No operator of a motor vehicle in operation upon any street, road or highway shall allow litter to be thrown, dropped, discarded or deposited from the motor vehicle, except into a litter receptacle in a manner that prevents its being carried away or deposited by the elements.

(c) As used in this section, “litter” means garbage, trash, waste, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, automobile parts, furniture, glass or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4511.82)

331.43 WEARING EARPLUGS OR EARPHONES PROHIBITED.

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears. As used in this section, “earphones” means any headset, radio, tape player or other similar device that provides the listener with radio programs, music or other recorded information through a device attached to the head and that covers all or a portion of both ears. “Earphones” does not include speakers or other listening devices that are built into protective headgear.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) Any person wearing a hearing aid;
(2) Law enforcement personnel while on duty;
(3) Fire personnel and emergency medical service personnel while on duty;
(4) Any person engaged in the operation of equipment for use in the maintenance or repair of any street or highway; or
(5) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.84)

331.44 VEHICULAR OPERATION ON STREET CLOSED DUE TO RISE IN WATER LEVEL.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle on or onto a public street or highway that is temporarily covered by a rise in water level, including groundwater or an overflow of water, and that is clearly marked by a sign that specifies that the road is closed due to the rise in water level and that any person who uses the closed portion of the road may be fined up to two thousand dollars ($2,000).

(b) A person who is issued a citation for a violation of subsection (a) hereof is not permitted to enter a written plea of guilty and waive the person’s right to contest the citation in court, but instead must appear in person in the proper court to answer the charge.

(c) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(2) In addition to the financial sanctions authorized or required under Section 501.99 and to any costs otherwise authorized or required under any provision of law, the court imposing the sentence upon an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (a) hereof shall order the offender to reimburse one or more rescuers for the cost any such rescurer incurred in rescuing the person, excluding any cost of transporting the rescued person to a hospital or other facility for treatment of injuries, up to a cumulative maximum of two thousand dollars ($2,000). If more than one rescuer was involved in the emergency response, the court shall allocate the reimbursement proportionately, according to the cost each rescuer incurred. A financial sanction imposed under this section is a judgment in favor of the rescuer and, subject to a determination of indigency under division (B) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, a rescuer may collect the financial sanction in the same manner as provided in Ohio R.C. 2929.28.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “Emergency medical service organization”, “firefighting agency” and “private fire company” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 9.60.
(2) “Rescuer” means a state agency, political subdivision, firefighting service, private fire company, or emergency medical service organization.

(ORC 4511.714.)

CHAPTER 333
OVI; Willful Misconduct; Speed

333.01 Driving or physical control while under the influence.
333.02 Operation in willful or wanton disregard of safety.
333.03 Maximum speed limits; assured clear distance ahead.
333.031 Approaching a stationary public safety, emergency, or road service vehicle.
333.04 Stopping vehicle; slow speed; posted minimum speeds.
333.05 Speed limitations over bridges.
333.06 Speed exceptions for emergency or safety vehicles.
333.07 Street racing prohibited.
333.08 Operation without reasonable control.
333.09 Reckless operation on streets, public or private property.
333.10 Operation in violation of immobilization order.
333.11 Texting while driving prohibited.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Drug of abuse defined – see Ohio R.C. 3719.011(A)
Alcohol defined – see Ohio R.C. 4301.01(B)(1)
Alteration of prima-facie speed limits – see Ohio R.C. 4511.21, 4511.22(B), 4511.23
Failure to control vehicle – see TRAF. 331.34
Walking on highway while under the influence – see TRAF. 371.09

333.01 DRIVING OR PHYSICAL CONTROL WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

(a) (1) Operation Generally. No person shall operate any vehicle within this Municipality, if, at the time of the operation, any of the following apply:

A. The person is under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them.
B. The person has a concentration of eight-hundredths of one per cent or more but less than seventeen-hundredths of one per cent by weight per unit volume of alcohol in the person’s whole blood.
C. The person has a concentration of ninety-six-thousandths of one per cent or more but less than two hundred four-thousandths of one per cent by weight per unit volume of alcohol in the person’s blood serum or plasma.
D. The person has a concentration of eight-hundredths of one gram or more but less than seventeen-hundredths of one gram by weight of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of the person’s breath.
E. The person has a concentration of eleven-hundredths of one gram or more but less than two hundred thirty-eight-thousandths of one gram by weight of alcohol per one hundred milliliters of the person’s urine.
F. The person has a concentration of seventeen-hundredths of one per cent or more by weight per unit volume of alcohol in the person’s whole blood.
G. The person has a concentration of two hundred four-thousandths of one per cent or more by weight per unit volume of alcohol in the person’s blood serum or plasma.
H. The person has a concentration of seventeen-hundredths of one gram or more by weight of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of the person’s breath.
I. The person has a concentration of two hundred thirty-eightthousandths of one gram or more by weight of alcohol per one hundred milliliters of the person’s urine.
J. Except as provided in subsection (m) of this section, the person has a concentration of any of the following controlled substances or metabolites of a controlled substance in the person’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, or urine that equals or exceeds any of the following:

  1. The person has a concentration of amphetamine in the person’s urine of at least five hundred nanograms of amphetamine per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of amphetamine in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least one hundred nanograms of amphetamine per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  2. The person has a concentration of cocaine in the person’s urine of at least one hundred fifty nanograms of cocaine per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of cocaine in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least fifty nanograms of cocaine per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  3. The person has a concentration of cocaine metabolite in the person’s urine of at least one hundred fifty nanograms of cocaine metabolite per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of cocaine metabolite in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least fifty nanograms of cocaine metabolite per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  4. The person has a concentration of heroin in the person’s urine of at least two thousand nanograms of heroin per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of heroin in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least fifty nanograms of heroin per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  5. The person has a concentration of heroin metabolite (6- monoacetyl morphine) in the person’s urine of at least ten nanograms of heroin metabolite (6-monoacetyl morphine) per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of heroin metabolite (6-monoacetyl morphine) in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least ten nanograms of heroin metabolite (6-monoacetyl morphine) per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  6. The person has a concentration of L.S.D. in the person’s urine of at least twenty-five nanograms of L.S.D. per milliliter of the person’s urine or a concentration of L.S.D. in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least ten nanograms of L.S.D. per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  7. The person has a concentration of marihuana in the person’s urine of at least ten nanograms of marihuana per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of marihuana in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least two nanograms of marihuana per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  8. Either of the following applies:

a. The person is under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them, and, as measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the person has a concentration of marihuana metabolite in the person’s urine of at least fifteen nanograms of marihuana metabolite per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of marihuana metabolite in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least five nanograms of marihuana metabolite per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
b. As measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the person has a concentration of marihuana metabolite in the person’s urine of at least thirty-five nanograms of marihuana metabolite per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of marihuana metabolite in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least fifty nanograms of marihuana metabolite per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.

  1. The person has a concentration of methamphetamine in the person’s urine of at least five hundred nanograms of methamphetamine per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of methamphetamine in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least one hundred nanograms of methamphetamine per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  2. The person has a concentration of phencyclidine in the person’s urine of at least twenty-five nanograms of phencyclidine per milliliter of the person’s urine or has a concentration of phencyclidine in the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma of at least ten nanograms of phencyclidine per milliliter of the person’s whole blood or blood serum or plasma.
  3. The State Board of Pharmacy has adopted a rule pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4729.041 that specifies the amount of salvia divinorum and the amount of salvinorin A that constitute concentrations of salvia divinorum and salvinorin A in a person’s urine, in a person’s whole blood, or in a person’s blood serum or plasma at or above which the person is impaired for purposes of operating any vehicle within this Municipality, the rule is in effect, and the person has a concentration of salvia divinorum or salvinorin A of at least that amount so specified by rule in the person’s urine, in the person’s whole blood, or in the person’s blood serum or plasma.

(2) No person who, within twenty years of the conduct described in subsection (a)(2)A. of this section, previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19(A) or (B), or any other equivalent offense shall do both of the following:

A. Operate any vehicle within this Municipality while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse or a combination of them;
B. Subsequent to being arrested for operating the vehicle as described in subsection (a)(2)A. of this section, being asked by a law enforcement officer to submit to a chemical test or tests under Ohio R.C. 4511.191, and being advised by the officer in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4511.192 of the consequences of the person’s refusal or submission to the test or tests, refuse to submit to the test or tests.

(b) Operation After Under-Age Consumption. No person under twenty-one years of age shall operate any vehicle within this Municipality, if, at the time of the operation, any of the following apply:

(1) The person has a concentration of at least two-hundredths of one per cent but less than eight-hundredths of one per cent by weight per unit volume of alcohol in the person’s whole blood.
(2) The person has a concentration of at least three-hundredths of one per cent but less than ninety-six-thousandths of one per cent by weight per unit volume of alcohol in the person’s blood serum or plasma.
(3) The person has a concentration of at least two-hundredths of one gram but less than eight-hundredths of one gram by weight of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of the person’s breath.
(4) The person has a concentration of at least twenty-eight one-thousandths of one gram but less than eleven-hundredths of one gram by weight of alcohol per one hundred milliliters of the person’s urine.

(c) One Conviction Limitation. In any proceeding arising out of one incident, a person may be charged with a violation of subsection (a)(1)A. or (a)(2) and a violation of subsection (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section, but the person may not be convicted of more than one violation of these subsections. (ORC 4511.99)

(d) Physical Control.

(1) As used in this subsection, “physical control” means being in the driver’s position of the front seat of a vehicle and having possession of the vehicle’s ignition key or other ignition device.
(2) A. No person shall be in physical control of a vehicle if, at the time of the physical control, any of the following apply:

  1. The person is under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them.
  2. The person’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine contains at least the concentration of alcohol specified in subsection (a)(1)B., C., D. or E. hereof.
  3. Except as provided in subsection (d)(3) of this section, the person has a concentration of a listed controlled substance or a listed metabolite of a controlled substance in the person’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, or urine that equals or exceeds the concentration specified in subsection (a)(1)J. hereof.

B. No person under twenty-one years of age shall be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them or while the person’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine contains at least the concentration of alcohol specified in subsection (b)(1) to (4) hereof.

(3) Subsection (d)(2)A.3. of this section does not apply to a person who is in physical control of a vehicle while the person has a concentration of a listed controlled substance or a listed metabolite of a controlled substance in the person’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, or urine that equals or exceeds the amount specified in subsection (a)(1)J. hereof, if both of the following apply:

A. The person obtained the controlled substance pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs.
B. The person injected, ingested, or inhaled the controlled substance in accordance with the health professional’s directions.

(e) Evidence; Tests.

(1) A. In any criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding for a violation of (a)(1)A. of this section or for any equivalent offense, that is vehicle-related the result of any test of any blood or urine withdrawn and analyzed at any health care provider, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2317.02, may be admitted with expert testimony to be considered with any other relevant and competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
B. In any criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding for a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section or for an equivalent offense that is vehicle related, the court may admit evidence on the concentration of alcohol, drugs of abuse, controlled substances, metabolites of a controlled substance, or a combination of them in the defendant’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, urine or other bodily substance at the time of the alleged violation as shown by chemical analysis of the substance withdrawn within three hours of the time of the alleged violation. The three-hour time limit specified in this subsection regarding the admission of evidence does not extend or affect the two-hour time limit specified in Ohio R.C. 4511.192(A) as the maximum period of time during which a person may consent to a chemical test or tests as described in that section. The court may admit evidence on the concentration of alcohol, drugs of abuse, or a combination of them as described in this section when a person submits to a blood, breath, urine or other bodily substance test at the request of a law enforcement officer under Ohio R.C. 4511.191, or a blood or urine sample is obtained pursuant to a search warrant. Only a physician, a registered nurse, an emergency medical technician-intermediate, an emergency medical technician-paramedic or a qualified technician, chemist, or phlebotomist shall withdraw a blood sample for the purpose of determining the alcohol, drug, controlled substance, metabolite of a controlled substance, or combination content of the whole blood, blood serum, or blood plasma. This limitation does not apply to the taking of breath or urine specimens. A person authorized to withdraw blood under this subsection may refuse to withdraw blood under this subsection, if in that person’s opinion, the physical welfare of the person would be endangered by the withdrawing of blood.

The bodily substance withdrawn under subsection (e)(1)B. hereof shall be analyzed in accordance with methods approved by the Director of Health by an individual possessing a valid permit issued by the Director pursuant to Ohio R.C. 3701.143.

C. As used in subsection (e)(1)B. of this section, “emergency medical technician-intermediate” and “emergency medical technicianparamedic” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4765.01.

(2) In a criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding for violation of subsection (a) of this section or for an equivalent offense that is vehicle related, if there was at the time the bodily substance was withdrawn a concentration of less than the applicable concentration of alcohol specified in subsections (a)(1)B., C., D. and E. of this section, or less than the applicable concentration of a listed controlled substance or a listed metabolite of a controlled substance specified for a violation of subsection (a)(1)J. of this section, that fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. This subsection does not limit or affect a criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding for a violation of subsection (b) of this section or for an equivalent offense that is substantially equivalent to that subsection.
(3) Upon the request of the person who was tested, the results of the chemical test shall be made available to the person or the person’s attorney, immediately upon the completion of the chemical test analysis. If the chemical test was obtained pursuant to subsection (e)(1)B. hereof, the person tested may have a physician, a registered nurse, or a qualified technician, chemist or phlebotomist of the person’s own choosing administer a chemical test or tests, at the person’s expense, in addition to any administered at the request of a law enforcement officer. If the person was under arrest as described in division (A)(5) of Ohio R.C. 4511.191, the arresting officer shall advise the person at the time of the arrest that the person may have an independent chemical test taken at the person’s own expense. If the person was under arrest other than described in division (A)(5) of Ohio R.C. 4511.191, the form to be read to the person to be tested, as required under Ohio R.C. 4511.192, shall state that the person may have an independent test performed at the person’s expense. The failure or inability to obtain an additional chemical test by a person shall not preclude the admission of evidence relating to the chemical test or tests taken at the request of a law enforcement officer.
(4) A. As used in subsections (e)(4)B. and C. of this section, “national highway traffic safety administration” means the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration established as an administration of the United States Department of Transportation under 96 Stat. 2415 (1983), 49 U.S.C.A. 105.
B. In any criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding for a violation of subsection (a), (b) or (d) of this section, of a municipal ordinance relating to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or alcohol and a drug of abuse, or of a municipal ordinance relating to operating a vehicle with a prohibited concentration of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a metabolite of a controlled substance in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath or urine, if a law enforcement officer has administered a field sobriety test to the operator or person in physical control of the vehicle involved in the violation and if it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the officer administered the test in substantial compliance with the testing standards for any reliable, credible, and generally accepted field sobriety tests that were in effect at the time the tests were administered, including, but not limited to, any testing standards then in effect that were set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all of the following apply:

  1. The officer may testify concerning the results of the field sobriety test so administered.
  2. The prosecution may introduce the results of the field sobriety test so administered as evidence in any proceedings in the criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding.
  3. If testimony is presented or evidence is introduced under subsection (e)(4)B.1. or 2. of this section and if the testimony or evidence is admissible under the Rules of Evidence, the court shall admit the testimony or evidence and the trier of fact shall give it whatever weight the trier of fact considers to be appropriate.

C. Subsection (e)(4)B. of this section does not limit or preclude a court, in its determination of whether the arrest of a person was supported by probable cause or its determination of any other matter in a criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding of a type described in that subsection, from considering evidence or testimony that is not otherwise disallowed by subsection (e)(4)B. of this section. (ORC 4511.19; 4511.194)

(f) Forensic Laboratory Reports.

(1) Subject to subsection (f)(3) of this section, in any criminal prosecution or juvenile court proceeding for a violation of subsection (a)(1)B., C., D., E., F., G., H., I., or J. or (b)(1), (2), (3) or (4) of this section or for an equivalent offense that is substantially equivalent to any of those subsections, a laboratory report from any laboratory personnel issued a permit by the Department of Health authorizing an analysis as described in this subsection that contains an analysis of the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, urine, or other bodily substance tested and that contains all of the information specified in this subsection shall be admitted as primafacie evidence of the information and statements that the report contains. The laboratory report shall contain all of the following:

A. The signature, under oath, of any person who performed the analysis;
B. Any findings as to the identity and quantity of alcohol, a drug of abuse, a controlled substance, a metabolite of a controlled substance, or a combination of them that was found;
C. A copy of a notarized statement by the laboratory director or a designee of the director that contains the name of each certified analyst or test performer involved with the report, the analyst’s or test performer’s employment relationship with the laboratory that issued the report, and a notation that performing an analysis of the type involved is part of the analyst’s or test performer’s regular duties;
D. An outline of the analyst’s or test performer’s education, training, and experience in performing the type of analysis involved and a certification that the laboratory satisfies appropriate quality control standards in general and, in this particular analysis, under rules of the Department of Health.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding the admission of evidence, a report of the type described in subsection (f)(1) of this section is not admissible against the defendant to whom it pertains in any proceeding, other than a preliminary hearing or a grand jury proceeding, unless the prosecutor has served a copy of the report on the defendant’s attorney or, if the defendant has no attorney, on the defendant.
(3) A report of the type described in subsection (f)(1) of this section shall not be prima-facie evidence of the contents, identity, or amount of any substance if, within seven days after the defendant to whom the report pertains or the defendant’s attorney receives a copy of the report, the defendant or the defendant’s attorney demands the testimony of the person who signed the report. The judge in the case may extend the seven-day time limit in the interest of justice.

(g) Immunity From Liability For Withdrawing Blood. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any physician, registered nurse, emergency medical technician-intermediate, emergency medical technician-paramedic, or qualified technician, chemist, or phlebotomist who withdraws blood from a person pursuant to this section or Ohio R.C. 4511.191 or 4511.192, and any hospital, first-aid station, or clinic at which blood is withdrawn from a person pursuant to this section or Ohio R.C. 4511.191 or 4511.192, is immune from criminal liability and civil liability based upon a claim of assault and battery or any other claim that is not a claim of malpractice, for any act performed in withdrawing blood from the person. The immunity provided in this subsection also extends to an emergency medical service organization that employs an emergency medical technician-intermediate or emergency medical technician-paramedic who withdraws blood under this section. The immunity provided in this subsection is not available to a person who withdraws blood if the person engaged in willful or wanton misconduct.

As used in this subsection, “emergency medical technician-intermediate” and “emergency medical technician-paramedic” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 4765.01.

(h) General OVI Penalty.

(1) Whoever violates any provision of subsections (a)(1)A. to I. or (a)(2) of this section is guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them. Whoever violates subsection (a)(1)J. of this section is guilty of operating a vehicle while under the influence of a listed controlled substance or a listed metabolite of a controlled substance. The court shall sentence the offender for either offense under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2929, and this Traffic Code, except as otherwise authorized or required by subsections (h)(1)A. to E. of this section:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (h)(1)B., C., D. or E. of this section, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, and the court shall sentence the offender to all of the following:

  1. If the sentence is being imposed for a violation of subsections (a)(1)A., B., C., D., E., or J. of this section, a mandatory jail term of three consecutive days. As used in this subsection, three consecutive days means seventy-two consecutive hours. The court may sentence an offender to both an intervention program and a jail term. The court may impose a jail term in addition to the three-day mandatory jail term or intervention program. However, in no case shall the cumulative jail term imposed for the offense exceed six months. The court may suspend the execution of the three-day jail term under this subsection if the court, in lieu of that suspended term, places the offender under a community control sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.25 and requires the offender to attend, for three consecutive days, a drivers’ intervention program certified under Ohio R.C. 5119.38. The court also may suspend the execution of any part of the three-day jail term under this subsection if it places the offender under a community control sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.25 for part of the three days, requires the offender to attend for the suspended part of the term a drivers’ intervention program so certified, and sentences the offender to a jail term equal to the remainder of the three consecutive days that the offender does not spend attending the program. The court may require the offender, as a condition of community control and in addition to the required attendance at a drivers’ intervention program, to attend and satisfactorily complete any treatment or education programs that comply with the minimum standards adopted pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 5119 by the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services that the operators of the drivers’ intervention program determine that the offender should attend and to report periodically to the court on the offender’s progress in the programs. The court also may impose on the offender any other conditions of community control that it considers necessary.
  2. If the sentence is being imposed for a violation of subsection (a)(1)F., G., H. or I. or (a)(2) of this section, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a mandatory jail term of at least three consecutive days and a requirement that the offender attend, for three consecutive days, a drivers’ intervention program that is certified pursuant to Ohio R.C. 5119.38. As used in this subsection, three consecutive days means seventy-two consecutive hours. If the court determines that the offender is not conducive to treatment in a drivers’ intervention program, if the offender refuses to attend a drivers’ intervention program, or if the jail at which the offender is to serve the jail term imposed can provide a drivers’ intervention program, the court shall sentence the offender to a mandatory jail term of at least six consecutive days.

The court may require the offender, under a community control sanction imposed under Ohio R.C. 2929.25, to attend and satisfactorily complete any treatment or education programs that comply with the minimum standards adopted pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 5119 by the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in addition to the required attendance at drivers’ intervention program, that the operators of the drivers’ intervention program determine that the offender should attend and to report periodically to the court on the offender’s progress in the programs. The court also may impose any other conditions of community control on the offender that it considers necessary.

  1. In all cases, a fine of not less than three hundred seventyfive dollars ($375.00) and not more than one thousand seventy-five dollars ($1,075).
  2. In all cases, a class five license suspension of the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(5) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. The court may grant limited driving privileges relative to the suspension under Ohio R.C. 4510.021 and 4510.13.

B. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)(1)E. of this section, an offender who, within six years of the offense, previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section or one other equivalent offense is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. The court shall sentence the offender to all of the following:

  1. If the sentence is being imposed for a violation of subsection (a)(1)A., B., C., D., E., or J. of this section, a mandatory jail term of ten consecutive days. The court shall impose the ten-day mandatory jail term under this subsection unless, subject to subsection (h)(3) of this section, it instead imposes a sentence under that subsection consisting of both a jail term and a term of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The court may impose a jail term in addition to the ten-day mandatory jail term. The cumulative jail term imposed for the offense shall not exceed six months.

In addition to the jail term or the term of house arrest with electronic monitoring or continuous alcohol monitoring or both types of monitoring and jail term, the court shall require the offender to be assessed by a community addiction services provider that is authorized by Ohio R.C. 5119.21, subject to subsection (k) of this section, and shall order the offender to follow the treatment recommendations of the services provider. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the degree of the offender’s alcohol usage and to determine whether or not treatment is warranted. Upon the request of the court, the services provider shall submit the results of the assessment to the court, including all treatment recommendations and clinical diagnoses related to alcohol use.

  1. If the sentence is being imposed for a violation of subsection (a)(1)F., G., H. or I. or (a)(2) of this section, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a mandatory jail term of twenty consecutive days. The court shall impose the twenty-day mandatory jail term under this subsection unless, subject to subsection (h)(3) of this section, it instead imposes a sentence under that subsection consisting of both a jail term and a term of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The court may impose a jail term in addition to the twenty-day mandatory jail term. The cumulative jail term imposed for the offense shall not exceed six months. In addition to the jail term or the term of house arrest with electronic monitoring or continuous alcohol monitoring or both types of monitoring and jail term, the court shall require the offender to be assessed by a community addiction services provider that is authorized by Ohio R.C. 5119.21, subject to subsection (k) of this section, and shall order the offender to follow the treatment recommendations of the services provider. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the degree of the offender’s alcohol usage and to determine whether or not treatment is warranted. Upon the request of the court, the services provider shall submit the results of the assessment to the court, including all treatment recommendations and clinical diagnoses related to alcohol use.
  2. In all cases, notwithstanding the fines set forth in Section 303.99, a fine of not less than five hundred twenty-five dollars ($525.00) and not more than one thousand six hundred twenty-five dollars ($1,625).
  3. In all cases, a class four license suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(4) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. The court may grant limited driving privileges relative to the suspension under Ohio R.C. 4510.021 and 4510.13. (ORC 4511.19)
  4. In all cases, if the vehicle is registered in the offender’s name, immobilization of the vehicle involved in the offense for ninety days in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4503.233 and impoundment of the license plates of that vehicle for ninety days. (ORC 4511.193)

C. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)(1)E. of this section, an offender who, within six years of the offense, previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two violations of subsection (a) or (b) of this section or other equivalent offenses is guilty of a misdemeanor. The court shall sentence the offender to all of the following:

  1. If the sentence is being imposed for a violation of subsection (a)(1)A., B., C., D., E., or J. of this section, a mandatory jail term of thirty consecutive days. The court shall impose the thirty-day mandatory jail term under this subsection unless, subject to subsection (h)(3) of this section, it instead imposes a sentence under that subsection consisting of both a jail term and a term of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The court may impose a jail term in addition to the thirty-day mandatory jail term. Notwithstanding the jail terms set forth in Section 303.99, the additional jail term shall not exceed one year, and the cumulative jail term imposed for the offense shall not exceed one year.
  2. If the sentence is being imposed for a violation of subsection (a)(1)F., G., H. or I. or (a)(2) of this section, a mandatory jail term of sixty consecutive days. The court shall impose the sixty-day mandatory jail term under this subsection unless, subject to subsection (h)(3) of this section, it instead imposes a sentence under that subsection consisting of both a jail term and a term of electronically monitored house arrest with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The court may impose a jail term in addition to the sixty-day mandatory jail term. Notwithstanding the terms of imprisonment set forth in Section 303.99, the additional jail term shall not exceed one year, and the cumulative jail term imposed for the offense shall not exceed one year.
  3. In all cases, notwithstanding the fines set forth in Section 303.99, a fine of not less than eight hundred fifty dollars ($850.00) and not more than two thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($2,750).
  4. In all cases, a class three license suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. The court may grant limited driving privileges relative to the suspension under Ohio R.C. 4510.021 and 4510.13. (ORC 4511.19)
  5. In all cases, if the vehicle is registered in the offender’s name, criminal forfeiture of the vehicle involved in the offense in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4503.234. Subsection (h)(5) of this section applies regarding any vehicle that is subject to an order of criminal forfeiture under this subsection. (ORC 4511.193)
  6. In all cases, the court shall order the offender to participate with a community addiction services provider authorized by Ohio R.C. 5119.21, subject to subsection (k) of this section, and shall order the offender to follow the treatment recommendations of the services provider. The operator of the services provider shall determine and assess the degree of the offender’s alcohol dependency and shall make recommendations for treatment. Upon the request of the court, the services provider shall submit the results of the assessment to the court, including all treatment recommendations and clinical diagnoses related to alcohol use.

D. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)(1)E. of this section, an offender who, within six years of the offense, previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or four violations of subsection (a) or (b) of this section or other equivalent offenses or an offender who, within twenty years of the offense, previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to five or more violations of that nature is guilty of a felony of the fourth degree and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.
E. An offender who previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19(A) that was a felony, regardless of when the violation and the conviction or guilty plea occurred, is guilty of a felony of the third degree and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

(2) An offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of subsection (a) of this section and who subsequently seeks reinstatement of the driver’s or occupational driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege suspended under this section as a result of the conviction or guilty plea shall pay a reinstatement fee as provided in division (F)(2) of Ohio R.C. 4511.191.
(3) If an offender is sentenced to a jail term under subsection (h)(1)B.1. or 2. or (h)(1)C.1. or 2. of this section and if, within sixty days of sentencing of the offender, the court issues a written finding on the record that, due to the unavailability of space at the jail where the offender is required to serve the term, the offender will not be able to begin serving that term within the sixty-day period following the date of sentencing, the court may impose an alternative sentence under this subsection that includes a term of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring.

As an alternative to a mandatory jail term of ten consecutive days required by subsection (h)(1)B.1. of this section, the court, under this subsection, may sentence the offender to five consecutive days in jail and not less than eighteen consecutive days of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The cumulative total of the five consecutive days in jail and the period of house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring, or both types of monitoring shall not exceed six months. The five consecutive days in jail do not have to be served prior to or consecutively to the period of house arrest. As an alternative to the mandatory jail term of twenty consecutive days required by subsection (h)(1)B.2. of this section, the court, under this subsection, may sentence the offender to ten consecutive days in jail and not less than thirty-six consecutive days of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The cumulative total of the ten consecutive days in jail and the period of house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring or both types of monitoring shall not exceed six months. The ten consecutive days in jail do not have to be served prior to or consecutively to the period of house arrest.

As an alternative to a mandatory jail term of thirty consecutive days required by subsection (h)(1)C.1. of this section, the court, under this subsection, may sentence the offender to fifteen consecutive days in jail and not less than fifty-five consecutive days of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The cumulative total of the fifteen consecutive days in jail and the period of house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring or both types of monitoring shall not exceed one year. The fifteen consecutive days in jail do not have to be served prior to or consecutively to the period of house arrest. As an alternative to the mandatory jail term of sixty consecutive days required by subsection (h)(1)C.2. of this section, the court, under this subsection, may sentence the offender to thirty consecutive days in jail and not less than one hundred ten consecutive days of house arrest with electronic monitoring, with continuous alcohol monitoring, or with both electronic monitoring and continuous alcohol monitoring. The cumulative total of the thirty consecutive days in jail and the period of house arrest with electronic monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring, or both types of monitoring shall not exceed one year. The thirty consecutive days in jail do not have to be served prior to or consecutively to the period of house arrest.
(4) If an offender’s driver’s or occupational driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege is suspended under subsection (h) of this section and if Ohio R.C. 4510.13 permits the court to grant limited driving privileges, the court may grant the limited driving privileges in accordance with that section. If division (A)(7) of that section requires that the court impose as a condition of the privileges that the offender must display on the vehicle that is driven subject to the privileges restricted license plates that are issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.231, except as provided in division (B) of that section, the court shall impose that condition as one of the conditions of the limited driving privileges granted to the offender, except as provided in division (B) of Ohio R.C. 4503.231.
(5) If title to a motor vehicle that is subject to an order of criminal forfeiture under this section is assigned or transferred and division (B)(2) or (3) of Ohio R.C. 4503.234 applies, in addition to or independent of any other penalty established by law, the court may fine the offender the value of the vehicle as determined by publications of the national auto dealers association. The proceeds of any fine so imposed shall be distributed in accordance with division (C)(2) of that section.
(6) In all cases in which an offender is sentenced under subsection (h) of this section, the offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, the court, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.18 or 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the vehicle before, during or after committing the offense for which the offender is sentenced under subsection (h) of this section.
(7) As used in subsection (h) of this section, “electronic monitoring”, “mandatory prison term” and “mandatory term of local incarceration” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.

(i) Vehicle Operation After Underage Alcohol Consumption Penalty. Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of operating a vehicle after underage alcohol consumption and shall be punished as follows:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (i)(2) of this section, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. In addition to any other sanction imposed for the offense, the court shall impose a class six suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(6) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.
(2) If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one or more violations of subsection (a) or (b) of this section or other equivalent offenses, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. In addition to any other sanction imposed for the offense, the court shall impose a class four suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(4) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.
(3) If the offender also is convicted of or also pleads guilty to a specification of the type described in Ohio R.C. 2941.1416 and if the court imposes a jail term for the violation of subsection (b) of this section, the court shall impose upon the offender an additional definite jail term pursuant to division (E) of Ohio R.C. 2929.24.
(4) The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28, in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the vehicle before, during or after committing the violation of subsection (b) of this section.
(ORC 4511.19)

(j) Physical Control Penalty. Whoever violates subsection (d) hereof is guilty of having physical control of a vehicle while under the influence, a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to other sanctions imposed, the court may impose on the offender a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. (ORC 4511.194)

(k) Compliance With Ohio R.C. Chapter 5119 Standards.

(1) No court shall sentence an offender to an alcohol treatment program under this section unless the treatment program complies with the minimum standards for alcohol treatment programs adopted under Ohio R.C. Chapter 5119 by the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
(2) An offender who stays in a driver’s intervention program or in an alcohol treatment program under an order issued under this section shall pay the cost of the stay in the program. However, if the court determines that an offender who stays in an alcohol treatment program under an order issued under this section is unable to pay the cost of the stay in the program, the court may order that the cost be paid from the court’s indigent drivers’ alcohol treatment fund.

(l) Appeal Does Not Stay Operation of License Suspension. If a person whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege is suspended under this section files an appeal regarding any aspect of the person’s trial or sentence, the appeal itself does not stay the operation of the suspension.

(m) Subsection (a)(1)J. of this section does not apply to a person who operates a vehicle while the person has a concentration of a listed controlled substance or a listed metabolite of a controlled substance in the person’s whole blood, blood serum or plasma, or urine that equals or exceeds the amount specified in that subsection, if both of the following apply:

(1) The person obtained the controlled substance pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs.
(2) The person injected, ingested, or inhaled the controlled substance in accordance with the health professional’s directions.

(n) The prohibited concentrations of a controlled substance or a metabolite of a controlled substance listed in subsection (a)(1)J. of this section also apply in a prosecution of a violation of Ohio R.C. 2923.16(D) in the same manner as if the offender is being prosecuted for a prohibited concentration of alcohol.

(o) Conflict of Terms. All terms defined in Ohio R.C. 4510.01 apply to this section. If the meaning of a term defined in Ohio R.C . 4510.01 conflicts with the meaning of the same term as defined in Ohio R.C. 4501.01 or this Traffic Code, the term as defined in Ohio R.C. 4510.01 applies to this section. (ORC 4511.19)

(p) Indigent Drivers Alcohol Treatment Fund. Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) of any fine imposed for a violation of subsection (a) hereof shall be deposited into the municipal or county indigent drivers alcohol treatment fund pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4511.193.
(ORC 4511.193)

(q) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) “Equivalent offense” means any of the following:

A. A violation of division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 4511.19;
B. A violation of a municipal OVI ordinance;
C. A violation of Ohio R.C. 2903.04 in a case in which the offender was subject to the sanctions described in division (D) of that section;
D. A violation of division (A)(1) of Ohio R.C. 2903.06 or 2903.08 or a municipal ordinance that is substantially equivalent to either of those divisions;
E. A violation of division (A)(2), (3) or (4) of Ohio R.C. 2903.06, division (A)(2) of Ohio R.C. 2903.08, or former Ohio R.C. 2903.07, or a municipal ordinance that is substantially equivalent to any of those divisions or that former section, in a case in which a judge or jury as the trier of fact found that the offender was under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them;
F. A violation of division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 1547.11;
G. A violation of a municipal ordinance prohibiting a person from operating or being in physical control of any vessel underway or from manipulating any water skis, aquaplane or similar device on the waters of this State while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them or prohibiting a person from operating or being in physical control of any vessel underway or from manipulating any water skis, aquaplane or similar device on the waters of this State with a prohibited concentration of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a metabolite of a controlled substance in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath or urine;
H. A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance, law of another state, or law of the United States that is substantially equivalent to division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 1547.11;
I. A violation of a former law of this State that was substantially equivalent to division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 1547.11;

(2) “Mandatory jail term” means the mandatory term in jail of three, six, ten, twenty, thirty, or sixty days that must be imposed under subsection (h)(1)A., B. or C. upon an offender convicted of a violation of subsection (a) hereof and in relation to which all of the following apply:

A. Except as specifically authorized under this section, the term must be served in a jail.
B. Except as specifically authorized under this section, the term cannot be suspended, reduced or otherwise modified pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, or any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code.

(3) “Municipal OVI ordinance” and “municipal OVI offense” mean any municipal ordinance prohibiting a person from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them or prohibiting a person from operating a vehicle with a prohibited concentration of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a metabolite of a controlled substance in the whole blood, blood serum, or plasma, breath or urine.
(4) “Community residential sanction”, “continuous alcohol monitoring”, “jail”, “mandatory prison term”, “mandatory term of local incarceration”, “sanction” and “prison term” have the same meanings as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.
(5) “Drug of abuse” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4506.01.
(6) “Equivalent offense that is vehicle-related” means an equivalent offense that is any of the following:

A. A violation described in subsection (q)(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) hereof;
B. A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance, law of another state, or law of the United States that is substantially equivalent to division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 4511.19;
C. A violation of a former law of this state that was substantially equivalent to division (A) or (B) of Ohio R.C. 4511.19.
(ORC 4511.181)

333.02 OPERATION IN WILLFUL OR WANTON DISREGARD OF SAFETY.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle on any street or highway in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property. (ORC 4511.20)

(b) No person shall operate a vehicle on any public or private property other than streets or highways, in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property. This subsection does not apply to the competitive operation of vehicles on public or private property when the owner of such property knowingly permits such operation thereon.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.201)

(d) Whenever a person is found guilty under this section of operating a motor vehicle in violation of this section relating to reckless operation, the trial court of any court of record, in addition to or independent of all other penalties provided by law, may impose a class five suspension of the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(5) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.
(ORC 4510.15)

333.03 MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS; ASSURED CLEAR DISTANCE AHEAD.

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater or less than is reasonable or proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the street or highway and any other conditions, and no person shall drive any motor vehicle in and upon any street or highway at a greater speed than will permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.

(b) It is prima-facie lawful, in the absence of a lower limit declared or established pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4511.21 by the Ohio Director of Transportation or Council, for the operator of a motor vehicle to operate the same at a speed not exceeding the following:

(1) A. Twenty miles per hour in school zones during school recess and while children are going to or leaving school during the opening or closing hours, and when twenty miles per hour school speed limit signs are erected; except, that on controlled-access highways and expressways, if the right-of-way line fence has been erected without pedestrian opening, the speed shall be governed by subsection (b)(4) hereof and on freeways, if the right-of-way line fence has been erected without pedestrian opening, the speed shall be governed by subsection (b)(7) hereof. The end of every school zone may be marked by a sign indicating the end of the zone. Nothing in this section or in the manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices shall be construed to require school zones to be indicated by signs equipped with flashing or other lights, or giving other special notice of the hours in which the school zone speed limit is in effect.

B. As used in this section, “school” means any school chartered under Ohio R.C. 3301.16 and any nonchartered school that during the preceding year filed with the Department of Education in compliance with rule 3301-35-08 of the Ohio Administrative Code, a copy of the school’s report for the parents of the school’s pupils certifying that the school meets Ohio minimum standards for nonchartered, nontax-supported schools and presents evidence of this filing to the jurisdiction from which it is requesting the establishment of a school zone.
C. As used in this section, “school zone” means that portion of a street or highway passing a school fronting upon the street or highway that is encompassed by projecting the school property lines to the fronting street or highway. Upon request from the Municipality for streets and highways under its jurisdiction, the Ohio Director of Transportation may extend the traditional school zone boundaries. The distances in subsections (b)(1)C.1. to 3. hereof shall not exceed 300 feet per approach per direction and are bounded by whichever of the following distances or combinations thereof the Director approves as most appropriate:

  1. The distance encompassed by projecting the school building lines normal to the fronting highway and extending a distance of 300 feet on each approach direction;
  2. The distance encompassed by projecting the school property lines intersecting the fronting highway and extending a distance of 300 feet on each approach direction;
  3. The distance encompassed by the special marking of the pavement for a principal school pupil crosswalk plus a distance of 300 feet on each approach direction of highway; Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate the Director’s initial action on August 9, 1976, establishing all school zones at the traditional school zone boundaries defined by projecting school property lines, except when those boundaries are extended as provided in subsections (b)(1)A. and C. hereof.

D. As used in this subsection, “crosswalk” has the meaning given that term in Section 301.09. The Director may, upon request by resolution of Council, and upon submission by the Municipality of such engineering, traffic and other information as the Director considers necessary, designate a school zone on any portion of a State route lying within the Municipality that includes a crosswalk customarily used by children going to or leaving a school during recess and opening and closing hours, whenever the distance, as measured in a straight line, from the school property line nearest the crosswalk to the nearest point of the crosswalk is no more than 1,320 feet. Such a school zone shall include the distance encompassed by the crosswalk and extending 300 feet on each approach direction of the State route;

(2) Twenty-five miles per hour in all other portions of the Municipality, except on State routes outside business districts, through highways outside business districts and alleys;
(3) Thirty-five miles per hour on all State routes or through highways within the Municipality outside business districts, except as provided in subsections (b)(4) and (5) hereof;
(4) Fifty miles per hour on controlled-access highways and expressways within the Municipality;
(5) Fifty miles per hour on State routes within the Municipality outside urban districts unless a lower prima-facie speed is established as further provided in this section;
(6) Fifteen miles per hour on all alleys within the Municipality;
(7) Fifty-five miles per hour at all times on freeways with paved shoulders inside the Municipality other than freeways as provided in subsection (b)(10) and (12);
(8) Sixty miles per hour for operators of any motor vehicle at all times on all portions of rural divided highways;
(9) Sixty-five miles per hour for operators of any motor vehicle at all times on rural expressways without traffic control signals;
(10) Seventy miles per hour for operators of any motor vehicle at all times on all rural freeways.
(11) Fifty-five miles per hour for operators of any motor vehicle at all times on all portions of freeways in congested areas as determined by the Director and that are part of the interstate system and are located within a municipal corporation or within an interstate freeway outerbelt;
(12) Sixty-five miles per hour for operators of any motor vehicle at all times on all portions of freeways in urban areas as determined by the Director and that are part of the interstate system and are part of an interstate freeway outerbelt;

(c) It is prima-facie unlawful for any person to exceed any of the speed limitations in subsection (b)(1)A. to (b)(6) hereof, or any declared or established pursuant to this section by the Director or local authorities and it is unlawful for any person to exceed any of the speed limitations in subsection (d) hereof. No person shall be convicted of more than one violation of this section for the same conduct, although violations of more than one provision of this section may be charged in the alternative in a single affidavit.

(d) No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a street or highway as follows:

(1) At a speed exceeding fifty-five miles per hour, except upon a highway, expressway or freeway as provided in subsection (b)(8), (9), (10) and (12) hereof;
(2) At a speed exceeding sixty miles per hour upon a highway as provided in subsection (b)(8) hereof;
(3) At a speed exceeding sixty-five miles per hour upon an expressway as provided in subsection (b)(9) hereof, except upon a freeway as provided in subsection (b)(10) hereof;
(4) At a speed exceeding seventy miles per hour upon a freeway as provided in subsection (b)(10) hereof;
(5) At a speed exceeding the posted speed limit upon a highway, expressway or freeway for which the Director has determined and declared a speed limit pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4511.21(I)(2) or (L)(2).

(e) In every charge of violation of this section the affidavit and warrant shall specify the time, place and speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven, and in charges made in reliance upon subsection (c) hereof also the speed which subsections (b)(1)A. to (b)(6) hereof, or a limit declared or established pursuant to this section declares is prima-facie lawful at the time and place of such alleged violation, except that in affidavits where a person is alleged to have driven at a greater speed than will permit the person to bring the vehicle to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead the affidavit and warrant need not specify the speed at which the defendant is alleged to have driven.

(f) When a speed in excess of both a prima-facie limitation and a limitation in subsection (d) hereof is alleged, the defendant shall be charged in a single affidavit, alleging a single act, with a violation indicated of both subsections (b)(1)A. to (b)(6) hereof, or of a limit declared or established pursuant to this section by the Director or local authorities, and of the limitation in subsection (d) hereof. If the court finds a violation of subsection (b)(1)A. to (b)(6) hereof, or a limit declared or established pursuant to this section has occurred, it shall enter a judgment of conviction under such subsection and dismiss the charge under subsection (d) hereof. If it finds no violation of subsections (b)(1)A. to (b)(6) hereof or a limit declared or established pursuant to this section, it shall then consider whether the evidence supports a conviction under subsection (d) hereof.

(g) Points shall be assessed for violation of a limitation under subsection (d) hereof in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4510.036.

(h) Whenever, in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4511.21 or this section, the speed limitations as established herein have been altered, either higher or lower, and the appropriate signs giving notice have been erected as required, operators of motor vehicles shall be governed by the speed limitations set forth on such signs. It is prima-facie unlawful for any person to exceed the speed limits posted upon such signs.

(i) As used in this section:

(1) “Interstate system” has the same meaning as in 23 U.S.C.A. 101.
(2) “Commercial bus” means a motor vehicle designed for carrying more than nine passengers and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.
(3) “Noncommercial bus” includes but is not limited to a school bus, or a motor vehicle operated solely for the transportation of persons associated with a charitable or nonprofit organization.
(4) “Outerbelt” means a portion of a freeway that is part of the interstate system and is located in the outer vicinity of a major municipal corporation or group of municipal corporations, as designated by the Director.
(5) “Rural” means outside urbanized areas, as designated in accordance with 23 USC 101, and outside of a business or urban district.

(j) (1) A violation of any provision of this section is one of the following:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (j)(1)B., (1)C., (2) and (3) of this section, a minor misdemeanor;
B. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two violations of any provision of this section or of any provision of Ohio R.C. 4511.21 or a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to any provision of this section, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;
C. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of any provision of this section or of any provision of Ohio R.C. 4511.21 or a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to any provision of this section, a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2) If the offender has not previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of any provision of Ohio R.C. 4511.21 or of any provision of a municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to Ohio R.C. 4511.21 and operated a motor vehicle faster than thirty-five miles an hour in a business district of a municipal corporation, faster than fifty miles an hour in other portions of a municipal corporation, or faster than thirty-five miles an hour in a school zone during recess or while children are going to or leaving school during the school’s opening or closing hours, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (j)(1) of this section, if the offender operated a motor vehicle in a construction zone where a sign was then posted in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4511.98, the court, in addition to all other penalties provided by law, shall impose upon the offender a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation. No court shall impose a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation upon an offender if the offender alleges, in an affidavit filed with the court prior to the offender’s sentencing, that the offender is indigent and is unable to pay the fine imposed pursuant to this subsection and if the court determines that the offender is an indigent person and unable to pay the fine.
(ORC 4511.21)

333.031 APPROACHING A STATIONARY PUBLIC SAFETY, EMERGENCY OR ROAD SERVICE VEHICLE.

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary public safety vehicle, emergency vehicle, road service vehicle, vehicle used by the Public Utilities Commission to conduct motor vehicle inspections in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4923.04 and 4923.06 or a highway maintenance vehicle that is displaying the appropriate visual signals by means of flashing, oscillating or rotating lights, as prescribed in Section 337.16, shall do either of the following:

(1) If the driver of the motor vehicle is traveling on a street or highway that consists of at least two lanes that carry traffic in the same direction of travel as that of the driver’s motor vehicle, the driver shall proceed with due caution and, if possible with due regard to the road, weather, and traffic conditions, shall change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to that of the stationary public safety vehicle, emergency vehicle, road service vehicle, vehicle used by the Public Utilities Commission to conduct motor vehicle inspections in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4923.04 and 4923.06 or a highway maintenance vehicle.
(2) If the driver is not traveling on a street or highway of a type described in subsection (a)(1) of this section, or if the driver is traveling on a highway of that type but it is not possible to change lanes or if to do so would be unsafe, the driver shall proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle, and maintain a safe speed for the road, weather and traffic conditions.

(b) This section does not relieve the driver of a public safety vehicle, emergency vehicle, road service vehicle, vehicle used by the Public Utilities Commission to conduct motor vehicle inspections in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4923.04 and 4923.06, or a highway maintenance vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.

(c) No person shall fail to drive a motor vehicle in compliance with subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section when so required by subsection (a) of this section.

(d) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(2) Notwithstanding Section 303.99(b), upon a finding that a person operated a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (c) of this section, the court, in addition to all other penalties provided by law, shall impose a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation. (ORC 4511.213)

333.04 STOPPING VEHICLE; SLOW SPEED; POSTED MINIMUM SPEEDS.

(a) No person shall stop or operate a vehicle at such an unreasonably slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when stopping or reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or to comply with law.

(b) Whenever, in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4511.22(B), the minimum speed limit of a controlled-access highway, expressway or freeway has been declared and the appropriate signs giving notice have been erected as required, operators of motor vehicles shall be governed by the speed limitations set forth on such signs. No person shall operate a motor vehicle below the speed limits posted upon such signs except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

(c) In a case involving a violation of this section, the trier of fact, in determining whether the vehicle was being operated at an unreasonably slow speed, shall consider the capabilities of the vehicle and its operator.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.22)

333.05 SPEED LIMITATIONS OVER BRIDGES.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle over any bridge or other elevated structure constituting a part of a street at a speed which is greater then the maximum speed that can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure, when such structure is posted with authorized signs stating such maximum speed. Such signs shall be erected and maintained at a distance of at least 100 feet before each end of such structure.

(b) Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of the determination of the maximum speed and the existence of such signs shall constitute prima-facie evidence of the maximum speed which can be maintained with safety to such bridge or structure.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.23)

333.06 SPEED EXCEPTIONS FOR EMERGENCY OR SAFETY VEHICLES.

The prima-facie speed limitations set forth in Section 333.03 do not apply to emergency vehicles or public safety vehicles when they are responding to emergency calls and are equipped with and displaying at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and when the drivers thereof sound audible signals by bell, siren or exhaust whistle. This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street or highway. (ORC 4511.24)

333.07 STREET RACING PROHIBITED.

(a) As used in this section, “street racing” means the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same point to the same point, wherein timing is made of the participating vehicles involving competitive accelerations or speeds.

Persons rendering assistance in any manner to such competitive use of vehicles shall be equally charged as the participants. The operation of two or more vehicles side by side either at speeds in excess of prima-facie lawful speeds established by Section 333.03 or rapidly accelerating from a common starting point to a speed in excess of such prima-facie lawful speeds shall be prima-facie evidence of street racing.

(b) No person shall participate in street racing upon any public road, street or highway in this Municipality.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of street racing, a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to any other sanctions, the court shall suspend the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license or nonresident operating privilege for not less than thirty days or more than three years. No judge shall suspend the first thirty days of any suspension of an offender’s license, permit, or privilege imposed under this subsection. (ORC 4511.251)

333.08 OPERATION WITHOUT REASONABLE CONTROL.

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle, agricultural tractor, or agricultural tractor that is towing, pulling, or otherwise drawing a unit of farm machinery on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic without being in reasonable control of the vehicle, agricultural tractor or unit of farm machinery.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of operating a motor vehicle or agricultural tractor without being in control of it, a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 4511.202)

333.09 RECKLESS OPERATION ON STREETS, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle on any street or highway without due regard for the safety of persons or property.

(b) No person shall operate a vehicle on any public or private property other than streets or highways, without due regard for the safety of persons or property. This subsection does not apply to the competitive operation of vehicles on public or private property when the owner of such property knowingly permits such operation thereon.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

333.10 OPERATION IN VIOLATION OF IMMOBILIZATION ORDER.

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle or permit the operation of a motor vehicle upon any public or private property used by the public for vehicular travel or parking knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the motor vehicle has been ordered immobilized pursuant to an immobilization order issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.233.

(b) A motor vehicle that is operated by a person during a violation of subsection (a) hereof shall be criminally forfeited in accordance with the procedures contained in Ohio R.C. 4503.234.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. (ORC 4503.236)

333.11 TEXTING WHILE DRIVING PROHIBITED.

(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on any street, highway, or property open to the public for vehicular traffic while using a handheld electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A person using a handheld electronic wireless communications device in that manner for emergency purposes, including an emergency contact with a law enforcement agency, hospital or health care provider, fire department, or other similar emergency agency or entity;
(2) A person driving a public safety vehicle who uses a handheld electronic wireless communications device in that manner in the course of the person’s duties;
(3) A person using a handheld electronic wireless communications device in that manner whose motor vehicle is in a stationary position and who is outside a lane of travel;
(4) A person reading, selecting, or entering a name or telephone number in a handheld electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call;
(5) A person receiving wireless messages on a device regarding the operation or navigation of a motor vehicle; safety-related information, including emergency, traffic or weather alerts; or data used primarily by the motor vehicle;
(6) A person receiving wireless messages via radio waves;
(7) A person using a device for navigation purposes;
(8) A person conducting wireless interpersonal communication with a device
that does not require manually entering letters, numbers, or symbols or reading text messages, except to activate, deactivate, or initiate the device or a feature or function of the device;
(9) A person operating a commercial truck while using a mobile data terminal that transmits and receives data;
(10) A person using a handheld electronic wireless communications device in conjunction with a voice-operated or hands-free device feature or function of the vehicle.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause an operator of an automobile being operated on any street or highway to stop the automobile for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of subsection (a) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation or summons for a violation of that nature or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that nature, and no law enforcement officer shall view the interior or visually inspect any automobile being operated on any street or highway for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of that nature has been or is being committed.

(d) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(e) A prosecution for a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.204 does not preclude a prosecution for a violation of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance based on the same conduct. However, if an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.204 and is also convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance based on the same conduct, the two offenses are allied offenses of similar import under Ohio R.C. 2941.25.

(f) As used in this section:

(1) “Electronic wireless communications device” includes any of the following:

A. A wireless telephone;
B. A text-messaging device;
C. A personal digital assistant;
D. A computer, including a laptop computer and a computer tablet;
E. Any other substantially similar wireless device that is designed or used to communicate text.

(2) “Voice-operated or hands-free device” means a device that allows the user to vocally compose or send, or to listen to a text-based communication without the use of either hand except to activate, or deactivate a feature or function.
(3) “Write, send or read a text-based communication” means to manually write or send, or read a text-based communication using an electronic wireless communications device, including manually writing or sending, or reading communications referred to as text messages, instant messages, or electronic mail.
(ORC 4511.204)

CHAPTER 335
Licensing; Accidents

335.01 Driver’s license or commercial driver’s license required.
335.02 Permitting operation without valid license; one license permitted.
335.03 Driving with temporary instruction permit; curfew.
335.031 Driving with probationary license; curfew.
335.032 Use of electronic wireless communication device prohibited while driving.
335.04 Certain acts prohibited.
335.05 Wrongful entrustment of a motor vehicle.
335.06 Display of license.
335.07 Driving under suspension or license restriction.
335.071 Driving under OVI suspension.
335.072 Driving under financial responsibility law suspension or cancellation; driving under a nonpayment of judgment suspension.
335.073 Driving without complying with license reinstatement requirements.
335.074 Driving under license forfeiture or child support suspension.
335.08 Operation or sale without certificate of title.
335.09 Display of license plates.
335.10 Expired or unlawful license plates.
335.11 Use of illegal license plates; transfer of registration.
335.12 Stopping after accident upon streets; collision with unattended vehicle.
335.13 Stopping after accident upon property other than street.
335.14 Vehicle accident resulting in damage to realty.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Deposit of driver’s license as bond – see Ohio R.C. 2937.221
Motor vehicle licensing law – see Ohio R.C. Ch. 4503
Driver’s license law – see Ohio R.C. Ch. 4507
Power of trial court of record to suspend or revoke license for certain violations – see Ohio R.C. Ch. 4510
State point system suspension – see Ohio R.C. 4510.03.6
State accident reports – see Ohio R.C. 4509.01(J), 4509.06, 4509.74, 5502.11
Motorized bicycle operator’s license – see Ohio R.C. 4511.521
Glass removal from street after accident – see TRAF. 311.01

335.01 DRIVER’S LICENSE OR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIRED.

(a) (1) No person, except those expressly exempted under Ohio R.C. 4507.03, 4507.04, and 4507.05, shall operate any motor vehicle upon a public road or highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in this Municipality unless the person has a valid driver’s license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507 or a commercial driver’s license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4506.
(2) No person, except a person expressly exempted under Ohio R.C. 4507.03, 4507.04, and 4507.05, shall operate any motorcycle upon a public road or highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in this Municipality unless the person has a valid license as a motorcycle operator that was issued upon application by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507. The license shall be in the form of an endorsement, as determined by the Registrar, upon a driver’s or commercial driver’s license, if the person has a valid license to operate a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle, or in the form of a restricted license as provided in Ohio R.C. 4507.14, if the person does not have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle.

(b) Upon the request or motion of the prosecuting authority, a noncertified copy of the law enforcement automated data system report or a noncertified copy of a record of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that shows the name, date of birth, and social security number of a person charged with a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section may be admitted into evidence as prima-facie evidence that the person did not have either a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (a)(1) of this section or a valid license as a motorcycle operator either in the form of an endorsement upon a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or a restricted license at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (a)(2) of this section. The person charged with a violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2) of this section may offer evidence to rebut this prima-facie evidence.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle without a valid license and shall be punished as follows:

(1) If the trier of fact finds that the offender never has held a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license issued by this state or any other jurisdiction, or, in a case involving the operation of a motorcycle by the offender, if the offender has never held a valid license as a motorcycle operator, either in the form of an endorsement upon a driver’s or commercial driver’s license or in the form of a restricted license, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02 that may be filed in the underlying case. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any violation of Ohio R.C. 4510.12 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(2) If the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or, in a case involving the operation of a motorcycle by the offender, the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license bearing the motorcycle endorsement or the offender’s restricted license was expired at the time of the offense, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the offense is a minor misdemeanor. If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.12 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(d) The court shall not impose a license suspension for a first violation of this section or if more than three years have passed since the offender’s last violation of Ohio R.C. 4510.12 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.

(e) If the offender is sentenced under subsection (c)(2) hereof, if within three years of the offense the offender previously was convicted of or pleaded guilty to one or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.12 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, and if the offender’s license was expired for more than six months at the time of the offense, the court may impose a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.
(ORC 4510.12)

335.02 PERMITTING OPERATION WITHOUT VALID LICENSE; ONE LICENSE PERMITTED.

(a) No person shall permit the operation of a motor vehicle upon any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking knowing the operator does not have a valid driver’s license issued to the operator by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507 or a valid commercial driver’s license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4506.

(b) No person shall receive a driver’s license, or a motorcycle operator’s endorsement of a driver’s or commercial driver’s license, unless and until he surrenders to the Registrar all valid licenses issued to him by another jurisdiction recognized by the State of Ohio. No person shall be permitted to have more than one valid license at any time.
(ORC 4507.02)

(c) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02 that may be filed in the underlying case. If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4507.02 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(2) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 4507.02; 4507.99)

335.03 DRIVING WITH TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION PERMIT; CURFEW.

(a) No holder of a temporary instruction permit issued under Ohio R.C. 4507.05(A) shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in violation of the following conditions:

(1) If the permit is issued to a person who is at least fifteen years six months of age, but less than sixteen years of age:

A. The permit and identification card are in the holder’s immediate possession;
B. The holder is accompanied by an eligible adult who actually occupies the seat beside the permit holder and does not have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine as provided in Ohio R.C. 4511.19(A);
C. The total number of occupants of the vehicle does not exceed the total number of occupant restraining devices originally installed in the motor vehicle by its manufacturer, and each occupant of the vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.

(2) If the permit is issued to a person who is at least sixteen years of age:

A. The permit and identification card are in the holder’s immediate possession;
B. The holder is accompanied by a licensed operator who is at least twenty-one years of age and is actually occupying a seat beside the driver and does not have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine as provided in Ohio R.C. 4511.19(A);
C. The total number of occupants of the vehicle does not exceed the total number of occupant restraining devices originally installed in the motor vehicle by its manufacturer, and each occupant of the vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, no holder of a temporary instruction permit that is issued under Ohio R.C. 4507.05(A) and that is issued on or after July 1, 1998, and who has not attained the age of eighteen years, shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of midnight and six a.m.

The holder of a permit issued under Ohio R.C. 4507.05(A) on or after July 1, 1998, who has not attained the age of eighteen years, may operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of midnight and six a.m. if, at the time of such operation, the holder is accompanied by the holder’s parent, guardian, or custodian, and the parent, guardian or custodian holds a current valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license issued by this State and is actually occupying a seat beside the permit holder, and does not have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in the whole blood, blood serum or plasma, breath, or urine as provided in Section 333.01(a).

(c) As used in this section:

(1) “Eligible adult” means any of the following:

A. An instructor of a driver education course approved by the Department of Education or a driver training course approved by the Department of Public Safety;
B. Any of the following persons who holds a current valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license issued by this State:

  1. A parent, guardian or custodian of the permit holder;
  2. A person twenty-one years of age or older who acts in loco parentis of the permit holder.

(2) “Occupant restraining device” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4513.263.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4507.05)

335.031 DRIVING WITH PROBATIONARY LICENSE; CURFEW.

(a) (1) A. No holder of a probationary driver’s license who has held the license for less than twelve months shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of midnight and six a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by the holder’s parent or guardian.
B. No holder of a probationary driver’s license who has held the license for twelve months or longer shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by the holder’s parent or guardian.
(2) A. Subject to subsection (c)(1) of this section, subsection (a)(1)A. of this section does not apply to the holder of a probationary driver’s license who is doing either of the following:

  1. Traveling to or from work between the hours of midnight and six a.m. provided that the holder has in the holder’s immediate possession written documentation from the holder’s employer.
  2. Traveling to or from an official function sponsored by the school the holder attends between the hours of midnight and six a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder’s immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official of the school;
  3. Traveling to or from an official religious event between the hours of midnight and six a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder’s immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official affiliated with the event.

B. Subsection (a)(1)B. of this section does not apply to the holder of a probationary driver’s license who is doing either of the following:

  1. Traveling to or from work between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder’s immediate possession written documentation from the holder’s employer.
  2. Traveling to or from an official function sponsored by the school the holder attends between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder’s immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official of the school;
  3. Traveling to or from an official religious event between the hours of one a.m. and five a.m., provided that the holder has in the holder’s immediate possession written documentation from an appropriate official affiliated with the event.

(3) An employer, school official or official affiliated with a religious event is not liable in damages in a civil action for any injury, death or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from, or is related to, the fact that the employer, school official, or official affiliated with a religious event provided the holder of a probationary driver’s license with the written documentation described in subsection (a)(2) of this section. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles shall make available at no cost a form to serve as the written documentation described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, and employers, school officials, officials affiliated with religious events, and holders of probationary driver’s licenses may utilize that form or may choose to utilize any other written documentation to meet the requirements of that subsection.
(4) No holder of a probationary driver’s license who has held the license for less than twelve months shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking with more than one person who is not a family member occupying the vehicle unless the probationary license holder is accompanied by the probationary license holder’s parent, guardian or custodian.

(b) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (a)(1)A. or B. of this section if, at the time of the violation, an emergency existed that required the holder of the probationary driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (a)(1)A. or B. of this section; or the holder was an emancipated minor.

(c) (1) If a person is issued a probationary driver’s license prior to attaining the age of seventeen years and the person pleads guilty to, is convicted of, or is adjudicated in juvenile court of having committed a moving violation during the six-month period commencing on the date on which the person is issued the probationary driver’s license, the court with jurisdiction over the violation may order that the holder must be accompanied by the holder’s parent or guardian whenever the holder is operating a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking for a period not to exceed six months or the date the holder attains the age of seventeen years, whichever occurs first.
(2) Any person who is subject to the operating restrictions established under subsection (c)(1) of this section as a result of a first moving violation may petition the court for driving privileges without being accompanied by the holder’s parent or guardian during the period of time determined by the court under that subsection. In granting the driving privileges, the court shall specify the purposes of the privileges and shall issue the person appropriate forms setting forth the privileges granted. If a person is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is adjudicated in juvenile court of having committed a second or subsequent moving violation, the court with jurisdiction over the violation may terminate any driving privileges previously granted under this division.
(3) No person shall violate any operating restriction imposed under subsection (c)(1) or (2) of this section.

(d) No holder of a probationary license shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking unless the total number of occupants of the vehicle does not exceed the total number of occupant restraining devices originally installed in the motor vehicle by its manufacturer, and each occupant of the vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether each occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device as required by subsection (d) hereof, or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons if the requirement in that subsection has been or is being violated, or for causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that requirement.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of subsection (a)(1)A. or B. hereof has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons for such a violation or for causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for such violation.

(g) As used in this section:

(1) “Occupant restraining device” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4513.263.
(2) “Family member” of a probationary license holder includes any of the following:

A. A spouse;
B. A child or stepchild;
C. A parent, stepparent, grandparent, or parent-in-law;
D. An aunt or uncle;
E. A sibling, whether or the whole or half blood or by adoption, a brother-in-law or a sister-in-law;
F. A son or daughter of the probationary license holder’s stepparent if the stepparent has not adopted the probationary license holder;
G. An eligible adult, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4507.05.

(3) “Moving violation” means any violation of any statute or ordinance that regulates the operation of vehicles, streetcars, or trackless trolleys on the highways or streets. “Moving violation” does not include a violation of Ohio R.C. 4513.263 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, or a violation of any statute or ordinance regulating pedestrians or the parking of vehicles, vehicle size or load limitations, vehicle fitness requirements, or vehicle registration.

(h) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4507.071)

335.032 USE OF ELECTRONIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE PROHIBITED WHILE DRIVING.

(a) No holder of a temporary instruction permit who has not attained the age of eighteen years and no holder of a probationary driver’s license shall drive a motor vehicle on any street, highway, or property used by the public for purposes of vehicular traffic or parking while using in any manner an electronic wireless communications device.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to either of the following:

(1) A person using an electronic wireless communications device for emergency purposes, including an emergency contact with a law enforcement agency, hospital or health care provider, fire department, or other similar emergency agency or entity;
(2) A person using an electronic wireless communications device whose motor vehicle is in a stationary position and the motor vehicle is outside a lane of travel;
(3) A person using a navigation device in a voice-operated or hands-free manner who does not manipulate the device while driving.

(c) (1) Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, whoever violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). In addition, the court shall impose a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license or permit for a definite period of sixty days.
(2) If the person previously has been adjudicated a delinquent child or a juvenile traffic offender for a violation of this section, whoever violates this section shall be fined three hundred dollars ($300.00). In addition, the court shall impose a class seven suspension of the person’s driver’s license or permit for a definite period of one year.

(d) The filing of a sworn complaint against a person for a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.205 does not preclude the filing of a sworn complaint for a violation of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance for the same conduct. However, if a person is adjudicated a delinquent child or a juvenile traffic offender for a violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.205 and is also adjudicated a delinquent child or a juvenile traffic offender for a violation of a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance for the same conduct, the two offenses are allied offenses of similar import under Ohio R.C. 2941.25.

(e) As used in this section, “electronic wireless communications device” includes any of the following:

(1) A wireless telephone;
(2) A personal digital assistant;
(3) A computer, including a laptop computer and a computer tablet;
(4) A text-messaging device;
(5) Any other substantially similar electronic wireless device that is designed or used to communicate via voice, image, or written word.
(ORC 4511.205)

335.04 CERTAIN ACTS PROHIBITED.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Display, or cause or permit to be displayed, or possess any identification card, driver’s or commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit knowing the same to be fictitious, or to have been canceled, suspended or altered;
(2) Lend to a person not entitled thereto, or knowingly permit a person not entitled thereto to use any identification card, driver’s or commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit issued to the person so lending or permitting the use thereof;
(3) Display or represent as one’s own, any identification card, driver’s or commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit not issued to the person so displaying the same;
(4) Fail to surrender to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, upon the Registrar’s demand, any identification card, driver’s or commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit that has been suspended or canceled;
(5) In any application for an identification card, driver’s or commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit, or any renewal or duplicate thereof, knowingly conceal a material fact, or present any physician’s statement required under Ohio R.C. 4507.08 or 4507.081 when knowing the same to be false or fictitious.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4507.30)

335.05 WRONGFUL ENTRUSTMENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.

(a) No person shall permit a motor vehicle owned by the person or under the person’s control to be driven by another if any of the following apply:

(1) The offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other person does not have a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or valid nonresident driving privileges.
(2) The offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other person’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privileges have been suspended or canceled under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4510, or any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code or this Traffic Code.
(3) The offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other person’s act of driving the motor vehicle would violate any prohibition contained in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4509.
(4) The offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other person’s act of driving would violate Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or any substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.
(5) The offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle is the subject of an immobilization waiver order issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.235 and the other person is prohibited from operating the vehicle under that order.

(b) Without limiting or precluding the consideration of any other evidence in determining whether a violation of subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) of this section has occurred, it shall be prima-facie evidence that the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the operator of the motor vehicle owned by the offender or under the offender’s control is in a category described in subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) of this section if any of the following applies:

(1) Regarding an operator allegedly in the category described in subsection (a)(1), (3) or (5) of this section, the offender and the operator of the motor vehicle reside in the same household and are related by consanguinity or affinity.
(2) Regarding an operator allegedly in the category described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the offender and the operator of the motor vehicle reside in the same household, and the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the operator has been charged with or convicted of any violation of law or ordinance, or has committed any other act or omission, that would or could result in the suspension or cancellation of the operator’s license, permit or privilege.
(3) Regarding an operator allegedly in the category described in subsection (a)(4) of this section, the offender and the operator of the motor vehicle occupied the motor vehicle together at the time of the offense.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of wrongful entrustment of a motor vehicle and shall be punished as provided in subsections (c) to (h) of this section.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, whoever violates subsection (a)(1), (2) or (3) of this section is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02.
(2) A. If, within three years of a violation of subsection (a)(1), (2) or (3) of this section, the offender previously has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of two or more violations of division (A)(1), (2) or (3) of Ohio R.C. 4511.203 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
B. Whoever violates subsection (a)(4) or (5) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(3) For any violation of this section, in addition to the penalties imposed under Section 303.99, the court may impose a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02, and, if the vehicle involved in the offense is registered in the name of the offender, the court may order one of the following:

A. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(3)B. or C. of this section, the court may order, for thirty days, the immobilization of the vehicle involved in the offense and the impoundment of that vehicle’s license plates. If issued, the order shall be issued and enforced under Ohio R.C. 4503.233.
B. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.203 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the court may order, for sixty days, the immobilization of the vehicle involved in the offense and the impoundment of that vehicle’s license plates. If issued, the order shall be issued and enforced under Ohio R.C. 4503.233.
C. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4511.203 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the court may order the criminal forfeiture to the state of the vehicle involved in the offense. If issued, the order shall be issued and enforced under Ohio R.C. 4503.234.

If title to a motor vehicle that is subject to an order for criminal forfeiture under this subsection is assigned or transferred and division (B)(2) or (3) of Ohio R.C. 4503.234 applies, in addition to or independent of any other penalty established by law, the court may fine the offender the value of the vehicle as determined by publications of the national automobile dealer’s association. The proceeds from any fine imposed under this subsection shall be distributed in accordance with division (C)(2) of Ohio R.C. 4503.234.

(d) If a court orders the immobilization of a vehicle under subsection (c) of this section, the court shall not release the vehicle from the immobilization before the termination of the period of immobilization ordered unless the court is presented with current proof of financial responsibility with respect to that vehicle.

(e) If a court orders the criminal forfeiture of a vehicle under subsection (c) of this section, upon receipt of the order from the court, neither the Registrar of Motor Vehicles nor any deputy registrar shall accept any application for the registration or transfer of registration of any motor vehicle owned or leased by the person named in the order. The period of denial shall be five years after the date the order is issued, unless, during that five-year period, the court with jurisdiction of the offense that resulted in the order terminates the forfeiture and notifies the Registrar of the termination. If the court terminates the forfeiture and notifies the Registrar, the Registrar shall take all necessary measures to permit the person to register a vehicle owned or leased by the person or to transfer the registration of the vehicle.

(f) This section does not apply to motor vehicle rental dealers or motor vehicle leasing dealers, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4549.65.

(g) Evidence of a conviction of, plea of guilty to, or adjudication as a delinquent child for a violation of this section or a substantially similar municipal ordinance shall not be admissible as evidence in any civil action that involves the offender or delinquent child who is the subject of the conviction, plea, or adjudication and that arises from the wrongful entrustment of a motor vehicle.

(h) For purposes of this section, a vehicle is owned by a person if, at the time of a violation of this section, the vehicle is registered in the person’s name. (ORC 4511.203)

335.06 DISPLAY OF LICENSE.

(a) The operator of a motor vehicle shall display the operator’s driver’s license, or furnish satisfactory proof that the operator has a driver’s license, upon demand of any peace officer or of any person damaged or injured in any collision in which the licensee may be involved. When a demand is properly made and the operator has the operator’s driver’s license on or about the operator’s person, the operator shall not refuse to display the license. A person’s failure to furnish satisfactory evidence that the person is licensed under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507 when the person does not have the person’s license on or about the person’s person shall be primafacie evidence of the person’s not having obtained a driver’s license.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (b)(2) hereof, whoever violates this section is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02 that may be filed in the underlying case.
(2) If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4507.35 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 4507.35)

335.07 DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION OR LICENSE RESTRICTION.

(a) Except as provided under subsection (b) hereof and Sections 335.072 and 335.074, no person whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege has been suspended under any provision of the Ohio Revised Code, other than Ohio R.C. Chapter 4509, or under any applicable law in any other jurisdiction in which the person’s license or permit was issued shall operate any motor vehicle upon the public roads and highways or upon any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking within this Municipality during the period of suspension unless the person is granted limited driving privileges and is operating the vehicle in accordance with the terms of the limited driving privileges.

(b) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in this Municipality in violation of any restriction of the person’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit imposed under division (D) of Ohio R.C. 4506.10 or under Ohio R.C. 4507.14.

(c) Upon the request or motion of the prosecuting authority, a noncertified copy of the law enforcement automated data system report or a noncertified copy of a record of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that shows the name, date of birth, and social security number of a person charged with a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be admitted into evidence as prima-facie evidence that the license of the person was under suspension at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (a) of this section or the person operated a motor vehicle in violation of a restriction at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (b) of this section. The person charged with a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may offer evidence to rebut this prima-facie evidence.

(d) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) or (b) hereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. The court may impose upon the offender a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.

(2) A. Except as provided in subsection (d)(2)B. or C. of this section, the court, in addition to any other penalty that it imposes on the offender and if the vehicle is registered in the offender’s name and if, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of Ohio R.C. 4510.11 or Ohio R.C. 4510.111 or 4510.16, or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the court, in addition to or independent of any other sentence that it imposes upon the offender, may order the immobilization of the vehicle involved in the offense for thirty days and the impoundment of that vehicle’s license plates for thirty days in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4503.233.
B. If the vehicle is registered in the offender’s name and if, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.11 or any combination of two violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.11 or Ohio R.C. 4510.111 or 4510.16, or of a substantially similar municipal ordinance, the court, in addition to any other sentence that it imposes on the offender may order the immobilization of the vehicle involved in the offense for sixty days and the impoundment of that vehicle’s license plates for sixty days in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4503.233.
C. If the vehicle is registered in the offender’s name and if, within three years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.11, or any combination of three or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4501.11 or Ohio R.C. 4510.111 or 4510.16, or of a substantially similar municipal ordinance, the court, in addition to any other sentence that it imposes on the offender may order the criminal forfeiture of the vehicle involved in the offense to the State.

(e) Any order for immobilization and impoundment under this section shall be issued and enforced under Ohio R.C. 4503.233 and 4507.02, as applicable. The court shall not release a vehicle from immobilization ordered under this section unless the court is presented with current proof of financial responsibility with respect to that vehicle.

(f) Any order of criminal forfeiture under this section shall be issued and enforced under Ohio R.C. 4503.234. Upon receipt of the copy of the order from the court, neither the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles nor a deputy registrar shall accept any application for the registration or transfer of registration of any motor vehicle owned or leased by the person named in the declaration of forfeiture. The period of registration denial shall be five years after the date of the order, unless, during that period, the court having jurisdiction of the offense that lead to the order terminates the forfeiture and notifies the Registrar of the termination. The Registrar shall then take necessary measures to permit the person to register a vehicle owned or leased by the person or to transfer registration of the vehicle.

(g) The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the vehicle before, during, or after committing the offense for which the offender is sentenced under this section. (ORC 4510.11)

(h) Any person whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privileges are suspended as a repeat traffic offender under this section and who, during the suspension, operates any motor vehicle upon any public roads and highways is guilty of driving under a twelve-point suspension, a misdemeanor of the first degree. The court shall sentence the offender to a minimum term of three days in jail. No court shall suspend the first three days of jail time imposed pursuant to this subsection. (ORC 4510.037)

335.071 DRIVING UNDER OVI SUSPENSION.

(a) No person whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege has been suspended under Ohio R.C. 4511.19, 4511.191, or 4511.196 or under Ohio R.C. 4510.07 for a conviction of a violation of a municipal OVI ordinance shall operate any motor vehicle upon the public roads or highways within this Municipality during the period of the suspension.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of driving under OVI suspension. The court shall sentence the offender under Ohio R.C. Chapter 2929, subject to the differences authorized or required by this section.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b)(2) or (3) of this section, driving under OVI suspension is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The court shall sentence the offender to all of the following:

A. A mandatory jail term of three consecutive days. The three-day term shall be imposed, unless, subject to subsection (c) of this section, the court instead imposes a sentence of not less than thirty consecutive days of house arrest with electronic monitoring. A period of house arrest with electronic monitoring imposed under this subsection shall not exceed six months. If the court imposes a mandatory three-day jail term under this subsection, the court may impose a jail term in addition to that term, provided that in no case shall the cumulative jail term imposed for the offense exceed six months.
B. A fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
C. A license suspension under subsection (e) of this section. 109 Licensing; Accidents 335.071

(2) If, within six years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of this section or one equivalent offense, driving under OVI suspension is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The court shall sentence the offender to all of the following:

A. A mandatory jail term of ten consecutive days. Notwithstanding the jail terms provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 2929, the court may sentence the offender to a longer jail term of not more than one year. The ten-day mandatory jail term shall be imposed unless, subject to subsection (c) of this section, the court instead imposes a sentence of not less than ninety consecutive days of house arrest with electronic monitoring. The period of house arrest with electronic monitoring shall not exceed one year.
B. Notwithstanding the fines provided for in Ohio R.C. Chapter 2929, a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
C. A license suspension under subsection (e) of this section.

(3) If, within six years of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of this section or two or more equivalent offenses, driving under OVI suspension is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The court shall sentence the offender to all of the following:

A. A mandatory jail term of thirty consecutive days. Notwithstanding the jail terms provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 2929, the court may sentence the offender to a longer jail term of not more than one year. The court shall not sentence the offender to a term of house arrest with electronic monitoring in lieu of the mandatory portion of the jail term.
B. Notwithstanding the fines set forth in Ohio R.C. Chapter 2929, a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
C. A license suspension under subsection (e) of this section.

(c) No court shall impose an alternative sentence of house arrest with electronic monitoring under subsection (b)(1) or (2) of this section unless, within sixty days of the date of sentencing, the court issues a written finding on the record that, due to the unavailability of space at the jail where the offender is required to serve the jail term imposed, the offender will not be able to begin serving that term within the sixty-day period following the date of sentencing.

An offender sentenced under this section to a period of house arrest with electronic monitoring shall be permitted work release during that period.

(d) Fifty per cent of any fine imposed by a court under subsection (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section shall be deposited into the county indigent drivers alcohol treatment fund or municipal indigent drivers alcohol treatment fund under the control of that court, as created by the county or municipal corporation pursuant to division (H) of Ohio R.C. 4511.191.

(e) In addition to or independent of all other penalties provided by law or ordinance, the trial judge of any court of record or the mayor of a mayor’s court shall impose on an offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02.

When permitted as specified in Ohio R.C. 4510.021, if the court grants limited driving privileges during a suspension imposed under this section, the privileges shall be granted on the additional condition that the offender must display restricted license plates, issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.231, on the vehicle driven subject to the privileges, except as provided in division (B) of that section.

A suspension of a commercial driver’s license under this section shall be concurrent with any period of suspension or disqualification under Ohio R.C. 3123.58 or 4506.16. No person who is disqualified for life from holding a commercial driver’s license under Ohio R.C. 4506.16 shall be issued a driver’s license under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507 during the period for which the commercial driver’s license was suspended under this section, and no person whose commercial driver’s license is suspended under this section shall be issued a driver’s license under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507 during the period of the suspension.

(f) The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the vehicle before, during, or after committing the offense that is a misdemeanor of the first degree under this section for which the offender is sentenced. (ORC 4510.14)

(g) (1) If a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of a municipal ordinance that is substantially equivalent to Ohio R.C. 4510.14, the court, in addition to and independent of any sentence that it imposes upon the offender for the offense, if the vehicle the offender was operating at the time of the offense is registered in the offender’s name, shall do whichever of the following is applicable:

A. If, within six years of the current offense, the offender has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of Ohio R.C. 4510.14 or former division (D)(2) of Ohio R.C. 4507.02, or a municipal ordinance that is substantially equivalent to that section or former division, the court shall order the immobilization for thirty days of the vehicle involved in the offense and the impoundment for thirty days of the license plates of that vehicle in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4503.233.
B. If, within six years of the current offense, the offender has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one violation of Ohio R.C. 4510.14 or former division (D)(2) of Ohio R.C. 4507.02, or a municipal ordinance that is substantially equivalent to that section or former division, the court shall order the immobilization for sixty days of the vehicle involved in the offense and the impoundment for sixty days of the license plates of that vehicle in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4503.233.
C. If, within six years of the current offense, the offender has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.14 or former division (D)(2) of Ohio R.C. 4507.02 or a municipal ordinance that is substantially equivalent to that section or former division, the court shall order the criminal forfeiture to the State of the vehicle the offender was operating at the time of the offense.

(2) An order for immobilization and impoundment of a vehicle under this section shall be issued and enforced in accordance with Ohio R.C 4503.233 and 4507.02, as applicable. The court shall not release a vehicle from immobilization ordered under this section unless the court is presented with current proof of financial responsibility with respect to that vehicle.
(3) An order for criminal forfeiture of a vehicle under this section shall be issued and enforced under Ohio R.C. 4503.234. Upon receipt of a copy of the order from the court, neither the Registrar of Motor Vehicles nor a Deputy Registrar shall accept any application for the registration or transfer of registration of any motor vehicle owned or leased by the person named in the declaration of forfeiture. The period of registration denial shall be five years after the date of the order unless, during that period, the court having jurisdiction of the offense that led to the order terminates the forfeiture and notifies the Registrar of the termination. The Registrar then shall take the necessary measures to permit the person to register a vehicle owned or leased by the person or to transfer registration of the vehicle.
(ORC 4510.161)

(h) As used in this section:

(1) “Electronic monitoring” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.
(2) “Equivalent offense” means any of the following:

A. A violation of a municipal ordinance, law of another state, or law of the United States that is substantially equivalent to subsection (a) of this section;
B. A violation of a former law of this State that was substantially equivalent to subsection (a) of this section.

(3) “Jail” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 2929.01.
(4) “Mandatory jail term” means the mandatory term in jail of three, ten, or thirty consecutive days that must be imposed under subsection (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section upon an offender convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section and in relation to which all of the following apply:

A. Except as specifically authorized under this section, the term must be served in a jail.
B. Except as specifically authorized under this section, the term cannot be suspended, reduced, or otherwise modified pursuant to any provision of the Ohio Revised Code.
(ORC 4510.14)

335.072 DRIVING UNDER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION; DRIVING UNDER A NONPAYMENT OF JUDGMENT SUSPENSION.

(a) No person, whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license or temporary instruction permit or nonresident’s operating privilege has been suspended or canceled pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 4509, shall operate any motor vehicle within this Municipality, or knowingly permit any motor vehicle owned by the person to be operated by another person in the Municipality, during the period of the suspension or cancellation, except as specifically authorized by Ohio R.C. Chapter 4509. No person shall operate a motor vehicle within this Municipality, or knowingly permit any motor vehicle owned by the person to be operated by another person in the Municipality, during the period in which the person is required by Ohio R.C. 4509.45 to file and maintain proof of financial responsibility for a violation of Ohio R.C. 4509.101, unless proof of financial responsibility is maintained with respect to that vehicle.

(b) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in this Municipality if the person’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or temporary instruction permit or nonresident operating privilege has been suspended pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4509.37 or 4509.40 for nonpayment of a judgment.

(c) Upon the request or motion of the prosecuting authority, a noncertified copy of the law enforcement automated data system report or a noncertified copy of a record of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that shows the name, date of birth and social security number of a person charged with a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may be admitted into evidence as prima-facie evidence that the license of the person was under either a financial responsibility law suspension at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (a) of this section or a nonpayment of judgment suspension at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (b) of this section. The person charged with a violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may offer evidence to rebut this prima-facie evidence.

(d) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of driving under financial responsibility law suspension or cancellation and shall be punished as provided in subsection (d) hereof. Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of driving under a nonpayment of judgment suspension and shall be punished as provided in subsection (d) hereof.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)(2) of this section, the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02 that may be filed in the underlying case.
(2) If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously was convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.16, or any combination of two violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.16 or Ohio R.C. 4510.11 or 4510.111, or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(3) The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the vehicle before, during or after committing the offense for which the offender is sentenced under this section.
(ORC 4510.16)

(e) No person who has knowingly failed to maintain proof of financial responsibility in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4509.101 shall produce any document or present to a peace officer an electronic wireless communications device that is displaying any text or images with the purpose to mislead a peace officer upon the request of a peace officer for proof of financial responsibility made in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4509.101. Whoever violates this subsection (e) hereof is guilty of falsification, a misdemeanor of the first degree. (ORC 4509.102)

335.073 DRIVING WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH LICENSE REINSTATEMENT REQUIREMENTS.

(a) No person whose driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or nonresident’s operating privilege has been suspended shall operate any motor vehicle upon a public road or highway or any public or private property after the suspension has expired unless the person has complied with all license reinstatement requirements imposed by the court, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or another provision of the Ohio Revised Code.

(b) Upon the request or motion of the prosecuting authority, a noncertified copy of the law enforcement automated data system report or a noncertified copy of a record of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that shows the name, date of birth, and social security number of a person charged with a violation of subsection (a) of this section may be admitted into evidence as primafacie evidence that the license of the person had not been reinstated by the person at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (a) hereof. The person charged with a violation of subsection (a) hereof may offer evidence to rebut this prima-facie evidence.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to reinstate a license and shall be punished as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor. When the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor, the offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02 that may be filed in the underlying case.
(2) If, within three years of a violation of subsection (a) of this section, the offender previously has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of two or more violations of Ohio R.C. 4510.21(A) or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(3) In all cases, the court may impose upon the offender a class seven suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary driver’s license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(7) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. (ORC 4510.21)

335.074 DRIVING UNDER LICENSE FORFEITURE OR CHILD SUPPORT SUSPENSION.

(a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking in this Municipality whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license has been suspended pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2151.354, 2151.87, 2935.27, 3123.58, 4301.99, 4510.032, 4510.22 or 4510.33.

(b) Upon the request or motion of the prosecuting authority, a noncertified copy of the law enforcement automated data system report or a noncertified copy of a record of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles that shows the name, date of birth, and social security number of a person charged with a violation of subsection (a) of this section may be admitted into evidence as primafacie evidence that the license of the person was under suspension at the time of the alleged violation of subsection (a) of this section. The person charged with a violation of subsection (a) of this section may offer evidence to rebut this prima-facie evidence.

(c) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of driving under suspension and shall be punished as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, the offense is an unclassified misdemeanor. The offender shall be sentenced pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.21 to 2929.28, except that the offender shall not be sentenced to a jail term; the offender shall not be sentenced to a community residential sanction pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.26; notwithstanding division (A)(2)(a) of Ohio R.C. 2929.28, the offender may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and, notwithstanding division (A)(3) of Ohio R.C. 2929.27, the offender may be ordered pursuant to division (C) of that section to serve a term of community service of up to five hundred hours. The failure of an offender to complete a term of community service imposed by the court may be punished as indirect criminal contempt under division (A) of Ohio R.C. 2705.02 that may be filed in the underlying case.
(2) If, within three years of the offense, the offender previously was convicted of or pleaded guilty to two or more violations of subsection (A) of Ohio R.C. 4510.111, or any combination of two or more violations of subsection (A) of Ohio R.C. 4510.111, or Ohio R.C. 4510.11 or 4510.16, or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance, the offense is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and the offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the vehicle before, during or after committing the offense for which the offender is sentenced under this section. (ORC 4510.111)

335.08 OPERATION OR SALE WITHOUT CERTIFICATE OF TITLE.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Operate in this Municipality a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title is required without having that certificate in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 4505 or, if a physical certificate of title has not been issued for a motor vehicle, operate the motor vehicle in this Municipality knowing that the ownership information relating to the vehicle has not been entered into the automated title processing system by a clerk of a court of common pleas;
(2) Display or display for sale or sell as a dealer or acting on behalf of a dealer, a motor vehicle without having obtained a manufacturer’s or importer’s certificate, a certificate of title, or an assignment of a certificate of title for it as provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4505;
(3) Fail to surrender any certificate of title or any certificate of registration or license plates upon cancellation of the same by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and notice of the cancellation as prescribed in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4505;
(4) Fail to surrender the certificate of title to a clerk of a court of common pleas as provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4505 in case of the destruction or dismantling or change of a motor vehicle in such respect that it is not the motor vehicle described in the certificate of title;
(5) Violate any rules adopted pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 4505;
(6) Except as otherwise provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4505 and Chapter 4517, sell at wholesale a motor vehicle the ownership of which is not evidenced by an Ohio certificate of title, or the current certificate of title issued for the motor vehicle, or the manufacturer’s certificate of origin, and all title assignments that evidence the seller’s ownership of the motor vehicle, and an odometer disclosure statement that complies with Ohio R.C. 4505.06 and subchapter IV of the “Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act”, 86 Stat. 961 (1972), 15 U.S.C. 1981;
(7) Operate in this Municipality a motor vehicle knowing that the certificate of title to the vehicle or ownership of the vehicle as otherwise reflected in the automated title processing system has been canceled.

(b) This section does not apply to persons engaged in the business of warehousing or transporting motor vehicles for the purpose of salvage disposition.

(c) Whoever violates this section shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) or imprisoned not more than ninety days, or both.
(ORC 4505.18)

335.09 DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES.

(a) No person who is the owner or operator of a motor vehicle shall fail to properly display in plain view on the front and rear of the motor vehicle the distinctive number and registration mark, including any county identification sticker and any validation sticker issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.19 and 4503.191, furnished by the Ohio Director of Public Safety, except that a manufacturer of motor vehicles or dealer therein, the holder of an intransit permit, and the owner or operator of a motorcycle, cab-enclosed motorcycle, motorized bicycle, manufactured home, mobile home, trailer or semitrailer shall display on the rear only. A motor vehicle that is issued two license plates shall display the validation sticker on the rear license plate. A commercial tractor that does not receive an apportioned license plate under the international registration plan shall be issued one license plate and one validation sticker, which license plate and validation sticker shall be displayed on the front of the commercial tractor. An apportioned vehicle receiving an apportioned license plate under the international registration plan shall display the license plate only on the front of a commercial tractor and on the rear of all other vehicles. All license plates shall be securely fastened so as not to swing, and shall not be covered by any material that obstructs their visibility.

No person to whom a temporary license placard or windshield sticker has been issued for the use of a motor vehicle under Ohio R.C. 4503.182, and no operator of that motor vehicle, shall fail to display the temporary license placard in plain view from the rear of the vehicle either in the rear window or on an external rear surface of the motor vehicle, or fail to display the windshield sticker in plain view on the rear window of the motor vehicle. No temporary license placard or windshield sticker shall be covered by any material that obstructs its visibility.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4503.21)

335.10 EXPIRED OR UNLAWFUL LICENSE PLATES.

(a) No person who is the owner of a motor vehicle which is parked or operated upon the public streets or highways shall fail to annually file the application for registration or to pay the tax therefor, as required by Ohio R.C. Chapter 4503. (ORC 4503.11)

(b) No person shall operate, drive or park upon the public streets or highways a motor vehicle acquired from a former owner who has registered the motor vehicle, while the motor vehicle displays the distinctive number or identification mark assigned to it upon its original registration. (ORC 4549.11)

(c) No person who is the owner of a motor vehicle and a resident of Ohio shall operate, drive or park the motor vehicle upon the public streets or highways, while it displays a distinctive number or identification mark issued by or under the authority of another state, without complying with the laws of Ohio relating to the registration and identification of motor vehicles.
(ORC 4549.12)

(d) No person shall park or operate any vehicle upon any public street or highway upon which is displayed an expired license plate or an expired validation sticker.

(e) No person shall park or operate any vehicle upon any public street or highway upon which are displayed any license plates not legally registered and issued for such vehicle, or upon which are displayed any license plates that were issued on an application for registration that contains any false statement by the applicant.

(f) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(2) Whoever violates subsection (b) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on each subsequent offense.
(3) Whoever violates any provision of this section for which no other penalty is provided is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4549.11; 4549.12)

335.11 USE OF ILLEGAL LICENSE PLATES; TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION.

(a) No person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle upon the streets in this Municipality if it displays a license plate or a distinctive number or identification mark that meets any of the following criteria:

(1) Is fictitious;
(2) Is a counterfeit or an unlawfully made copy of any distinctive number or identification mark;
(3) Belongs to another motor vehicle, provided that this section does not apply to a motor vehicle that is operated on the streets in this Municipality when the motor vehicle displays license plates that originally were issued for a motor vehicle that previously was owned by the same person who owns the motor vehicle that is operated on the streets in this Municipality, during the thirty-day period described in subsection (c) hereof.

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a)(1), (2) or (3) of this section is guilty of operating a motor vehicle bearing an invalid license plate or identification mark, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the third degree on each subsequent offense.
(ORC 4549.08)

(c) Upon the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle, the registration of the motor vehicle expires, and the original owner shall immediately remove the license plates from the motor vehicle. The transfer of the registration and, where applicable, the license plates from the motor vehicle for which they originally were issued to a succeeding motor vehicle purchased by the same person in whose name the original registration and license plates were issued shall be done within a period not to exceed thirty days. During that thirty-day period, the license plates from the motor vehicle for which they originally were issued may be displayed on the succeeding motor vehicle, and the succeeding motor vehicle may be operated on the streets of the Municipality.

(d) Whoever violates subsection (c) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (ORC 4503.12)

335.12 STOPPING AFTER ACCIDENT UPON STREETS; COLLISION WITH UNATTENDED VEHICLE.

(a) In case of accident to or collision with persons or property upon any of the public roads or highways, due to the driving or operation thereon of any motor vehicle, the person driving or operating the motor vehicle, having knowledge of the accident or collision, immediately shall stop the driver’s or operator’s motor vehicle at the scene of the accident or collision and shall remain at the scene of the accident or collision until the driver or operator has given the driver’s or operator’s name and address and, if the driver or operator is not the owner, the name and address of the owner of that motor vehicle, together with the registered number of that motor vehicle, to any person injured in the accident or collision or to the operator, occupant, owner, or attendant of any motor vehicle damaged in the accident or collision, or to any police officer at the scene of the accident or collision.

In the event the injured person is unable to comprehend and record the information required to be given by this section, the other driver involved in the accident or collision forthwith shall notify the nearest police authority concerning the location of the accident or collision, and the driver’s name, address and the registered number of the motor vehicle the driver was operating, and then remain at the scene of the accident or collision until a police officer arrives, unless removed from the scene by an emergency vehicle operated by a political subdivision or an ambulance.

If the accident or collision is with an unoccupied or unattended motor vehicle, the operator who collides with the motor vehicle shall securely attach the information required to be given in this section, in writing, to a conspicuous place in or on the unoccupied or unattended motor vehicle.

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of failure to stop after an accident, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the accident or collision results in serious physical harm or death to a person, failure to stop after an accident is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

The court, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, shall impose upon the offender a class five suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(5) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. No judge shall suspend the first six months of suspension of an offender’s license, permit, or privilege required by this subsection.

The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.18 or 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the motor vehicle before, during or after committing the offense charged under this section. (ORC 4549.02)

335.13 STOPPING AFTER ACCIDENT UPON PROPERTY OTHER THAN STREET.

(a) In case of accident or collision resulting in injury or damage to persons or property upon any public or private property other than public roads or highways, due to the driving or operation thereon of any motor vehicle, the person driving or operating the motor vehicle, having knowledge of the accident or collision, shall stop, and, upon request of the person injured or damaged, or any other person, shall give that person the driver’s or operator’s name and address, and, if the driver or operator is not the owner, the name and address of the owner of that motor vehicle, together with the registered number of that motor vehicle, and, if available, exhibit the driver’s or operator’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license.

If the owner or person in charge of the damaged property is not furnished such information, the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident or collision, within twentyfour hours after the accident or collision, shall forward to the police authority in the municipality in which the accident or collision occurred the same information required to be given to the owner or person in control of the damaged property and give the date, time, and location of the accident or collision.

If the accident or collision is with an unoccupied or unattended motor vehicle, the operator who collides with the motor vehicle shall securely attach the information required to be given in this section, in writing, to a conspicuous place in or on the unoccupied or unattended motor vehicle.

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of failure to stop after a nonpublic road accident, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the accident or collision results in serious physical harm or death to a person, failure to stop after a nonpublic road accident is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate state law.

The court, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, shall impose upon the offender a class five suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege from the range specified in division (A)(5) of Ohio R.C. 4510.02. No judge shall suspend the first six months of suspension of an offender’s license, permit, or privilege required by this subsection.

The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.18 or 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the motor vehicle before, during or after committing the offense charged under this section. (ORC 4549.021)

335.14 VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO REALTY.

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to real property, or personal property attached to real property, legally upon or adjacent to a public road or highway immediately shall stop and take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of that fact, of the driver’s name and address, and of the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving and, upon request and if available, shall exhibit the driver’s or commercial driver’s license.

If the owner or person in charge of the property cannot be located after reasonable search, the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident resulting in damage to the property, within twenty-four hours after the accident, shall forward to the police authority in the municipality in which the accident or collision occurred, the same information required to be given to the owner or person in control of the property and give the location of the accident and a description of the damage insofar as it is known.

(b) Whoever violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of failure to stop after an accident involving the property of others, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The offender shall provide the court with proof of financial responsibility as defined in Ohio R.C. 4509.01. If the offender fails to provide that proof of financial responsibility, then, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may order restitution pursuant to Ohio R.C. 2929.28 in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of the motor vehicle before, during or after committing the offense charged under this section. (ORC 4549.03)

CHAPTER 337
Safety and Equipment

337.01 Driving unsafe vehicles.
337.02 Lighted lights; measurement of distances and heights.
337.03 Headlights on motor vehicles and motorcycles.
337.04 Tail light; illumination of rear license plate.
337.05 Rear red reflectors.
337.06 Safety lighting on commercial vehicles.
337.07 Obscured lights on vehicles in combination.
337.08 Red light or red flag on extended loads.
337.09 Lights on parked or stopped vehicles.
337.10 Lights on slow-moving vehicles; emblem required.
337.11 Spotlight and auxiliary lights.
337.12 Cowl, fender and back-up lights.
337.13 Display of lighted lights.
337.14 Use of headlight beams.
337.15 Lights of less intensity on slow-moving vehicles.
337.16 Number of lights; limitations on flashing, oscillating or rotating lights.
337.17 Focus and aim of headlights.
337.18 Motor vehicle and motorcycle brakes.
337.19 Horn, siren and theft alarm signal.
337.20 Muffler; muffler cutout; excessive smoke, gas or noise.
337.21 Rear-view mirror; clear view to front, both sides and rear.
337.22 Windshield and windshield wiper; sign or poster thereon.
337.23 Limited load extension on left side of passenger vehicle.
337.24 Motor vehicle stop lights.
337.25 Air cleaner required.
337.26 Child restraint system usage.
337.27 Drivers and passengers required to wear seat belts.
337.28 Use of sunscreening, nontransparent and reflectorized materials.
337.29 Bumper heights.
337.30 Directional signals required.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Warning devices for commercial vehicles disabled upon freeways – see Ohio R.C. 4513.28
Slow moving vehicle emblem – see OAC Ch. 4501.13
Motorized bicycle lights and equipment – see Ohio R.C. 4511.521
Vehicle lighting – see OAC 4501-15
Use of stop and turn signals – see TRAF. 331.14
Wheel protectors for commercial vehicles – see TRAF. 339.05
Vehicles transporting explosives – see TRAF. 339.06
Towing requirements – see TRAF. 339.07
Use of studded tires and chains – see TRAF. 339.11
Bicycle equipment – see TRAF. 373.05 et seq.

337.01 DRIVING UNSAFE VEHICLES.

(a) No person shall drive or move, or cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any street any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property.

(b) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of additional parts and accessories on any vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(c) The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment on vehicles do not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers or agricultural tractors except as made applicable to such articles of machinery. (ORC 4513.02)

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

337.02 LIGHTED LIGHTS; MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCES AND HEIGHTS.

(a) Every vehicle, other than a motorized bicycle, operated upon a street or highway shall display lighted lights and illuminating devices as required by this chapter during all of the following times:

(1) The time from sunset to sunrise;
(2) At any other time when, due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the street or highway are not discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead;
(3) At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.

Every motorized bicycle shall display at such times lighted lights meeting the rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety under Ohio R.C. 4511.521. No motor vehicle, during any time specified in this section, shall be operated upon a street or highway using only parking lights as illumination.

(b) Whenever in this chapter a requirement is declared as to the distance from which certain lights and devices shall render objects visible, or within which such lights or devices shall be visible, such distance shall be measured upon a straight level unlighted street under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different condition is expressly stated.

(c) Whenever in this chapter a requirement is declared as to the mounted height of lights or devices, it shall mean from the center of such light or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a vehicle being operated upon a street or highway to stop the vehicle solely because the officer observes that a violation of subsection (a)(3) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation or summons for a violation of that subsection, or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that subsection.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.03)

337.03 HEADLIGHTS ON MOTOR VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES.

(a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlights with at least one near each side of the front of the motor vehicle.

(b) Every motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two headlights.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.04)

337.04 TAIL LIGHT; ILLUMINATION OF REAR LICENSE PLATE.

(a) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer or vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles shall be equipped with at least one tail light mounted on the rear which, when lighted, shall emit a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear, provided that in the case of a train of vehicles only the tail light on the rear-most vehicle need be visible from the distance specified.

(b) Either a tail light or a separate light shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate, when such registration plate is required, and render it legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail light, together with any separate light for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlights or auxiliary driving lights are lighted, except where separate lighting systems are provided for trailers for the purpose of illuminating such registration plate.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.05)

337.05 REAR RED REFLECTORS.

(a) Every new motor vehicle sold after September 6, 1941, and operated on a street, other than vehicles of the type mentioned in Section 337.06 or a commercial tractor to which a trailer or semitrailer is attached, shall carry at the rear, either as a part of the tail lights or separately, two red reflectors of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be visible at night from all distances within 300 feet to fifty feet from such vehicle.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.06)

337.06 SAFETY LIGHTING ON COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.

(a) Buses, trucks, commercial tractors, trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers, when operated upon any street, shall be equipped with clearance lights, marker lights, reflectors and stop lights as required by State regulations. Such equipment shall be lighted at all times mentioned in Section 337.02 except that clearance lights and side marker lights need not be lighted on a vehicle operated where there is sufficient light to reveal any person or substantial object on the street at a distance of 500 feet.

Such equipment shall be in addition to all other lights specifically required by Section 337.02 to Section 337.15, inclusive. Vehicles operated under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission are not subject to this section.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.07)

337.07 OBSCURED LIGHTS ON VEHICLES IN COMBINATION.

(a) Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any light, except tail lights, which by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination need not be lighted, but this section does not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lights be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have clearance lights or that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination shall be lighted.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4513.08)

337.08 RED LIGHT OR RED FLAG ON EXTENDED LOADS.

(a) Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times specified in Section 337.02, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the side and rear. The red light or lantern required by this section is in addition to the red rear light required upon every vehicle. At any other time there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of such load a red flag or cloth not less than sixteen inches square.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.09)

337.09 LIGHTS ON PARKED OR STOPPED VEHICLES.

(a) Except in case of an emergency, whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a roadway open to traffic or shoulder adjacent thereto, whether attended or unattended during the times mentioned in Section 337.02, such vehicle shall be equipped with one or more lights which shall exhibit a white or amber light on the roadway side visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of such vehicle, and a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear. No lights need be displayed upon any such vehicle when it is stopped or parked where there is sufficient light to reveal any person or substantial object within a distance of 500 feet upon such street. Any lighted headlights upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.
(ORC 4513.10)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

337.10 LIGHTS ON SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES; EMBLEM REQUIRED.

(a) All vehicles other than bicycles, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in Section 337.01(c), not specifically required to be equipped with lights or other lighting devices by Section 337.02 to 337.09, shall at all times specified in Section 337.02, be equipped with at least one light displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, and also shall be equipped with two lights displaying red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle, or as an alternative, one light displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlights.

Lights and reflectors required or authorized by this section shall meet standards adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety.

(b) All boat trailers, farm machinery and other machinery, including all road construction machinery, upon a street or highway, except when being used in actual construction and maintenance work in an area guarded by a flagperson, or where flares are used, or when operating or traveling within the limits of a construction area designated by the Ohio Director of Transportation, or the Municipal or County Engineer, when such construction area is marked in accordance with requirements of the Director and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as set forth in Ohio R.C. 4511.09, which is designed for operation at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less shall be operated at a speed not exceeding twenty-five miles per hour, and shall display a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem (SMV). The emblem shall be mounted so as to be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the rear. The Ohio Director of Public Safety shall adopt standards and specifications for the design and position of mounting the SMV emblem. The standards and specifications for SMV emblems referred to in this section shall correlate with and, so far as possible, conform with those approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.

A unit of farm machinery that is designed by its manufacturer to operate at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour may be operated on a street or highway at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour provided it is operated in accordance with this section.

As used in this subsection (b), “machinery” does not include any vehicle designed to be drawn by an animal.

(c) The use of the SMV emblem shall be restricted to animal-drawn vehicles, and to the slow-moving vehicles specified in subsection (b) hereof operating or traveling within the limits of the highway. Its use on slow-moving vehicles being transported upon other types of vehicles or on any other type of vehicle or stationary object on the highway is prohibited.

(d) (1) No person shall sell, lease, rent or operate any boat trailer, farm machinery or other machinery defined as a slow-moving vehicle in subsection (b) hereof, except those units designed to be completely mounted on a primary power unit, which is manufactured or assembled on or after April 1, 1966, unless the vehicle is equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem mounting device as specified in subsection (b) hereof.
(2) No person shall sell, lease, rent, or operate on a street or highway any unit of farm machinery that is designed by its manufacturer to operate at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour unless the unit displays a slowmoving vehicle emblem as specified in subsection (b) of this section and a speed identification symbol that meets the specifications contained in the American Society of Agricultural Engineers Standard ANSI/ASAE S584 JAN2005, agricultural equipment; speed identification symbol (SIS).

(e) Any boat trailer, farm machinery, or other machinery defined as a slow-moving vehicle in subsection (b) of this section, in addition to the use of the slow-moving vehicle emblem, and any unit of farm machinery that is designed by its manufacturer to operate at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour, in addition to the display of a speed identification symbol may be equipped with a red flashing light that shall be visible from a distance of not less than one thousand feet to the rear at all times specified in Section 337.02. When a double-faced light is used, it shall display amber light to the front and red light to the rear.

In addition to the lights described in this subsection, farm machinery and motor vehicles escorting farm machinery may display a flashing, oscillating or rotating amber light, as permitted by Section 337.16, and also may display simultaneously flashing turn signals or warning lights, as permitted by that section.

(f) Every animal-drawn vehicle upon a street or highway shall at all times be equipped in one of the following ways:

(1) With a slow-moving vehicle emblem complying with subsection (b) hereof;
(2) With alternate reflective material complying with rules adopted under this subsection (f);
(3) With both a slow-moving vehicle emblem and alternate reflective material as specified in this subsection (f).

The Ohio Director of Public Safety, subject to Ohio R.C. Chapter 119, shall adopt rules establishing standards and specifications for the position of mounting of the alternate reflective material authorized by this subsection (f). The rules shall permit, as a minimum, the alternate reflective material to be black, gray or silver in color. The alternate reflective material shall be mounted on the animal-drawn vehicle so as to be visible at all times specified in Section 337.02, from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps.

(g) Every unit of farm machinery that is designed by its manufacturer to operate at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour shall display a slow-moving vehicle emblem and a speed identification symbol that meets the specifications contained in the American Society of Agricultural Engineers Standard ANSI/ASAE S584 JAN2005, agricultural equipment; speed identification symbol (SIS) when the unit is operated upon a street or highway, irrespective of the speed at which the unit is operated on the street or highway. The speed identification symbol shall indicate the maximum speed in miles per hour at which the unit of farm machinery is designed by its manufacturer to operate. The display of the speed identification symbol shall be in accordance with the standard prescribed in this subsection.

If an agricultural tractor that is designed by its manufacturer to operate at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour is being operated on a street or highway at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour and is towing, pulling or otherwise drawing a unit of farm machinery, the unit of farm machinery shall display a slow-moving vehicle emblem and a speed identification symbol that is the same as the speed identification symbol that is displayed on the agricultural tractor.

(h) When an agricultural tractor that is designed by its manufacturer to operate at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour is being operated on a street or highway at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour, the operator shall possess some documentation published or provided by the manufacturer indicating the maximum speed in miles per hour at which the manufacturer designed the agricultural tractor to operate.

(i) As used in this section, “boat trailer” means any vehicle designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a street or highway for a distance of no more than ten miles and at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less.

(j) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.11)

337.11 SPOTLIGHT AND AUXILIARY LIGHTS.

(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one spotlight and every lighted spotlight shall be so aimed and used upon approaching another vehicle that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam will be directed to the left of the prolongation of the extreme left side of the vehicle, nor more than 100 feet ahead of the vehicle.

(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than three State approved auxiliary driving lights mounted on the front of the vehicle, which when used shall conform to State regulations.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.12)

337.12 COWL, FENDER AND BACK-UP LIGHTS.

(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with side cowl or fender lights or lights on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.

(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with back-up lights, either separately or in combination with another light. No back-up lights shall be continuously lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.13)

337.13 DISPLAY OF LIGHTED LIGHTS.

(a) At all times mentioned in Section 337.02 at least two State approved lighted lights shall be displayed conforming to State regulations, one near each side of the front of every motor vehicle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles. (ORC 4513.14)

(b) However, on a motorcycle, there shall be displayed at least one and not more than two lighted lights as required herein.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.14)

337.14 USE OF HEADLIGHT BEAMS.

(a) Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in Section 337.02, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons, vehicles and substantial objects at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, except that upon approaching an oncoming vehicle, the lights or beams shall be so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.15)

337.15 LIGHTS OF LESS INTENSITY ON SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES.

(a) Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in Section 337.02 when it is equipped with two lighted lights upon the front thereof capable of revealing persons and substantial objects seventy-five feet ahead in lieu of lights required in Section 337.13, provided that such vehicle shall not be operated at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.16)

337.16 NUMBER OF LIGHTS; LIMITATIONS ON FLASHING, OSCILLATING OR ROTATING LIGHTS.

(a) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlights also is equipped with any auxiliary lights or spotlight or any other light on the front thereof projecting a beam of an intensity greater than 300 candle power, not more than a total of five of any such lights on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when the vehicle is upon a highway.

(b) Any lighted light or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than headlights, spotlights, signal lights or auxiliary driving lights, that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than 300 candle power, shall be so directed that no part of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle.

(c) (1) Flashing lights are prohibited on motor vehicles, except as a means for indicating a right or a left turn, or in the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, or overtaking or passing. This prohibition does not apply to emergency vehicles, road service vehicles servicing or towing a disabled vehicle, rural mail delivery vehicles, vehicles transporting preschool children as provided in Ohio R.C. 4513.182, highway maintenance vehicles, funeral hearses, funeral escort vehicles and similar equipment operated by the Department or local authorities, which shall be equipped with and display, when used on a street or highway for the special purpose necessitating such lights, a flashing, oscillating or rotating amber light, but shall not display a flashing, oscillating or rotating light of any other color, nor to vehicles or machinery permitted by Section 337.10 to have a flashing red light.
(2) When used on a street or highway, farm machinery and vehicles escorting farm machinery may be equipped with and display a flashing, oscillating, or rotating amber light, and the prohibition contained in subsection (c)(1) hereof does not apply to such machinery or vehicles. Farm machinery also may display the lights described in Section 337.10.

(d) Except a person operating a public safety vehicle, as defined in Section 301.27, or a school bus, no person shall operate, move or park upon or permit to stand within the right of way of any public street or highway any vehicle or equipment that is equipped with and displaying a flashing red or a flashing combination red and white light, or an oscillating or rotating red light, or a combination red and white oscillating or rotating light; and except a public law enforcement officer, or other person sworn to enforce the criminal and traffic laws of the State or Municipality, operating a public safety vehicle when on duty, no person shall operate, move or park upon, or permit to stand within the right of way of any street or highway any vehicle or equipment that is equipped with, or upon which is mounted, and displaying a flashing blue or a flashing combination blue and white light, or an oscillating or rotating blue light, or a combination blue and white oscillating or rotating light.

(e) This section does not prohibit the use of warning lights required by law or the simultaneous flashing of turn signals on disabled vehicles or on vehicles being operated in unfavorable atmospheric conditions in order to enhance their visibility. This section also does not prohibit the simultaneous flashing of turn signals or warning lights either on farm machinery or vehicles escorting farm machinery, when used on a street or highway.

(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.17)

337.17 FOCUS AND AIM OF HEADLIGHTS.

(a) No person shall use any lights mentioned in Section 337.02 to 337.16, inclusive, upon any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer unless the lights are equipped, mounted and adjusted as to focus and aim in accordance with State regulations.

(b) The headlights on any motor vehicle shall comply with the headlamp color requirements contained in federal motor vehicle safety standard number 108, 49 C.F.R. 571.108. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in violation of this subsection.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.19)

337.18 MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE BRAKES.

(a) The following requirements govern as to brake equipment on vehicles:

(1) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, when operated upon a street or highway, shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such motor vehicle, including two separate means of applying the brakes, each of which means shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two wheels. If these two separate means of applying the brakes are connected in any way, then on such motor vehicles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1942, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at least two wheels.
(2) Every motorcycle, when operated upon a street or highway, shall be equipped with at least one adequate brake, which may be operated by hand or by foot.
(3) Every motorized bicycle shall be equipped with brakes meeting the rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety under Ohio R.C. 4511.521.
(4) When operated upon the streets or highways of this Municipality, the following vehicles shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and to hold the vehicle designed to be applied by the driver of the towing motor vehicle from its cab, and also designed and connected so that, in case of a breakaway of the towed vehicle, the brakes shall be automatically applied:

A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, every trailer or semitrailer, except a pole trailer, with an empty weight of two thousand pounds or more, manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 1942;
B. Every manufactured home or travel trailer with an empty weight of two thousand pounds or more, manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 2001.

(5) Every watercraft trailer with a gross weight or manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of three thousand pounds or more that is manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 2008, shall have separate brakes equipped with hydraulic surge or electrically operated brakes on two wheels.
(6) In any combination of motor-drawn trailers or semitrailers equipped with brakes, means shall be provided for applying the rearmost brakes in approximate synchronism with the brakes on the towing vehicle, and developing the required braking effort on the rearmost wheels at the fastest rate; or means shall be provided for applying braking effort first on the rearmost brakes; or both of the above means, capable of being used alternatively, may be employed.
(7) Every vehicle and combination of vehicles, except motorcycles and motorized bicycles, and except trailers and semitrailers of a gross weight of less than 2,000 pounds, and pole trailers, shall be equipped with parking brakes adequate to hold the vehicle on any grade on which it is operated, under all conditions of loading, on a surface free from snow, ice or loose material. The parking brakes shall be capable of being applied in conformance with the foregoing requirements by the driver’s muscular effort or by spring action or by equivalent means. Their operation may be assisted by the service brakes or other sources of power provided that failure of the service brake actuation system or other power assisting mechanism will not prevent the parking brakes from being applied in conformance with the foregoing requirements. The parking brakes shall be so designed that when once applied they shall remain applied with the required effectiveness despite exhaustion of any source of energy or leakage of any kind.
(8) The same brake drums, brake shoes and lining assemblies, brake shoe anchors, and mechanical brake shoe actuation mechanism normally associated with the wheel brake assemblies may be used for both the service brakes and the parking brakes. If the means of applying the parking brakes and the service brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part shall not leave the vehicle without operative brakes.
(9) Every motor vehicle or combination of motor-drawn vehicles shall be capable at all times and under all conditions of loading of being stopped on a dry, smooth, level road free from loose material, upon application of the service or foot brake, within the following specified distances, or shall be capable of being decelerated at a sustained rate corresponding to these distances:

From a speed of 20 miles per hour
Stopping distance in feetDeceleration in feet per second per second
Brakes on all wheels3014
Brakes not on all four wheels4010.7

(10) All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. (ORC 4513.20)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

337.19 HORN, SIREN AND THEFT ALARM SIGNAL.

(a) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a street shall be equipped with a horn which is in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible, under normal conditions, from a distance of not less than 200 feet.

(b) No motor vehicle shall be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a vehicle, any siren, whistle or bell. Any vehicle may be equipped with a theft alarm signal device which shall be so arranged that it cannot be used as an ordinary warning signal. Every emergency or public safety vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type approved by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. Such equipment shall not be used except when such vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or is in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which case the driver of the emergency or public safety vehicle shall sound such equipment when it is necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof.

(c) No person shall use the horn of a motor vehicle except to give warning to other drivers or pedestrians.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.21)

337.20 MUFFLER; MUFFLER CUTOUT; EXCESSIVE SMOKE, GAS OR NOISE.

(a) Every motor vehicle and motorcycle with an internal combustion engine shall at all times be equipped with a muffler which is in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, by-pass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway. Every motorcycle muffler shall be equipped with baffle plates.

(b) No person shall own, operate or have in the person’s possession any motor vehicle or motorcycle equipped with a device for producing excessive smoke or gas, or so equipped as to permit oil or any other chemical to flow into or upon the exhaust pipe or muffler of such vehicle, or equipped in any other way to produce or emit smoke or dangerous or annoying gases from any portion of such vehicle, other than the ordinary gases emitted by the exhaust of an internal combustion engine under normal operation.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.22)

337.21 REAR-VIEW MIRROR; CLEAR VIEW TO FRONT, BOTH SIDES AND REAR.

(a) Every motor vehicle and motorcycle shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the operator a view of the street to the rear of such vehicle or motorcycle. Operators of vehicles and motorcycles shall have a clear and unobstructed view to the front and to both sides of their vehicles or motorcycles and shall have a clear view to the rear of their vehicles or motorcycles by mirror.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.23)

337.22 WINDSHIELD AND WINDSHIELD WIPER; SIGN OR POSTER THEREON.

(a) No person shall drive any motor vehicle on a street or highway, other than a motorcycle or motorized bicycle, that is not equipped with a windshield.

(b) (1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle, other than a bus, with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, sidewings, side or rear windows of such vehicle other than a certificate or other paper required to be displayed by law, except that there may be in the lower left-hand or right-hand corner of the windshield a sign, poster or decal not to exceed four inches in height by six inches in width. No sign, poster or decal shall be displayed in the front windshield in such a manner as to conceal the vehicle identification number for the motor vehicle when in accordance with federal law, that number is located inside the vehicle passenger compartment and so placed as to be readable through the vehicle glazing without moving any part of the vehicle.
(2) Subsection (b)(1) of this section does not apply to a person who is driving a passenger car with an electronic device, including an antenna, electronic tolling or other transponder, camera, directional navigation device, or other similar electronic device located in the front windshield if the device meets both of the following:

A. It does not restrict the vehicle operator’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.
B. It does not conceal the vehicle identification number.

(3) Subsection (b)(1) of this section does not apply to a person who is driving a commercial car with an electronic device, including an antenna, electronic tolling or other transponder, camera, directional navigation device, or other similar electronic device located in the front windshield if the device meets both of the following:

A. It does not restrict the vehicle operator’s sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.
B. It is mounted not more than six inches below the upper edge of the windshield and is outside the area swept by the vehicle’s windshield wipers.

(c) The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow or other moisture from the windshield. The device shall be maintained in good working order and so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the operator of the vehicle.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.24)

337.23 LIMITED LOAD EXTENSION ON LEFT SIDE OF PASSENGER VEHICLE.

(a) No passenger-type vehicle shall be operated on a street with any load carried on such vehicle which extends more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the vehicle’s left side. (ORC 4513.30)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

337.24 MOTOR VEHICLE STOP LIGHTS.

(a) Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer when operated upon a street or highway shall be equipped with two or more stop lights, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1967, motorcycles, and motor-driven cycles shall be equipped with at least one stop light. Stop lights shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle, actuated upon application of the service brake, and may be incorporated with other rear lights.

Such stop lights when actuated shall emit a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear, provided that in the case of a train of vehicles only the stop lights on the rear-most vehicle need be visible from the distance specified. Such stop lights when actuated shall give a steady warning light to the rear of a vehicle or train of vehicles to indicate the intention of the operator to diminish the speed of or stop a vehicle or train of vehicles.

When stop lights are used as required by this section, they shall be constructed or installed so as to provide adequate and reliable illumination and shall conform to the appropriate rules and regulations established under Ohio R.C. 4513.19.

Historical motor vehicles as defined in Ohio R.C. 4503.181, not originally manufactured with stop lights, are not subject to this section.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.071)

337.25 AIR CLEANER REQUIRED.

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine unless the carburetion system of the vehicle is protected with an air filter, a flame arresting device, or any other accepted method of protection that is adequate for this purpose. If the original device or system is replaced, it shall be replaced with one that is equal to or better than the original equipment.

(b) This section does not apply to a person doing automotive repair work on a motor vehicle that necessitates this device being removed while the work is performed.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

337.26 CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM USAGE.

(a) When any child who is in either or both of the following categories is being transported in a motor vehicle, other than a taxicab or public safety vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.01, that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture or assembly, the operator of the motor vehicle shall have the child properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in a child restraint system that meets federal motor safety standards:

(1) A child who is less than four years of age;
(2) A child who weighs less than forty pounds.

(b) When any child who is in either or both of the following categories is being transported in a motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, that is owned, leased or otherwise under the control of a nursery school, or day-care center, the operator of the motor vehicle shall have the child properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in a child restraint system that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards:

(1) A child who is less than four years of age;
(2) A child who weighs less than forty pounds.

(c) When any child who is less than eight years of age and less than four feet nine inches in height, who is not required by subsection (a) or (b) of this section to be secured in a child restraint system, is being transported in a motor vehicle, other than a taxicab or public safety vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.01 or a vehicle that is regulated under Ohio R.C. 5104.011, that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture or assembly, the operator of the motor vehicle shall have the child properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on a booster seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

(d) When any child who is at least eight years of age but not older than fifteen years of age and who is not otherwise required by subsection (a), (b) or (c) hereof to be secured in a child restraint system or booster seat, is being transported in a motor vehicle, other than a taxicab or public safety vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.01, that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture or assembly, the operator of the motor vehicle shall have the child properly restrained either in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in a child restraint system that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards or in an occupant restraining device as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.263.

(e) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause an operator of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway to stop the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of subsection (c) or (d) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation, or summons for a violation of subsection (c) or (d) of this section or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of subsection (c) or (d) of this section, and absent another violation of law, a law enforcement officer’s view of the interior or visual inspection of a motor vehicle being operated on any street or highway may not be used for the purpose of determining whether a violation of subsection (c) or (d) of this section has been or is being committed.

(f) The Ohio Director of Public Safety shall adopt such rules as are necessary to carry out this section.

(g) The failure of an operator of a motor vehicle to secure a child in a child restraint system, a booster seat or an occupant restraining device as required by this section is not negligence imputable to the child, is not admissible as evidence in any civil action involving the rights of the child against any other person allegedly liable for injuries to the child, is not to be used as a basis for a criminal prosecution of the operator of the motor vehicle other than a prosecution for a violation of this section, and is not admissible as evidence in any criminal action involving the operator of the motor vehicle other than a prosecution for a violation of this section.

(h) This section does not apply when an emergency exists that threatens the life of any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle that is being used to transport a child who otherwise would be required to be restrained under this section. This section does not apply to a person operating a motor vehicle who has an affidavit signed by a physician licensed to practice in this State under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4731 or a chiropractor licensed to practice in this State under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4734 that states that the child who otherwise would be required to be restrained under this section has a physical impairment that makes use of a child restraint system, booster seat or an occupant restraining device impossible or impractical, provided that the person operating the vehicle has safely and appropriately restrained the child in accordance with any recommendations of the physician or chiropractor as noted on the affidavit.

(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any person to carry with the person the birth certificate of a child to prove the age of the child, but the production of a valid birth certificate for a child showing that the child was not of an age to which this section applies is a defense against any ticket, citation or summons issued for violating this section.

(j) Whoever violates subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section shall be punished as follows, provided that the failure of an operator of a motor vehicle to secure more than one child in a child restraint system, booster seat, or occupant restraining device as required by this section that occurred at the same time, on the same day, and at the same location is deemed to be a single violation of this section:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (j)(2) of this section, the offender is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than seventy-five dollars ($75.00). (2) If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section or of a state law or municipal ordinance that is substantially similar to any of those subsections, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(ORC 4511.81)

337.27 DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS REQUIRED TO WEAR SEAT BELTS.

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Automobile” means any commercial tractor, passenger car, commercial car or truck that is required to be factory-equipped with an occupant restraining device for the operator or any passenger by regulations adopted by the United States Secretary of Transportation pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966,” 80 Stat. 719, 15 U.S.C.A. 1392.
(2) “Occupant restraining device” means a seat safety belt, shoulder belt, harness or other safety device for restraining a person who is an operator of or passenger in an automobile and that satisfies the minimum Federal vehicle safety standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.
(3) “Passenger” means any person in an automobile, other than its operator, who is occupying a seating position for which an occupant restraining device is provided.
(4) “Commercial tractor,” “passenger car,” and “commercial car” have the same meanings as provided in Ohio R.C. 4501.01.
(5) “Vehicle” and “motor vehicle”, as used in the definitions of the terms set forth in subsection (a)(4) hereof, have the same meanings as provided in Chapter 301.
(6) “Tort action” means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property. “Tort action” includes a product liability claim, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2307.71 and an asbestos claim, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2307.91, but does not include a civil action for damages for breach of contract or another agreement between persons.

(b) No person shall do either of the following:

(1) Operate an automobile on any street or highway unless that person is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device, or operate a school bus that has an occupant restraining device installed for use in its operator’s seat unless that person is wearing all of the available elements of the device, as properly adjusted;
(2) Operate an automobile on any street or highway unless each passenger in the automobile who is subject to the requirement set forth in subsection (b)(3) hereof is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device;
(3) Occupy, as a passenger, a seating position on the front seat of an automobile being operated on any street or highway unless that person is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device;
(4) Operate a taxicab on any street or highway unless all factory-equipped occupant restraining devices in the taxicab are maintained in usable form.

(c) Subsection (b)(3) hereof does not apply to a person who is required by Section 337.26 to be secured in a child restraint device or booster seat. Subsection (b)(1) hereof does not apply to a person who is an employee of the United States Postal Service or of a newspaper home delivery service, during any period in which the person is engaged in the operation of an automobile to deliver mail or newspapers to addressees. Subsections (b)(1) and (3) hereof do not apply to a person who has an affidavit signed by a physician licensed to practice in this State under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4731 or a chiropractor licensed to practice in this State under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4734 that states that the person has a physical impairment that makes use of an occupant restraining device impossible or impractical.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause an operator of an automobile being operated on any street or highway to stop the automobile for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of subsection (b) hereof has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation or summons for a violation of that nature or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that nature, and no law enforcement officer shall view the interior or visually inspect any automobile being operated on any street or highway for the sole purpose of determining whether a violation of that nature has been or is being committed.

(e) All fines collected for violations of subsection (b) hereof shall be forwarded to the Treasurer of State for deposit as provided in Ohio R.C. 4513.263.

(f) (1) Subject to subsection (f)(2) of this section, the failure of a person to wear all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device in violation of subsection (b)(1) or (3) or the failure of a person to ensure that each minor who is a passenger of an automobile being operated by that person is wearing all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device, in violation of subsection (b)(2) of this section, shall not be considered or used by the trier of fact in a tort action as evidence of negligence or contributory negligence. But the trier of fact may determine based on evidence admitted consistent with the Ohio rules of evidence that the failure contributed to the harm alleged in the tort action and may diminish a recovery of compensatory damages that represents noneconomic loss, as defined in Ohio R.C. 2307.011 in a tort action that could have been recovered but for the plaintiff’s failure to wear all of the available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device. Evidence of that failure shall not be used as a basis for a criminal prosecution of the person other than a prosecution for a violation of this section; and shall not be admissible as evidence in a criminal action involving the person other than a prosecution for a violation of this section.
(2) If, at the time of an accident involving a passenger car equipped with occupant restraining devices, any occupant of the passenger car who sustained injury or death was not wearing an available occupant restraining device, was not wearing all of the available elements of such a device, or was not wearing such a device as properly adjusted, then, consistent with the Rules of Evidence, the fact that the occupant was not wearing the available occupant restraining device, was not wearing all of the available elements of such a device, or was not wearing such a device as properly adjusted is admissible in evidence in relation to any claim for relief in a tort action to the extent that the claim for relief satisfies all of the following:

A. It seeks to recover damages for injury or death to the occupant.
B. The defendant in question is the manufacturer, designer, distributor or seller of the passenger car.
C. The claim for relief against the defendant in question is that the injury or death sustained by the occupant was enhanced or aggravated by some design defect in the passenger car or that the passenger car was not crashworthy.

(g) (1) Whoever violates subsection (b)(1) of this section shall be fined thirty dollars ($30.00).
(2) Whoever violates subsection (b)(3) of this section shall be fined twenty dollars ($20.00).
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (b)(4) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (b)(4) of this section, whoever violates subsection (b)(4) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4513.263)

337.28 USE OF SUNSCREENING, NONTRANSPARENT AND REFLECTORIZED MATERIALS.

(a) Requirements.

(1) No person shall operate, on any highway or other public or private property open to the public for vehicular travel or parking, lease, or rent any motor vehicle that is required to be registered in this State with any sunscreening material, or other product or material which has the effect of making the windshield or windows nontransparent or would alter the windows’ color, increase its reflectivity, or reduce its light transmittance, unless the product or material satisfies one of the following exceptions:

A. Any manufacturer’s tinting or glazing of motor vehicle windows or windshields that is otherwise in compliance with or permitted by “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 205” (FMVSS 205) in effect at the time of the manufacture of the motor vehicle until such standard is subsequently repealed or reduced. In “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 205” (FMVSS 205) “manufacturer” means any person engaged in the manufacturing or assembling of motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment, including any person importing motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment for resale.
B. Any sunscreening material or other product or material applied to the windshield when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of such window, has a light transmittance of not less than seventy per cent plus or minus three per cent and is not red or yellow in color.
C. Any sunscreening material or other product or material applied to the side windows to the immediate right or left of the driver, so long as such material, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of such windows, has a light transmittance of not less than fifty per cent plus or minus three per cent and is not red or yellow in color.
D. Any sunscreening material or other product or material applied to a window not otherwise listed in subsections (a)(1)A. to C. or E. of this section, except that outside left and right rear view mirrors are required if the sunscreening material is applied to the rear window and the sunscreening material, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing material of such window, has a light transmittance of less than fifty per cent plus or minus three per cent.
E. Any sunscreening material or other product or material applied along the top of the windshield and that does not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or five inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top, is not regulated by this section.

(2) No person shall install in any motor vehicle any glass or other material that fails to conform to the specifications of this section.
(3) No used motor vehicle dealer or new motor vehicle dealer, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4517.01, shall sell any motor vehicle that fails to conform to the specifications of this section.
(4) No reflectorized materials shall be permitted upon or in any front windshield, side windows, sidewings or rear window.
(5) No person shall operate on any highway or other public or private property open to the public for vehicular travel or parking, lease, or rent any motor vehicle that is required to be registered in this State that is equipped with privacy drapes, louvers, curtains or blinds unless the drapes, louvers, curtains or blinds are open and secure during vehicle operation.
(6) All motor vehicles, beginning with the 1990 model year, must be equipped with labels identifying sunscreening material. All sunscreening material must indicate the manufacturer’s name and the percentage level of light transmission of the material permanently installed between the material and the surface to which the material is applied or affixed. Such label must be legible and must be placed in the lower left-hand corner of the vehicle window when viewed from the outside. (OAC 4501-41-03)

(b) Exemptions. The provisions of this section do not apply to:

(1) A motor vehicle registered in this State in the name of a person, or the person’s parent, legal guardian or spouse who has an affidavit signed by a physician licensed to practice in this State under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4731 or an affidavit signed by an optometrist licensed to practice in this State under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4725 that states that the person has a physical condition that makes it necessary to equip such motor vehicle with sunscreening material which would be of a light transmittance and/or luminous reflectance in violation of this section. Such affidavit shall be in the possession of the person so afflicted or the driver at all times while in the motor vehicle;
(2) The windows to the rear of the driver in chauffeured limousines as defined herein;
(3) The windows to the rear of the driver in those vehicles designed and used to transport corpses which include hearses and other vehicles adapted for such use; and
(4) The manufacturer’s tinting or glazing of motor vehicle windows or windshields that is otherwise in compliance with or permitted by “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 205” (FMVSS 205) in effect at the time of the manufacture of the motor vehicle as provided in subsection (a) hereof. (OAC 4501-41-05)

(c) Definitions. As used in this section, certain terms are defined as follows:

(1) “Motor vehicle” has the same meaning as specified in Section 301.20.
(2) “Sunscreening material” means products or materials, including film, glazing and perforated sunscreening, which, when applied to the windshield or windows of a motor vehicle, reduce the effects of the sun with respect to light reflectance or transmittance.
(3) “Transmittance” means the ratio of the amount of total light, expressed in percentages, which is allowed to pass through the product or material, including glazing, to the amount of total light falling on the product or material and the glazing.
(4) “Windshield” means the front exterior viewing device of a motor vehicle.
(5) “Window” means any device designed for exterior viewing from a motor vehicle, except the windshield or any roof-mounted viewing device.
(6) “Manufacturer” unless otherwise specified in this section, means any person who engages in the manufacturing or assembling of sunscreening products or materials or any person who fabricates, laminates or tempers a safety glazing material, incorporating, during the manufacturing process, the capacity to reflect or reduce the transmission of light.
(7) “Chauffeured limousine” means a motor vehicle that is designed to carry nine or fewer passengers and is operated for hire on an hourly basis pursuant to a prearranged contract for the transportation of passengers on public roads and highways along a route under the control of the person hiring the vehicle and not over a defined and regular route. “Prearranged contract” means an arrangement, made in advance of boarding, to provide transportation from a specific location in a chauffeured limousine at a fixed rate per hour or trip. “Chauffeured limousine” does not include any vehicle that is used exclusively in the business of funeral directing.
(OAC 4501-41-02)

(d) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.241)

337.29 BUMPER HEIGHTS.

(a) Definitions.

(1) “Passenger car” means any motor vehicle with motive power, designed for carrying ten persons or less, except a multipurpose passenger vehicle or motorcycle.
(2) “Multipurpose passenger vehicle” means a motor vehicle with motive power, except a motorcycle, designed to carry ten persons or less, that is constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road operation.
(3) “Truck” means every motor vehicle, except trailers and semitrailers, designed and used to carry property and having a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
(4) “Manufacturer” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4501.01.
(5) “Gross vehicle weight rating” means the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating established for the vehicle.
(6) “Body floor height” means the vertical distance between top of the frame rail and the bottom of the passenger compartment (cab) floor. In the event that the vehicle is a truck body, floor height will be measured by the vertical distance between the passenger compartment (cab) floor and the floor of the truck bed.
(7) “Bumper height” means the vertical distance between the ground and the highest point of the bottom of the bumper, measured when the vehicle is laden on a level surface with the vehicle tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
(8) “Frame” means the main longitudinal structural members of the chassis of the vehicle or, for vehicles with unitized body construction, the lowest main longitudinal structural members of the body of the vehicle.
(9) “Wheel track distance” means the distance on the ground between the center of the tire tread on one side of the vehicle, and the center of the tire tread on the opposite side. (OAC 4501-43-02)

(b) Prohibitions; Application.

(1) No person shall operate upon a street or highway any passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle, or truck registered in this State that does not conform to the requirements of this section.
(2) No person shall modify any motor vehicle registered in this State in such a manner as to cause the vehicle body or chassis to come in contact with the ground, expose the fuel tank to damage from collision, or cause the wheels to come in contact with the body under normal operation, and no person shall disconnect any part of the original suspension system of the vehicle to defeat the safe operation of that system including the installation of inverted, altered or modified suspension system component parts which results in elevation of the height of the vehicle bumper or frame unit which is not in compliance with this section.
(3) No person shall operate upon a street or highway any passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck registered in this State without a bumper on the front and rear of the vehicle if such vehicle was equipped with bumpers as standard equipment by the manufacturer.
(4) No person shall operate upon a street or highway any passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck registered in this State if the difference in height between the body floor and the top of the frame exceeds four inches.
(5) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit either of the following:

A. The installation upon a passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck registered in this State of heavy duty equipment, including shock absorbers and overload springs as long as such equipment does not cause the vehicle to be in violation of this section;
B. The operation on a street or highway of a passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck registered in this State with normal wear to the suspension system if the normal wear does not adversely affect the control of the vehicle.

(6) This section does not apply to any specially designed or modified passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck when operated off a street or highway in races and similar events.
(7) A specially designed or modified passenger car, multipurpose passenger vehicle or truck which does not conform to this section shall not be operated on a street or highway.
(OAC 4501-43-03)

(c) Specifications.

(1) The horizontal bumper shall be at least 4.5 inches in vertical height, centered on the vehicle’s centerline, and extend no less than the width of the respective wheel track distances. Bumpers shall be horizontal load bearing bumpers and attached to the vehicle frame to effectively transfer impact when engaged.
(2) Maximum bumper heights shall be determined by the type of vehicle at time of manufacture. If other than a passenger vehicle, the maximum bumper height shall be determined by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) at the time of manufacture. The height shall be measured in terms of the vertical distance between the ground and the bottom of the bumper.

Maximum bumper heights are as follows:
Front (inches)Rear (inches)
Passenger Vehicles2222
All other Vehicles:
4,500 lbs. and under GVWR2426
4,501 lbs. to 7,500 lbs. GVWR2729
7,501 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. GVWR2831

(3) If the body and/or truck bed height is altered the difference in height between the body floor and/or the truck bed floor to the top of the frame rail shall not exceed four inches.
(4) For any vehicle with bumpers or attaching components which have been modified or altered from the original manufacturer’s design in order to conform with the maximum bumper requirements of this section, the bumper height shall be measured from a level surface to the bottom of the vehicle frame rail at the most forward and rearward points of the frame rail.

Frame rail height if bumper modified or altered:
Front (inches)Rear (inches)
Passenger Vehicles2222
All other Vehicles:
4,500 lbs. and under GVWR2426
4,501 lbs. to 7,500 lbs. GVWR2729
7,501 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. GVWR2831

(5) The height restriction in this subsection (c) applies to the distance from the ground to the bottom of the frame rail under any one or more of the following conditions:

A. A motor vehicle is not equipped with a front and rear bumper.
B. The bumper height relative to the frame rails has been altered.
C. A supplemental bumper has been installed or an addition to the original or replacement has been made.
(OAC 4501-43-04; ORC 4513.021)

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

337.30 DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS REQUIRED.

(a) (1) No person shall operate any motor vehicle manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 1954, unless the vehicle is equipped with electrical or mechanical directional signals.
(2) No person shall operate any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 1968, unless the vehicle is equipped with electrical or mechanical directional signals.

(b) “Directional signals” means an electrical or mechanical signal device capable of clearly indicating an intention to turn either to the right or to the left and which shall be visible from both the front and rear.

(c) All mechanical signal devices shall be self-illuminating devices when in use at the times mentioned in Section 337.02.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.261)

CHAPTER 339
Commercial and Heavy Vehicles

339.01 Oversize or overweight vehicle operation on State routes; State permit.
339.02 Use of local streets; local permit and conditions.
339.03 Maximum width, height and length.
339.04 Route and load information.
339.05 Wheel protectors.
339.06 Vehicles transporting explosives.
339.07 Towing requirements.
339.08 Loads dropping or leaking; removal required; tracking mud.
339.09 Shifting load; loose loads.
339.10 Vehicles with spikes, lugs and chains.
339.11 Use of studded tires and chains.
339.12 Tarpaulins or other vehicle covers when hauling debris.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Weighing vehicle; removal of excess load – see Ohio R.C. 4513.33
Arrest notice of driver – see Ohio R.C. 5577.14
Slower moving vehicles to be driven in right-hand lane – see TRAF. 331.01(b)

339.01 OVERSIZE OR OVERWEIGHT VEHICLE OPERATION ON STATE ROUTES; STATE PERMIT.

(a) No person shall operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in Ohio R.C. 5577.01 to 5577.09, inclusive, or otherwise not in conformity with Ohio R.C. 4513.01 to 4513.37, inclusive, upon any State route within the Municipality, except pursuant to special written permit issued by the Ohio Director of Transportation, or upon any local truck route. Every such permit shall be carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles to which it refers and shall be open to inspection by any police officer.

No holder of a permit issued by the Ohio Director of Transportation shall be required to obtain any local permit or license or pay any local fee or charge for movement on any State route within the Municipality; however, it shall be unlawful to operate any such vehicle or combination of vehicles upon any roadway within the Municipality which is not a State route, except as provided in Section 339.02. (ORC 4513.34)

(b) (1) No person shall violate the terms of a permit issued under this section that relate to gross load limits.
(2) No person shall violate the terms of a permit issued under this section that relate to axle load by more than 2000 pounds per axle or group of axles.
(3) No person shall violate the terms of a permit issued under this section that relate to an approved route except upon order of a law enforcement officer or authorized agent of the issuing authority.

(c) Whoever violates any provision of this section for which no other penalty is provided is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 4513.99)

339.02 USE OF LOCAL STREETS; LOCAL PERMIT AND CONDITIONS.

(a) Use of Local Streets. No person shall operate a vehicle exceeding a size as specified in Section 339.03 or exceeding a gross weight of five tons, upon any street in the Municipality other than a State route, except those local streets designated as a truck route and marked as such by appropriate traffic signs, and except when such operation is necessary to load or unload property, to go to or from the usual place of storage of such vehicle or to perform any other legitimate business or act other than passage through the Municipality. Operators of vehicles so deviating from either a State route or a designated truck route within the Municipality shall confine such deviation to that required in order to accomplish the purpose of the departure.

(b) Local Permit and Conditions. Upon application and for good cause, the Police Chief may issue a local permit authorizing an applicant to move an oversize or overweight vehicle or combination of vehicles upon local streets. No permittee shall be required to obtain a special permit from the Ohio Director of Transportation for the movement of the vehicle or combination of vehicles on streets or highways under local jurisdiction; however, the approval of the Ohio Director of Transportation shall be required for movement upon State routes as provided in Section 339.01. The Police Chief may grant a permit for a single or round trip, or for such period of time, not to exceed one year, as the Police Chief in his discretion deems advisable, or for the duration of any construction project. The Police Chief may limit or prescribe terms or conditions of operation for such vehicle or combination of vehicles by designating the route, hours, speed or such other restrictions as may be necessary for the preservation of the public peace, property, health and safety. The Police Chief may require the posting of bond or other security necessary to compensate for any damage to a roadway or road structure. For each such permit, the Police Chief shall charge ten dollars ($10.00), and for each hour of time or any part thereof spent by each police officer in supervising the movement of such vehicle, the applicant shall pay the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per hour per officer. The charge can be prorated into fifteen minute increments. Signs shall be posted to apprise drivers of the limitations imposed by this section. Such signs shall be in accordance with the standards for traffic control devices of the State Department of Transportation. No driver shall disobey the instructions indicated on any such sign. Violation of any of the limitations, terms or conditions of the permit granted by the Police Chief shall be cause for immediate revocation or suspension of such permit, and denial of request for any future permit. Such violation shall also subject the violator to the penalty prescribed by subsection (c) hereof.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

339.03 MAXIMUM WIDTH, HEIGHT AND LENGTH.

(a) No vehicle shall be operated upon the public highways, streets, bridges and culverts within the Municipality, whose dimensions exceed those specified in this section.

(b) No such vehicle shall have a width in excess of:

(1) 104 inches for passenger bus type vehicles operated exclusively within municipal corporations;
(2) 102 inches, excluding such safety devices as are required by law, for passenger bus type vehicles operated over freeways, and such other State roads with minimum pavement widths of twenty-two feet, except those roads or portions of roads over which operation of 102-inch buses is prohibited by order of the Ohio Director of Transportation;
(3) 132 inches for traction engines;
(4) 102 inches for recreational vehicles, excluding safety devices and retracted awnings and other appurtenances of six inches or less in width and except that the Director may prohibit the operation of 102-inch recreational vehicles on designated State highways or portions of highways;
(5) 102 inches, including load, for all other vehicles, except that the Director may prohibit the operation of 102-inch vehicles on such State highways or portions of State highways as the Director designates.

(c) No such vehicle shall have a length in excess of:

(1) 66 feet for passenger bus type vehicles and articulated passenger bus type vehicles operated by a regional transit authority pursuant to Ohio R.C. 306.30 to 306.54;
(2) 45 feet for all other passenger bus type vehicles;
(3) 53 feet for any semitrailer when operated in a commercial tractorsemitrailer combination, with or without load, except that the Director may, by journal entry, prohibit the operation of any such commercial tractorsemitrailer combination on such State highways or portions of State highways as the Director designates;
(4) 28.5 feet for any semitrailer or trailer when operated in a commercial tractor-semitrailer-trailer or commercial tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination, except that the Director may prohibit the operation of any such commercial tractor-semitrailer-trailer or commercial tractorsemitrailer- semitrailer combination on such State highways or portions of State highways as the Director designates;

(5) A. 97 feet for drive-away saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations and drive-away saddlemount with fullmount vehicle transporter combinations when operated on any interstate, United States route, or State route, including reasonable access travel on all other roadways for a distance not to exceed one road mile from any interstate, United States route, or State route, not to exceed three saddlemounted vehicles, but which may include one fullmount;
B. 75 feet for drive-away saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations and drive-away saddlemount with fullmount vehicle transporter combinations, when operated on any roadway not designated as an interstate, United States route, or State route, not to exceed three saddlemounted vehicles, but which may include one fullmount;

(6) 65 feet for any other combination of vehicles coupled together, with or without load, except as provided in subsections (c)(3) and (4) and in subsection (e) hereof;
(7) 45 feet for recreational vehicles.
(8) 50 feet for all other vehicles except trailers and semitrailers, with or without load.

(d) No such vehicle shall have a height in excess of thirteen feet six inches, with or without load.

(e) An automobile transporter or boat transporter shall be allowed a length of sixty-five feet and a stinger-steered automobile transporter or stinger-steered boat transporter shall be allowed a length of seventy-five feet, except that the load thereon may extend no more than four feet beyond the rear of such vehicles and may extend no more than three feet beyond the front of such vehicles, and except further that the Director may prohibit the operation of any stingersteered automobile transporter or stinger-steered boat transporter or a B-train assembly on any State highway or portion of any State highway that the Director designates.

(f) The widths prescribed in subsection (b) shall not include side mirrors, turn signal lamps, marker lamps, handholds for cab entry and egress, flexible fender extensions, mud flaps, splash and spray suppressant devices, and load-induced tire bulge. The width prescribed in subsection (b)(5) shall not include automatic covering devices, tarp and tarp hardware, and tiedown assemblies, provided these safety devices do not extend more than three inches from each side of the vehicle. The lengths prescribed in subsections (c)(2) to (8) hereof shall not include safety devices, bumpers attached to the front or rear of such bus or combination, nonproperty carrying devices or components that do not extend more than twenty-four inches beyond the rear of the vehicle and are needed for loading or unloading, B-train assembly used between the first and second semitrailer of a commercial tractor-semitrailer-semitrailer combination, energy conservation devices as provided in any regulations adopted by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, or any noncargo-carrying refrigeration equipment attached to the front of trailers and semitrailers. In special cases, vehicles whose dimensions exceed those prescribed by this section may operate in accordance with rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Transportation.

(g) This section does not apply to fire engines, fire trucks or other vehicles or apparatus belonging to any municipal corporation or to the volunteer fire department of any municipal corporation or used by such department in the discharge of its functions. This section does not apply to vehicles and pole trailers used in the transportation of wooden and metal poles, nor to the transportation of pipes or well-drilling equipment, nor to farm machinery and equipment. The owner or operator of any vehicle, machinery or equipment not specifically enumerated in this section but the dimensions of which exceed the dimensions provided by this section, when operating the same on the highways and streets of this State shall comply with the rules of the Director governing such movement, that the Director may adopt. Ohio R.C. 119.01 to 119.13 apply to any rules the Director adopts under this section, or the amendment or rescission of the rules, and any person adversely affected shall have the same right of appeal as provided in those sections.

This section does not require the State, the Municipality, County, township or any railroad or other private corporation to provide sufficient vertical clearance to permit the operation of such vehicle, or to make any changes in or about existing structures now crossing streets, roads and other public thoroughfares in the Municipality.

(h) As used in this section, “recreational vehicle” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4501.01. (ORC 5577.05)

(i) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense or subsequent offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (ORC 5577.99)

339.04 ROUTE AND LOAD INFORMATION.

Drivers of vehicles described in this chapter shall be required, upon request by a police officer, to give full and true information as to the route they are following and the name of the consignor and consignee and place of delivery or removal and the location of any consignment being hauled or goods being removed, and upon a designation by such police officer of a route to be followed, shall immediately adopt and pursue such route.

339.05 WHEEL PROTECTORS.

(a) No person shall drive or operate, or cause to be driven or operated, any commercial car, trailer or semitrailer, used for the transportation of goods or property, the gross weight of which, with load, exceeds three tons, upon the streets, bridges and culverts within this Municipality unless such vehicle is equipped with suitable metal protectors or substantial flexible flaps on the rearmost wheels of such vehicle or combination of vehicles to prevent, as far as practicable, the wheels from throwing dirt, water or other materials on the windshields of following vehicles. Such protectors or flaps shall have a ground clearance of not more than onethird of the distance from the center of the rearmost axle to the center of the flaps under any conditions of loading of the vehicle, and they shall be at least as wide as the tires they are protecting. If the vehicle is so designed and constructed that such requirements are accomplished by means of fenders, body construction or other means of enclosure, then no such protectors or flaps are required. Rear wheels not covered at the top by fenders, bodies or other parts of the vehicle shall be covered at the top by protective means extending at least to the center line of the rearmost axle.
(ORC 5577.11)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

339.06 VEHICLES TRANSPORTING EXPLOSIVES.

(a) Any person operating any vehicle transporting explosives upon a street or highway shall at all times comply with the following requirements:

(1) Such vehicle shall be marked or placarded on each side and on the rear with the word “EXPLOSIVES” in letters not less than eight inches high, or there shall be displayed on the rear of such vehicle a red flag not less than twenty-four inches square marked with the word “DANGER” in white letters six inches high, or shall be marked or placarded in accordance with Section 177.823 of the United States Department of Transportation Regulations.
(2) Such vehicle shall be equipped with not less than two fire extinguishers, filled and ready for immediate use, and placed at convenient points on such vehicle. (ORC 4513.29)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 4513.99)

339.07 TOWING REQUIREMENTS.

(a) When one vehicle is towing another vehicle, the drawbar or other connection shall be of sufficient strength to pull all weight towed thereby, and such drawbar or other connection shall not exceed fifteen feet from one vehicle to the other, except the connection between any two vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of structural nature which cannot readily be dismembered.

(b) When one vehicle is towing another and the connection consists only of a chain, rope or cable, there shall be displayed upon such connection a white flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square.

(c) In addition to such drawbar or other connection, each trailer and each semitrailer which is not connected to a commercial tractor by means of a fifth wheel shall be coupled with stay chains or cables to the vehicle by which it is being drawn. The chains or cables shall be of sufficient size and strength to prevent the towed vehicle’s parting from the drawing vehicle in case the drawbar or other connection should break or become disengaged. In case of a loaded pole trailer, the connecting pole to the drawing vehicle shall be coupled to the drawing vehicle with stay chains or cables of sufficient size and strength to prevent the towed vehicle’s parting from the drawing vehicle.

(d) Every trailer or semitrailer, except pole and cable trailers and pole and cable dollies operated by a public utility, as defined in Ohio R.C. 5727.01, shall be equipped with a coupling device which shall be so designed and constructed that the trailer will follow substantially in the path of the vehicle drawing it, without whipping or swerving from side to side. Vehicles used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials between a local place of storage and supply and the farm, when drawn or towed on a street or highway at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less, and vehicles designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a street or highway for a distance of no more than ten miles and at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less shall have a drawbar or other connection, including the hitch mounted on the towing vehicle, which shall be of sufficient strength to pull all the weight towed thereby. Only one such vehicle used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials as provided in this section may be towed or drawn at one time, except as follows:

(1) An agricultural tractor may tow or draw more than one such vehicle;
(2) A pickup truck or straight truck designed by the manufacturer to carry a load of not less than one-half ton and not more than two tons may tow or draw not more than two such vehicles that are being used to transport agricultural produce from the farm to a local place of storage. No vehicle being so towed by such a pickup truck or straight truck shall be considered to be a motor vehicle. (ORC 4513.32)

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

339.08 LOADS DROPPING OR LEAKING; REMOVAL REQUIRED; TRACKING MUD.

(a) No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any street, highway or other public place unless such vehicle is so constructed, loaded or covered as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom, except that sand or other substances may be dropped for the purpose of securing traction, or water or other substances may be sprinkled on a roadway in cleaning or maintaining such roadway.

(b) Except for a farm vehicle used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials or a rubbish vehicle in the process of acquiring its load, no vehicle loaded with garbage, swill, cans, bottles, waste paper, ashes, refuse, trash, rubbish, waste, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, glass, solid waste or any other material of an unsanitary nature that is susceptible to blowing or bouncing from a moving vehicle shall be driven or moved on any street, highway or other public place unless the load is covered with a sufficient cover to prevent the load or any part of the load from spilling onto the street, highway or other public place.
(ORC 4513.31)

(c) No person shall operate any vehicle so as to track or drop mud, stones, gravel or other similar material on any street, highway or other public place.

(d) It shall be the duty of the driver of a vehicle who unlawfully drops or deposits mud, stones, gravel or other similar material or permits the load or any portion thereof to be dropped or deposited upon any street, highway or other public place to immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed. (ORC 4513.31)

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4513.99)

339.09 SHIFTING LOAD; LOOSE LOADS.

(a) In addition to any other lawful requirements of load distribution, no person shall operate any vehicle upon a street or highway unless such vehicle is so laden as to prevent its contents from shifting or otherwise unbalancing the vehicle to such an extent as to interfere with the safe operation of the same.

(b) No motor vehicle or trailer shall be driven unless the tailboard or tailgate, tarpaulins, chains (except ground or contact chains), ropes, stakes, poles, and the like, or any part of the load, are securely fastened to prevent dangling, flapping, swinging or falling from the side, end or top of the load or body. All projecting cargo shall be properly guarded by a red flag or cloth or a red light or lantern as required by Section 337.08.

(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

339.10 VEHICLES WITH SPIKES, LUGS AND CHAINS.

(a) No person shall drive over the improved streets of this Municipality a traction engine or tractor with tires or wheels equipped with ice picks, spuds, spikes, chains or other projections of any kind extending beyond the cleats, or no person shall tow or in any way pull another vehicle over the improved streets of this Municipality, which towed or pulled vehicle has tires or wheels equipped with ice picks, spuds, spikes, chains or other projections of any kind. “Traction engine” or “tractor,” as used in this section, applies to all self-propelling engines equipped with metal-tired wheels operated or propelled by any form of engine, motor or mechanical power. (ORC 5589.08)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 5589.99)

339.11 USE OF STUDDED TIRES AND CHAINS.

(a) For purposes of this section, “studded tire” means any tire designed for use on a vehicle, and equipped with metal studs or studs of wear-resisting material that project beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire. “Motor vehicle,” “street or highway,” “public safety vehicle” and “school bus” have the same meanings as given those terms in Chapter 301.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (b)(2) hereof, no person shall operate any motor vehicle, other than a public safety vehicle or bus, that is equipped with studded tires on any street or highway, except during the period extending from November 1 of each year through April 15 of the succeeding year.
(2) A person may operate a motor vehicle that is equipped with retractable studded tires with the studs retracted at any time of the year, but shall operate the motor vehicle with the studs extended only as provided in subsection (b)(1) hereof.

(c) This section does not apply to the use of tire chains when there is snow or ice on the streets or highways where such chains are being used, or the immediate vicinity thereof.
(ORC 5589.081)

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 5589.99)

339.12 TARPAULINS OR OTHER VEHICLE COVERS WHEN HAULING DEBRIS.

(a) All vehicles using streets and highways of the Municipality, when hauling dirt, coal, ashes, fly ash, gravel, sand, rubbish, garbage and other debris, or any other material which can fall or be blown from such vehicle onto the streets, highways, sidewalks and property adjacent to such sidewalks in the Municipality, shall cover such vehicle with a tarpaulin or other cover which shall prevent any dust or any of the aforementioned materials from being dropped or blown from such vehicle.

(b) This section does not apply to any vehicle that is transporting materials which are to be used for the control of ice and snow.
(Ord. 650. Passed 12-8-72.)

CHAPTER 341
Commercial Drivers

341.01 Definitions.
341.02 Exemptions.
341.03 Prerequisites to operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
341.04 Prohibitions.
341.05 Criminal offenses.
341.06 Employment of drivers of commercial vehicles.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Disqualification – see Ohio R.C. 4506.16
Suspension or revocation of license – see Ohio R.C. 4507.16
Warning devices when disabled on freeways – see Ohio R.C. 4513.28
Arrest notice of driver – see Ohio R.C. 5577.14
Load limits – see TRAF. Ch. 339

341.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter:

(a) “Alcohol concentration” means the concentration of alcohol in a person’s blood, breath or urine. When expressed as a percentage, it means grams of alcohol per the following:

(1) One hundred milliliters of whole blood, blood serum, or blood plasma;
(2) Two hundred ten liters of breath;
(3) One hundred milliliters of urine.

(b) “Commercial driver’s license” means a license issued in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 4506 that authorizes an individual to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

(c) “Commercial motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle designed or used to transport persons or property that meets any of the following qualifications:

(1) Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or combined gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds;
(2) Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more;
(3) Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not a class A or class B vehicle, but is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers including the driver;
(4) Any school bus with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds that is designed to transport fewer than sixteen passengers including the driver;
(5) Is transporting hazardous materials for which placarding is required under subpart F of 49 C.F.R. part 172, as amended;
(6) Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that is designed to be operated and to travel on a public street or highway and is considered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to be a commercial motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, a motorized crane, a vehicle whose function is to pump cement, a rig for drilling wells, and a portable crane.

(d) “Controlled substance” means all of the following:

(1) Any substance classified as a controlled substance under the “Controlled Substances Act,” 80 Stat. 1242 (1970), 21 U.S.C.A. 802(6), as amended;
(2) Any substance included in schedules I through V of 21 C.F.R. part 1308, as amended;
(3) Any drug of abuse.

(e) “Disqualification” means any of the following:

(1) The suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a person’s privileges to operate a commercial motor vehicle;
(2) Any withdrawal of a person’s privileges to operate a commercial motor vehicle as the result of a violation of state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control other than parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle defect violations;
(3) A determination by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that a person is not qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle under 49 C.F.R. 391.

(f) “Drive” means to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle.

(g) “Driver” means any person who drives, operates or is in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle or is required to have a commercial driver’s license.

(h) “Driver’s license” means a license issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles that authorizes an individual to drive.

(i) “Drug of abuse” means any controlled substance, dangerous drug as defined in Ohio R.C. 4729.01 or over-the-counter medication that, when taken in quantities exceeding the recommended dosage, can result in impairment of judgment or reflexes.

(j) “Employer” means any person, including the Federal Government, any state and a political subdivision of any state, that owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle or assigns a person to drive such a motor vehicle.

(k) “Endorsement” means an authorization on a person’s commercial driver’s license that is required to permit the person to operate a specified type of commercial motor vehicle.

(l) “Farm truck” means a truck controlled and operated by a farmer for use in the transportation to or from a farm, for a distance of not more than one hundred fifty miles, of products of the farm, including livestock and its products, poultry and its products, floricultural and horticultural products, and in the transportation to the farm, from a distance of not more than one hundred fifty miles, of supplies for the farm, including tile, fence, and every other thing or commodity used in agricultural, floricultural, horticultural, livestock and poultry production, and livestock, poultry and other animals and things used for breeding, feeding, or other purposes connected with the operation of the farm, when the truck is operated in accordance with this subsection and is not used in the operations of a motor carrier, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4923.01.

(m) “Fatality” means the death of a person as the result of a motor vehicle accident occurring not more than three hundred sixty-five days prior to the date of a death.

(n) “Felony” means any offense under federal or state law that is punishable by death or specifically classified as a felony under the law of this State, regardless of the penalty that may be imposed.

(o) “Foreign jurisdiction” means any jurisdiction other than a state.

(p) “Gross vehicle weight rating” means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single or a combination vehicle. The gross vehicle weight rating of a combination vehicle is the gross vehicle weight rating of the power unit plus the gross vehicle weight rating of each towed unit.

(q) “Hazardous materials” means any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 C.F.R. part 172 or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 C.F.R. part 73, as amended.

(r) “Motor vehicle” means a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power used on highways, except that such term does not include a vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer or semitrailer operated exclusively on a rail.

(s) “Out-of-service order” means a declaration by an authorized enforcement officer of a federal, state, local, Canadian or Mexican jurisdiction declaring that a driver, commercial motor vehicle or commercial motor carrier operation is out of service as defined in 49 C.F.R. 390.5.

(t) “Public safety vehicle” has the same meaning as in divisions (E)(1) and (3) of Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(u) “Recreational vehicle” includes every vehicle that is defined as a recreational vehicle in Ohio R.C. 4501.01 and is used exclusively for purposes other than engaging in business for profit.

(v) “School bus” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.

(w) “State” means a state of the United States and includes the District of Columbia.

(x) “Tester” means a person or entity acting pursuant to a valid agreement entered into pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4506.09.

(y) “United States” means the fifty states and the District of Columbia.

(z) “Vehicle” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4511.01.
(ORC 4506.01)

341.02 EXEMPTIONS.

Section 341.02 has been deleted from the Codified Ordinances. Former Ohio R.C. 4506.02 from which Section 341.02 was derived was repealed by Am. Sub. H.B. No. 68, effective June 29, 2005. The exemptions are now contained in Section 341.03.

341.03 PREREQUISITES TO OPERATION OF A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE.

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the following shall apply:

(1) No person shall drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway in this Municipality unless the person holds, and has in the person’s possession, any of the following:

A. A valid commercial driver’s license with proper endorsements for the motor vehicle being driven, issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, or by another jurisdiction recognized by this State;
B. A valid examiner’s commercial driving permit issued under Ohio R.C. 4506.13;
C. A valid restricted commercial driver’s license and waiver for farmrelated service industries issued under Ohio R.C. 4506.24;
D. A valid commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit issued by the Registrar, provided that the person is accompanied by an authorized state driver’s license examiner or tester or a person who has been issued and has in the person’s immediate possession a current, valid commercial driver’s license and who meets the requirements of Ohio R.C. 4506.06(B).

(2) No person who has been a resident of this State for thirty days or longer shall drive a commercial motor vehicle under the authority of a commercial driver’s license issued by another jurisdiction.

(b) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section applies to any qualified person when engaged in the operation of any of the following:

(1) A farm truck;
(2) Fire equipment for a fire department, volunteer or nonvolunteer fire company, fire district, or joint fire district;
(3) A public safety vehicle used to provide transportation or emergency medical service for ill or injured persons;
(4) A recreational vehicle;
(5) A commercial motor vehicle within the boundaries of an eligible unit of local government, if the person is employed by the eligible unit of local government and is operating the commercial motor vehicle for the purpose of removing snow or ice from a roadway by plowing, sanding, or salting, but only if either the employee who holds a commercial driver’s license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4506 and ordinarily operates a commercial motor vehicle for these purposes is unable to operate the vehicle, or the employing eligible unit of local government determines that a snow or ice emergency exists that requires additional assistance;
(6) A vehicle operated for military purposes by any member or uniformed employee of the armed forces of the United States or their reserve components, including the Ohio national guard. This exception does not apply to United States reserved technicians.
(7) A commercial motor vehicle that is operated for nonbusiness purposes. “Operated for nonbusiness purposes” means that the commercial motor vehicle is not used in commerce as “commerce” is defined in 49 C.F.R. 383.5, as amended, and is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 4905, 4921, or 4923.
(8) A motor vehicle that is designed primarily for the transportation of goods and not persons, while that motor vehicle is being used for the occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation and not in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise.
(9) A police SWAT team vehicle.
(10) A police vehicle used to transport prisoners.

(c) Nothing contained in subsection (b)(5) of this section shall be construed as preempting or superseding any law, rule, or regulation of this State concerning the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4506.03)

341.04 PROHIBITIONS.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Drive a commercial motor vehicle while having in the person’s possession or otherwise under the person’s control more than one valid driver’s license issued by this State, any other state or by a foreign jurisdiction;
(2) Drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway in this Municipality in violation of an out-of-service order, while the person’s driving privilege is suspended, revoked or canceled, or while the person is subject to disqualification;
(3) Drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this Municipality under authority of a commercial driver’s license issued by another state or a foreign jurisdiction, after having been a resident of this State for thirty days or longer.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4506.04)

341.05 CRIMINAL OFFENSES.

(a) No person who holds a commercial driver’s license, or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit or who operates a motor vehicle for which a commercial driver’s license or permit is required shall do any of the following:

(1) Drive a commercial motor vehicle while having a measureable or detectable amount of alcohol or of a controlled substance in the person’s blood, breath or urine;
(2) Drive a commercial motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration of four-hundredths of one per cent or more by whole blood or breath;
(3) Drive a commercial motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration of forty-eight-thousandths of one per cent or more by blood serum or blood plasma;
(4) Drive a commercial motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration of fifty-six-thousandths of one per cent or more by urine;
(5) Drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance;
(6) Drive a motor vehicle in violation of Ohio R.C. 4511.19 or a municipal OVI ordinance as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.181;
(7) Use a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony;
(8) Refuse to submit to a test under Ohio R.C. 4506.17 or 4511.191;
(9) Operate a commercial motor vehicle while the person’s commercial driver’s license or permit or other commercial driving privileges are revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified;
(10) Cause a fatality through the negligent operation of a commercial motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, the offenses of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, and vehicular manslaughter;
(11) Fail to stop after an accident in violation of Sections 335.12 to 335.14;
(12) Drive a commercial motor vehicle in violation of any provision of Ohio R.C. 4511.61 to 4511.63 or any federal or local law or ordinance pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossings;
(13) Use a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance as defined in Ohio R.C. 3719.01 or the possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispose a controlled substance.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4506.15)

341.06 EMPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.

(a) Each employer shall require every applicant for employment as a driver of a commercial motor vehicle to provide the applicant’s employment history for the ten years preceding the date the employment application is submitted to the prospective employer. The following information shall be submitted:

(1) A list of the names and addresses of the applicant’s previous employers for which the applicant was the operator of a commercial motor vehicle;
(2) The dates the applicant was employed by these employers;
(3) The reason for leaving each of these employers.

(b) No employer shall knowingly permit or authorize any driver employed by the employer to drive a commercial motor vehicle during any period in which any of the following apply:

(1) The driver’s commercial driver’s license is suspended, revoked or canceled by any state or a foreign jurisdiction;
(2) The driver has lost the privilege to drive, or currently is disqualified from driving, a commercial motor vehicle in any state or foreign jurisdiction;
(3) The driver, the commercial motor vehicle the driver is driving, or the motor carrier operation is subject to an out-of-service order in any state or
foreign jurisdiction;
(4) The driver has more than one driver’s license.

(c) No employer shall knowingly permit or authorize a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of Section 341.05.

(d) No employer shall knowingly permit or authorize a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle if the driver does not hold a valid, current commercial driver’s license or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit bearing the proper class or endorsements for the vehicle. No employer shall knowingly permit or authorize a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of the restrictions on the driver’s commercial driver’s license or commercial driver’s license temporary instruction permit.

(e) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a), (b) or (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(2) Whoever violates subsection (c) of this section may be assessed a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars. (ORC 4506.20)

TITLE SEVEN – Parking

Chap. 351. Parking Generally.
Chap. 353. Parking Meters.

CHAPTER 351
Parking Generally

351.01 Police may remove unattended vehicle which obstructs traffic.
351.02 Registered owner primafacie liable for unlawful parking.
351.03 Prohibited standing or parking places.
351.04 Parking near curb; handicapped locations on public and private lots and garages.
351.05 Manner of angle parking.
351.06 Selling, washing or repairing vehicle upon roadway.
351.07 Unattended vehicle: duty to stop engine, remove key, set brake and turn wheels.
351.08 Opening vehicle door on traffic side.
351.09 Truck loading zones.
351.10 Bus stops and taxicab stands.
351.11 Parking in alleys and narrow streets; exceptions.
351.12 Prohibition against parking on streets or highways.
351.13 Parking on posted private property.
351.14 Parking commercial vehicles in residential zones.
351.15 Removal of vehicles illegally parked.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Owner nonliability, lease defense – see Ohio R.C. 4511.071
Police may remove ignition key from unattended vehicle – see TRAF. 303.03
Parking near stopped fire apparatus – see TRAF. 331.27
Lights on parked or stopped vehicles – see TRAF. 337.09

351.01 POLICE MAY REMOVE UNATTENDED VEHICLE WHICH OBSTRUCTS TRAFFIC.

Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any street, bridge or causeway, or in any tunnel, where such vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, such officer may provide for the removal of such vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety.
(ORC 4511.67)

351.02 REGISTERED OWNER PRIMA-FACIE LIABLE FOR UNLAWFUL PARKING.

In any hearing on a charge of illegally parking a motor vehicle, testimony that a vehicle bearing a certain license plate was found unlawfully parked as prohibited by the provisions of this Traffic Code, and further testimony that the record of the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles shows that the license plate was issued to the defendant, shall be prima-facie evidence that the vehicle which was unlawfully parked, was so parked by the defendant. A certified registration copy, showing such fact, from the Registrar shall be proof of such ownership.

351.03 PROHIBITED STANDING OR PARKING PLACES.

No person shall stand or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the provisions of this Traffic Code, or while obeying the directions of a police officer or a traffic control device, in any of the following places:

(a) On a sidewalk, curb or street lawn area, except a bicycle;
(b) In front of a public or private driveway;
(c) Within an intersection;
(d) Within ten feet of a fire hydrant;
(e) On a crosswalk;
(f) Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
(g) Within thirty feet of, and upon the approach to, any flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic control device;
(h) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the end of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by a traffic control device;
(i) Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;
(j) Within twenty feet of a driveway entrance to any fire station and, on the side of the street opposite the entrance to any fire station, within seventy-five feet of the entrance when it is properly posted with signs;
(k) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such standing or parking would obstruct traffic;
(l) Alongside any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;
(m) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a street, or within a street tunnel;
(n) At any place where signs prohibit stopping, standing or parking, or where the curbing or street is painted yellow, or at any place in excess of the maximum time limited by signs;
(o) Within one foot of another parked vehicle, except that commercial trucks may park alongside any such stopped or parked vehicle when in front of a business establishment for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise; but only for so long as it takes to perform such act, and not when there is parking space available within reasonable distance of such establishment; or when there is an alley or other facilities available in connection with a business or business establishment for such purpose; and also, not when the operator of such vehicle is performing some act in connection with his personal affairs;
(p) On the roadway portion of a freeway, expressway or thruway;
(q) In any lawful parking space, whether marked or unmarked, upon any municipal street, highway, alley or other public ground of the Municipality for a period of more than seventy-two hours without such vehicle having been used or operated by the owner thereof, and regardless of whether the vehicle is in an inoperative condition.
(Ord. 1212. Passed 5-7-87.)

351.04 PARKING NEAR CURB; HANDICAPPED LOCATIONS ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE LOTS AND GARAGES.

(a) Every vehicle stopped or parked upon a roadway where there is an adjacent curb shall be stopped or parked with the curb side wheels of such vehicle parallel with and not more than twelve inches from the curb, unless it is impossible to approach so close to the curb; in such case the stop shall be as close to the curb as possible and only for the time necessary to discharge and receive passengers or to load or unload merchandise.

(b) This subsection does not apply to streets or parts thereof where angle parking is lawfully permitted. However, no angle parking shall be permitted on a State Route unless an unoccupied roadway width of not less than twenty-five feet is available for free-moving traffic.

(c) No vehicle may be stopped or parked on a road or street with the vehicle facing in a direction other than the direction of travel on that side of the road or street.

(1) However, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police, a waiver may be authorized to permit parking of a vehicle on the side of a street or road against the flow of traffic. The waiver can be authorized if it is not detrimental to the safety of others and in consideration of traffic flow, roadway grade, roadway, local traffic, foul weather and other considerations. This waiver cannot apply to State routes or heavily traveled streets.
(2) One-way streets are excepted from this subsection.
(3) Designations indicating areas that have been exempted from this section will be on record in the Mayor’s office, the Police Department and will be published in the local newspaper after the initial waiver is granted.
(Ord. 92-017. Passed 4-16-92.)

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Code or any rule, air compressors, tractors, trucks and other equipment, while being used in the construction, reconstruction, installation, repair or removal of facilities near, on, over or under a street, may stop, stand or park where necessary in order to perform such work, provided a flagperson is on duty, or warning signs or lights are displayed as may be prescribed by the Ohio Director of Transportation.

(e) Special parking locations and privileges for persons with disabilities that limit or impair the ability to walk, also known as handicapped parking spaces or disability parking spaces shall be provided and designated by the Municipality and all agencies and instrumentalities thereof at all offices and facilities, where parking is provided, whether owned, rented or leased, and at all publicly owned parking garages. The locations shall be designated through the posting of an elevated sign, whether permanently affixed or movable, imprinted with the international symbol of access and shall be reasonably close to exits, entrances, elevators and ramps. All elevated signs posted in accordance with this subsection and Ohio R.C. 3781.111 (C) shall be mounted on a fixed or movable post, and the distance from the ground to the bottom edge of the sign shall measure not less than five feet. If a new sign or a replacement sign designating a special parking location is posted on or after October 14, 1999, there also shall be affixed upon the surface of that sign or affixed next to the designating sign a notice that states the fine applicable for the offense of parking a motor vehicle in the special designated parking location if the motor vehicle is not legally entitled to be parked in that location.

(f) (1) A. No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle at special parking locations provided under subsection (e) hereof, or at special clearly marked parking locations provided in or on privately owned parking lots, parking garages, or other parking areas and designated in accordance with subsection (e) hereof, unless one of the following applies:

  1. The motor vehicle is being operated by or for the transport of a person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk and is displaying a valid removable windshield placard or special license plates;
  2. The motor vehicle is being operated by or for the transport of a handicapped person and is displaying a parking card or special handicapped license plates.

B. Any motor vehicle that is parked in a special marked parking location in violation of subsection (f)(1)A. of this section may be towed or otherwise removed from the parking location by the Police Department. A motor vehicle that is so towed or removed shall not be released to its owner until the owner presents proof of ownership of the motor vehicle and pays all towing and storage fees normally imposed by the Municipality for towing and storing motor vehicles. If the motor vehicle is a leased vehicle, it shall not be released to the lessee until the lessee presents proof that that person is the lessee of the motor vehicle and pays all towing and storage fees normally imposed by the Municipality for towing and storing motor vehicles.
C. If a person is charged with a violation of subsection (f)(1)A. of this section, it is an affirmative defense to the charge that the person suffered an injury not more than seventy-two hours prior to the time the person was issued the ticket or citation and that, because of the injury, the person meets at least one of the criteria contained in Ohio R.C. 4503.44(A)(1).

(2) No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle in an area that is commonly known as an access aisle, which area is marked by diagonal stripes and is located immediately adjacent to a special parking location provided under subsection (e) of this section or at a special clearly marked parking location provided in or on a privately owned parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area and designated in accordance with that subsection.

(g) When a motor vehicle is being operated by or for the transport of a person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk and is displaying a removable windshield placard or a temporary removable windshield placard or special license plates, or when a motor vehicle is being operated by or for the transport of a handicapped person and is displaying a parking card or special handicapped license plates, the motor vehicle is permitted to park for a period of two hours in excess of the legal parking period permitted by local authorities, except where local ordinances or police rules provide otherwise or where the vehicle is parked in such a manner as to be clearly a traffic hazard.

(h) As used in this section:

(1) “Handicapped person” means any person who has lost the use of one or both legs, or one or both arms, who is blind, deaf or so severely handicapped as to be unable to move without the aid of crutches or a wheelchair, or whose mobility is restricted by a permanent cardiovascular, pulmonary or other handicapping condition.
(2) “Person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk” has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4503.44.
(3) “Special license plates” and “removable windshield placard” mean any license plates or removable windshield placard or temporary removable windshield placard issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.41 or 4503.44, and also mean any substantially similar license plates or removable windshield placard or temporary removable windshield placard issued by a state, district, country or sovereignty.

(i) (1) Whoever violates subsection (a) or (c) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

(2) A. Whoever violates subsection (f)(1)A.1. or 2. of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in subsection (i)(2)A. and B. of this section. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (i)(2)A. of this section, an offender who violates subsection (f)(1)A.1. or 2. of this section shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). An offender who violates subsection (f)(1)A.1. or 2. of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) if the offender, prior to sentencing, proves either of the following to the satisfaction of the court:

  1. At the time of the violation of subsection (f)(1)A.1. of this section, the offender or the person for whose transport the motor vehicle was being operated had been issued a removable windshield placard that then was valid or special license plates that then were valid but the offender or the person neglected to display the placard or license plates as described in subsection (f)(1)A.1. of this section.
  2. At the time of the violation of subsection (f)(1)A.2. of this section, the offender or the person for whose transport the motor vehicle was being operated had been issued a parking card that then was valid or special handicapped license plates that then were valid but the offender or the person neglected to display the card or license plates as described in subsection (f)(1)A.2. of this section.

B. In no case shall an offender who violates subsection (f)(1)A.1. or 2. of this section be sentenced to any term of imprisonment.

An arrest or conviction for a violation of subsection (f)(1)A.1. or 2. of this section does not constitute a criminal record and need not be reported by the person so arrested or convicted in response to any inquiries contained in any application for employment, license, or other right or privilege, or made in connection with the person’s appearance as a witness.

(3) Whoever violates subsection (f)(2) of this section shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

In no case shall an offender who violates subsection (f)(2) of this section be sentenced to any term of imprisonment. An arrest or conviction for a violation of subsection (f)(2) of this section does not constitute a criminal record and need not be reported by the person so arrested or convicted in response to any inquiries contained in any application for employment, license, or other right or privilege, or made in connection with the person’s appearance as a witness.
(ORC 4511.69)

351.05 MANNER OF ANGLE PARKING.

Upon streets where angle parking is permitted, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway as is indicated by appropriate signs or markings.

351.06 SELLING, WASHING OR REPAIRING VEHICLE UPON ROADWAY.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle upon any roadway for the principal purpose of:

(a) Displaying such vehicle for sale;
(b) Washing, greasing or repairing such vehicle except repairs necessitated by an emergency.

351.07 UNATTENDED VEHICLE: DUTY TO STOP ENGINE, REMOVE KEY, SET BRAKE AND TURN WHEELS.

(a) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

The requirements of this section relating to the stopping of the engine, locking of the ignition and removing the key from the ignition of a motor vehicle shall not apply to an emergency vehicle or a public safety vehicle.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.661)

351.08 OPENING VEHICLE DOOR ON TRAFFIC SIDE.

(a) No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.70(C), (D))

351.09 LOADING ZONES.

(a) The Police Chief is hereby authorized to establish and appropriately mark such commercial loading zones and bus loading zones as traffic conditions within the Municipality may require. (Ord. 2211. Passed 4-11-53.)

(b) All loading zones already designated within the Municipality and those to be further designated by the Police Chief shall be clearly marked and painted yellow.

(c) No parking shall be permitted or allowed between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, inclusive, at any loading zone so marked, except that parking in front of a loading zone shall be permitted on Sunday.
(Ord. 2223. Passed 9-5-53.)

351.10 BUS STOPS AND TAXICAB STANDS.

(a) No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle other than a bus in a bus stop, or other than a taxicab in a taxicab stand when any such stop or stand has been officially designated and appropriately posted, except that the driver of a passenger vehicle may temporarily stop therein for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers when such stopping does not interfere with any bus or taxicab waiting to enter or about to enter such zone, and then only for a period not to exceed three minutes, if such stopping is not prohibited therein by posted signs.

(b) The operator of a bus shall not stop, stand or park such vehicle upon any street at any place for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or their baggage other than at a bus stop so designated and posted as such, except in case of an emergency.

(c) The operator of a bus shall enter a bus stop on a public street in such a manner that the bus when stopped to load or unload passengers or baggage shall be in a position with the right front wheel of such vehicle not further than eighteen inches from the curb and the bus approximately parallel to the curb so as not to unduly impede the movement of other vehicular traffic.

(d) The operator of a taxicab shall not stand or park such vehicle upon any street at any place other than in a taxicab stand so designated and posted as such. This provision shall not prevent the operator of a taxicab from temporarily stopping in accordance with other stopping or parking provisions at any place for the purpose of and while actually engaged in the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers.

(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

351.11 PARKING IN ALLEYS AND NARROW STREETS; EXCEPTIONS.

(a) No person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle upon a street, other than an alley, in such a manner or under such conditions as to leave available less than ten feet of the width of the roadway for free movement of vehicular traffic, except that a driver may stop temporarily during the actual loading or unloading of passengers or when directed to by a police officer or traffic control signal.

Except as otherwise provided by law, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle within an alley except while actually loading and unloading, and then only for a period not to exceed thirty minutes.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

351.12 PROHIBITION AGAINST PARKING ON STREETS OR HIGHWAYS.

(a) Upon any street or highway outside a business or residence district, no person shall stop, park or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the paved or main traveled part of the street or highway if it is practicable to stop, park or so leave such vehicle off the paved or main traveled part of such street or highway. In every event, a clear and unobstructed portion of the street or highway opposite such standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles, and a clear view of such stopped vehicle shall be available from a distance of 200 feet in each direction upon such street or highway.

This section does not apply to the driver of any vehicle which is disabled while on the paved or improved or main traveled portion of a street or highway in such manner and to such extent that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the disabled vehicle in such position.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.66)

351.13 PARKING ON POSTED PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(a) If an owner of private property posts on the property in a conspicuous manner, prohibition against parking on the property or conditions and regulations under which parking is permitted, no person shall do either of the following:

(1) Park a vehicle on the property without the owner’s consent;
(2) Park a vehicle on the property in violation of any condition or regulation posted by the owner.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4511.681)

351.14 PARKING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES.

(a) No person shall park a truck (except a pick-up truck), semitrailer or commercial tractor at any time in an area that is zoned residential (R-1, R-2 or R-3), other than while actually engaged in loading or unloading.

(b) No truck (except a pick up truck), trailer, semi-trailer or commercial tractor shall be parked on any street, alley, street lawn area, boulevard, or berm except in the case of an emergency or while actually loading and unloading, or if such vehicle is not being loaded or unloaded for a length of time greater than one hour in any period of twenty-four hours. In case of an emergency, it shall be the affirmative obligation of the owner or operator of the vehicle immediately to notify the Police Department of the emergency, the location, and advise of the efforts which are being made to permit the movement of the truck at the earliest possible time. This shall include the obligation of the owner or the operator to arrange for towing or other movement to accomplish the result of the herein prohibited parking practices. Prompt removal will be an excusable event.

(c) This section shall not apply to carnival vehicles which are parked within the Municipal limits for the purposes of putting on a carnival while the carnival is setting up, during the period the carnival is operating and while the carnival is dismantling.
(Ord. 91-003. Passed 2-7-91.)

351.15 REMOVAL OF VEHICLES ILLEGALLY PARKED.

If any vehicle which is found to be unattended, abandoned or in an inoperative condition is parked upon any Municipal street, highway, alley or other public ground of the Municipal, and in violation of any of the prohibited standing or parking places defined in Section 351.03, it shall be deemed to constitute an obstruction to traffic. Any police officer investigating shall first make an attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle and request that the same be immediately removed. In the event that the owner thereof cannot be found or in the event that the owner refuses to comply with the direction of the investigating police officer to immediately remove the vehicle, the police officer shall be authorized to provide for the removal thereof to the nearest garage or other convenient place of storage. (Ord. 1212. Passed 5-7-87.)

CHAPTER 353
Parking Meters

353.01 Definitions.
353.02 Parking meter zones designated.
353.03 Marking of parking spaces.
353.04 Installation of meters.
353.05 Depositing of coins.
353.06 Hours of meter zone parking.
353.07 Rules and regulations.
353.08 Purpose of funds.
353.09 Stops for commercial vehicles.
353.10 Selling merchandise from vehicle parked in metered zone.
353.11 Parking certificates.
353.99 Penalty.

CROSS REFERENCES

Parking meter officer – see ADM. 135.02
Use of slugs in meters – see GEN. OFF. 545.11
Tampering with meters – see GEN. OFF. 545.12

353.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter:

(a) “Parking meter” means and includes any mechanical device or meter not inconsistent with this chapter placed or erected for the regulation of parking by authority of this chapter. Each parking meter installed shall indicate by proper legend the legal parking time established by the Municipality and when operated shall at all times indicate the balance of legal parking time, and, at the expiration of such period, shall indicate illegal or overtime parking.
(b) “Parking meter space” means any space within a parking meter zone, adjacent to a parking meter and which is duly designated for the parking of a single vehicle by a line painted or otherwise durably marked on the curb or on the surface of the street adjacent to or adjoining the parking meters.
(c) “Parking meter zone” means and includes any restricted street upon which parking meters are installed and in operation.
(Ord. 2389. Passed 10-19-57.)

353.02 PARKING METER ZONES DESIGNATED.

The streets or portions of streets or areas designated as parking meter zones shall constitute the parking meter zones of the Municipality.
(Ord. 2398. Passed 10-19-57.)

353.03 MARKING OF PARKING SPACES.

The Police Chief is hereby directed and authorized to cause to be marked off individual parking spaces in the parking meter zone, such parking spaces to be designated by lines painted or durably marked on the curbing or surface of the street. At such space so marked off no person shall park any vehicle in such a way that such vehicle is not entirely within the limits of the space so designated.
(Ord. 2027. Passed 8-16-47.)

353.04 INSTALLATION OF METERS.

In the parking meter zone, the Police Chief shall cause parking meters to be installed upon the curb or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the parking meters spaces, and the Chief of Police shall be responsible for the regulation, control, operation, maintenance and use of such parking meters. Each parking meter shall be so set as to display a signal showing legal parking upon the deposit of the appropriate coin or coins, lawful money of the United States of America, for the period of time prescribed by this chapter. Each parking meter shall be so arranged that upon the expiration of the lawful time limit it will indicate by a proper visible signal that the lawful parking period has expired and in such cases the right of such vehicle to occupy such space shall cease and the operator, owner, possessor or manager thereof shall be subject to the penalties provided in Section 353.99.
(Ord. 2027. Passed 8-16-47.)

353.05 DEPOSIT OF COINS.

(a) When any vehicle is parked in any parking meter space, the operator of such vehicle shall, upon entering the parking meter space, immediately deposit or cause to be deposited in the meter such proper coin of the United States as may be required for such parking meter and as designed by proper directions on the meter. Failure to deposit such proper coin or coins shall constitute a violation of this chapter. Upon the deposit of such coin, the parking space may be lawfully occupied by such vehicle during the maximum period of time which has been prescribed for the particular meter space, provided that any person placing a vehicle in a parking meter space adjacent to a meter which indicates that unused time has been left in the meter by the previous occupant of the space, shall not be required to deposit a coin so long as his occupancy of the space does not exceed the indicated unused parking time. If such vehicle remains parked in any such parking meter space beyond the maximum parking time limit set for such parking meter space as is designated by proper directions on the meter, and if the meter indicates illegal or overtime parking, then, and in either of such events, such vehicle shall be considered as parking overtime and beyond the period of legal parking time, and such parking shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.

(b) In case of emergency determined by an officer of the Fire Department or the Police Department, the privilege of parking in any parking meter space may be withdrawn and the operator of any vehicle shall comply with the orders and directions of such officer of the Fire Department or member of the Police Department or shall comply with any traffic control sign or signal placed on the street or curb indicating that parking is temporarily prohibited. Parking in such a prohibited area shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 2027. Passed 8-16-47.)

353.06 HOURS OF METER ZONE PARKING.

(a) In the parking meter zone, all parking shall be prohibited between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, inclusive, of each week, unless the owner or operator of a vehicle parked in a parking meter space shall, upon entering the space, deposit coins in the parking meter as herein provided.

(b) The provisions herein for the use of parking meters shall not apply to parking on Sunday or on those holidays designated by the Police Chief. During the times when the parking meters are not in operation under the provisions of this chapter, vehicles may be parked in parking meter spaces without the deposit of any coins in the parking meters.
(Ord. 743. Passed 9-19-74.)

353.07 RULES AND REGULATIONS.

No person shall:

(a) Cause, allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in the name of such person to be parked overtime or beyond the period of legal parking time established for any parking meter zone as herein described, or deposit in any parking meter any coin for the purpose of parking beyond the maximum legal parking time for the particular parking meter space occupied by such vehicle.
(b) Cause, allow, permit or suffer any vehicle operated by such person to be parked overtime, or beyond the period of legal parking time established for any parking meter zone as herein described, or deposit in any parking meter any coin for the purpose of parking beyond the maximum legal parking time for the particular parking meter space occupied by such vehicle.
(c) Permit any vehicle, registered in the name of or operated by such person, to remain in any parking space adjacent to any parking meter while such meter is displaying a signal indicating that the vehicle occupying such parking space has already been parked beyond the period prescribed for such parking space.
(d) Cause, allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in the name of such person, or operated by such person, to be parked across any line or marking of a parking meter space or in such position that the vehicle is not entirely within the area designated by such lines or markings.
(Ord. 2027. Passed 8-16-47.)

353.08 PURPOSE OF FUNDS.

The coins deposited in parking meters are required and shall be used for the purchase, operation and maintenance of the parking meters, for the proper regulation of traffic on public streets, for providing street markings, traffic signs and control devices, for maintaining the same and for similar purposes. Such money shall be paid into a special fund known as the Parking Meter Fund. (Ord. 2083. Passed 12-18-48; Ord. 1249. Passed 5-5-88.)

353.09 STOPS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting the Municipality from providing for bus stops, for taxicab stands and other matters of similar nature, including the loading or unloading of trucks, vans or other commercial vehicles.
(Ord. 2398. Passed 10-19-57.)

353.10 SELLING MERCHANDISE FROM VEHICLE PARKED IN METERED ZONE.

(a) No person who sells or offers for sale merchandise from any vehicle within the metered section of the Municipality for the purpose of selling his wares therefrom.

(b) This section shall apply to all persons, firms, associations or corporations notwithstanding the fact that such persons, firms, associations or corporations have procured a license from the Municipality and have conformed to Chapter 745, or are authorized to sell merchandise from their vehicles under State law.

(c) This section does not apply to persons, firms, associations or corporations who are loading or unloading merchandise from their vehicles to serve the stores throughout the metered section of the Municipality.
(Ord. 55. Passed 12-17-59.)

353.11 PARKING CERTIFICATES.

(a) The Police Chief is hereby authorized and directed to issue free parking certificates to families who are residents of the following designated metered zones within the Municipality:

(1) Union Street, west side only from 33rd Street to 34th Street;
(2) Guernsey Street, from 31st Street to 34th Street, both sides;
(3) 33rd Street, from Union Street to Guernsey Street;
(4) 34th Street, from Union Street to Plum Alley;
(5) Belmont Street, from Crescent Street (30th Street) to 31st Street, both sides.
(Ord. 662. Passed 2-15-73.)

(b) Upon application by a member of such a family to the Police Chief, and the payment of a prescribed fee, the Police Chief shall issue to one member of each family a free parking certificate which shall entitle such person to park their automobile within the zone in which such family resides, as designated in subsection (a) hereof. The Police Chief shall issue a free parking permit on a monthly basis for two dollars ($2.00).
(Ord. 1176. Passed 6-5-86.)

(c) Each application shall contain the name of the person applying, his place of residence, the make or model of car, the license number, the names of members of his family or household and other information which may be required by the Police Chief.
(Ord. 244. Passed 9-6-64.)

353.99 PENALTY.

(a) Whoever violates any of the provisions of this chapter in regard to overtime parking within the metered zone of the Municipality, shall be charged one dollar ($1.00) for any such violation if paid within seventy-two hours of the time of the violation, and two dollars ($2.00) if paid within thirty days of the violation.

(b) No person shall fail to pay the fines prescribed herein, and any failure to pay such fines within thirty days from date of the violation shall constitute a minor misdemeanor for which violation the offender shall be subject to arrest and penalty in accordance with Section 303.99.

(c) Any subsequent violations of Chapter 353 shall be treated as separate violations for which the violator may be ticketed, or arrested in the event of non-payment of the prescribed fine within thirty days of the violation.
(Ord. 1176. Passed 6-5-86.)

TITLE NINE – Pedestrians, Bicycles and Motorcycles

Chap. 371. Pedestrians.
Chap. 373. Bicycles and Motorcycles.
Chap. 375. Snowmobiles and All Purpose Vehicles.

CHAPTER 371
Pedestrians

371.01 Right of way in crosswalk.
371.02 Right of way of blind person.
371.03 Crossing roadway outside crosswalk; diagonal crossings at intersections.
371.04 Moving upon right half of crosswalk.
371.05 Walking along highways.
371.06 Use of highway for soliciting; riding on outside of vehicles.
371.07 Right of way on sidewalk.
371.08 Yielding to public safety vehicle.
371.09 Walking on highway while under the influence.
371.10 On bridges or railroad crossings.
371.11 Persons operating motorized wheelchairs.
371.12 Electric personal assistive mobility devices.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Pedestrian defined – see TRAF. 301.22
Pedestrian prohibited on freeways – see TRAF. 303.06
Obedience to traffic control devices – see TRAF. 313.01, 313.03
Pedestrian control signals – see TRAF. 313.05

371.01 RIGHT OF WAY IN CROSSWALK.

(a) When traffic control signals are not in place, not in operation or are not clearly assigning the right of way, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield or if required by Section 313.09, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(b) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(c) Subsection (a) hereof does not apply under the conditions stated in Section 371.03(b).

(d) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.46)

371.02 RIGHT OF WAY OF BLIND PERSON.

(a) As used in this section “blind person” or “blind pedestrian” means a person having not more than 20/200 visual acuity in the better eye with correcting lenses or visual acuity greater than 20/200 but with a limitation in the fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than twenty degrees.

The driver of every vehicle shall yield the right of way to every blind pedestrian guided by a guide dog, or carrying a cane which is predominately white or metallic in color, with or without a red tip.

(b) No person, other than a blind person, while on any public highway, street, alley or other public thoroughfare shall carry a white metallic cane, with or without a red tip.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.47)

371.03 CROSSING ROADWAY OUTSIDE CROSSWALK; DIAGONAL CROSSINGS AT INTERSECTIONS.

(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right of way to all traffic upon the roadway.

(c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.

(d) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic control devices pertaining to such crossing movements.

(e) This section does not relieve the operator of a vehicle from exercising due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.48)

371.04 MOVING UPON RIGHT HALF OF CROSSWALK.

(a) Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.49)

371.05 WALKING ALONG HIGHWAYS.

(a) Where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, no pedestrian shall walk along and upon an adjacent roadway.

(b) Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway.

(c) Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway, and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in Section 313.03 and 371.01, any pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right of way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.50)

371.06 USE OF HIGHWAY FOR SOLICITING; RIDING ON OUTSIDE OF VEHICLES.

(a) No person while on a roadway outside a safety zone shall solicit a ride from the driver of any vehicle.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (b)(2) hereof, no person shall stand on a highway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle.
(2) Council, by ordinance, may authorize the issuance of a permit to a charitable organization to allow a person acting on behalf of the organization to solicit charitable contributions from the occupant of a vehicle by standing on a highway, other than a freeway, as provided in Ohio R.C. 4511.051(A), that is under the jurisdiction of the Municipality. The permit shall be valid for only one period or time, which shall be specified in the permit, in any calendar year. Council also may specify the locations where contributions may be solicited and may impose any other restrictions on or requirements regarding the manner in which the solicitations are to be conducted that Council considers advisable.
(3) As used herein, “charitable organization” means an organization that has received from the Internal Revenue Service a currently valid ruling or determination letter recognizing the tax-exempt status of the organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the “Internal Revenue Code.”

(c) No person shall hang onto, or ride on the outside of any motor vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway, except mechanics or test engineers making repairs or adjustments, or workers performing specialized highway or street maintenance or construction under authority of a public agency.

(d) No operator shall knowingly permit any person to hang onto, or ride on the outside of, any motor vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway, except mechanics or test engineers making repairs or adjustments, or workers performing specialized highway or street maintenance or construction under authority of a public agency.

(e) No driver of a truck, trailer or semitrailer shall knowingly permit any person who has not attained the age of sixteen years to ride in the unenclosed or unroofed cargo storage area of the driver’s vehicle if the vehicle is traveling faster than twenty-five miles per hour, unless either of the following applies:

(1) The cargo storage area of the vehicle is equipped with a properly secured seat to which is attached a seat safety belt that is in compliance with federal standards for an occupant restraining device as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.263(A)(2), the seat and seat safety belt were installed at the time the vehicle was originally assembled and the person riding in the cargo storage area is in the seat and is wearing the seat safety belt;
(2) An emergency exists that threatens the life of the driver or the person being transported in the cargo storage area of the truck, trailer or semitrailer.

(f) No driver of a truck, trailer or semitrailer shall permit any person, except for those workers performing specialized highway or street maintenance or construction under authority of a public agency to ride in the cargo storage area or on a tailgate of the driver’s vehicle while the tailgate is unlatched.

(g) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates any provision of subsections (a) to (d) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(2) Whoever violates subsection (e) or (f) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 4511.51)

371.07 RIGHT OF WAY ON SIDEWALK.

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.441)

371.08 YIELDING TO PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLE.

(a) Upon the immediate approach of a public safety vehicle as stated in Section 331.21, every pedestrian shall yield the right of way to the public safety vehicle.

(b) This section shall not relieve the driver of a public safety vehicle from the duty to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.452)

371.09 WALKING ON HIGHWAY WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

(a) A pedestrian who is under the influence of alcohol, any drug of abuse, or any combination of them, to a degree that renders the pedestrian a hazard shall not walk or be upon a highway.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.481)

371.10 ON BRIDGES OR RAILROAD CROSSINGS.

(a) No pedestrian shall enter or remain upon any bridge or approach thereto beyond the bridge signal, gate or barrier after a bridge operation signal indication has been given.

(b) No pedestrian shall pass through, around, over or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing or bridge while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.511)

371.11 PERSONS OPERATING MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS.

(a) Every person operating a motorized wheelchair shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian that are contained in this Traffic Code, except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.
(ORC 4511.491)

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.99)

371.12 ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES.

(a) (1) Electric personal assistive mobility devices may be operated on the public streets, highways, sidewalks, and paths and portions of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles in accordance with this section. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, those sections of this Traffic Code that by their nature are applicable to an electric personal assistive mobility device apply to the device and the person operating it whenever it is operated upon any public street, highway, sidewalk, or path or upon any portion of a roadway set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

(b) No operator of an electric personal assistive mobility device shall do any of the following:

(1) Fail to yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and human-powered vehicles at all times;
(2) Fail to give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian;
(3) Operate the device at night unless the device or its operator is equipped with or wearing both of the following:

A. A lamp pointing to the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred feet;
B. A red reflector facing the rear that is visible from all distances from one hundred feet to six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful
lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.

(4) Operate the device on any portion of a street or highway that has an established speed limit of fifty-five miles per hour or more;
(5) Operate the device upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of pedestrians or other specialized use when an appropriate sign giving notice of the specialized use is posted on the path;
(6) If under eighteen years of age, operate the device unless wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head with the chin strap properly fastened;
(7) If under sixteen years of age, operate the device unless, during the operation, the person is under the direct visual and audible supervision of another person who is eighteen years of age or older and is responsible for the immediate care of the person under sixteen years of age.

(c) No person who is under fourteen years of age shall operate an electric personal assistive mobility device.

(d) No person shall distribute or sell an electric personal assistive mobility device unless the device is accompanied by a written statement that is substantially equivalent to the following:
“WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, USE ONLY WHILE WEARING FULL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT – HELMET, WRIST GUARDS, ELBOW PADS, AND KNEE PADS”. (ORC 4511.512)

(e) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” means a self-balancing two non-tandem wheeled device that is designed to transport only one person, has an electric propulsion system of an average of seven hundred fifty watts, and when ridden on a paved level surface by an operator who weighs one hundred seventy pounds has a maximum speed of less than twenty miles per hour.
(ORC 4501.01)

(f) Whoever violates subsection (b) or (c) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be punished as follows:

(1) The offender shall be fined ten dollars ($10.00).
(2) If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (B) or (C) of Ohio R.C. 4511.512 or a substantially similar municipal ordinance, the court, in addition to imposing the fine required under subsection (f)(1) hereof, shall do one of the following:

A. Order the impoundment for not less than one day but not more than thirty days of the electric personal assistive mobility device that was involved in the current violation of that section. The court shall order the device to be impounded at a safe indoor location designated by the court and may assess storage fees of not more than five dollars ($5.00) per day, provided the total storage, processing, and release fees assessed against the offender or the device in connection with the device’s impoundment or subsequent release shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
B. If the court does not issue an impoundment order pursuant to subsection (f)(2)A. hereof, issue an order prohibiting the offender from operating any electric personal assistive mobility device on the public streets, highways, sidewalks, and paths and portions of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles for not less than one day but not more than thirty days.

(g) Whoever violates subsection (d) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4511.512)

CHAPTER 373
Bicycles and Motorcycles

373.01 Code application to bicycles.
373.02 Riding upon seats; handle bars; helmets and glasses.
373.03 Attaching bicycle or sled to vehicle.
373.04 Riding bicycles and motorcycles abreast.
373.05 Signal device on bicycle.
373.06 Lights and reflector on bicycle; brakes.
373.07 Riding bicycle on right side of roadway; obedience to traffic rules; passing.
373.08 Reckless operation; control, course and speed.
373.09 Parking of bicycle.
373.10 Motorized bicycle operation, equipment and license.
373.11 Paths exclusively for bicycles.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Motorcycle protective equipment – see OAC Ch. 4501-17
Motorized bicycle equipment – see OAC Ch. 4501-23
Bicycle defined – see TRAF. 301.04
Motorcycle defined – see TRAF. 301.19
Bicycles prohibited on freeways – see TRAF. 303.06
Hand and arm signals – see TRAF. 331.15
Motorcycle operator’s license required – see TRAF. 335.01(a)
Motorcycle headlight – see TRAF. 337.03
Motorcycle brakes – see TRAF. 337.18(a)(2)

373.01 CODE APPLICATION TO BICYCLES.

(a) The provisions of this Traffic Code that are applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a bicycle operator who violates any section of this Traffic Code described in subsection (a) of this section that is applicable to bicycles may be issued a ticket, citation or summons by a law enforcement officer for the violation in the same manner as the operator of a motor vehicle would be cited for the same violation. A person who commits any such violation while operating a bicycle shall not have any points assessed against the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or probationary license under Ohio R.C. 4510.036.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, in the case of a violation of any section of this Traffic Code described in subsection (a) of this section by a bicycle operator or by a motor vehicle operator when the trier of fact finds that the violation by the motor vehicle operator endangered the lives of bicycle riders at the time of the violation, the court, notwithstanding any provision of this Traffic Code to the contrary, may require the bicycle operator or motor vehicle operator to take and successfully complete a bicycling skills course approved by the court in addition to or in lieu of any penalty otherwise prescribed by the Traffic Code for that violation.

(d) Subsections (b) and (c) of this section do not apply to violations of Section 333.01 of this Traffic Code. (ORC 4511.52)

(e) The provisions of this Traffic Code shall apply to bicycles except those which by their nature are not applicable.

373.02 RIDING UPON SEATS; HANDLEBARS; HELMETS AND GLASSES.

(a) For purposes of this section “snowmobile” has the same meaning as given that term in Ohio R.C 4519.01.

(b) No person operating a bicycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such bicycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, and no person shall ride upon a bicycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat.

(c) No person operating a motorcycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat or saddle attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle thereon, and no person shall ride upon a motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle.

(d) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a saddle other than while sitting astride the saddle, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

(e) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a seat other than while sitting upon the seat.

(f) No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.

(g) No bicycle or motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped. No motorcycle shall be operated on a highway when the handlebars rise higher than the shoulders of the operator when the operator is seated in the operator’s seat or saddle.

(h) Except as provided in subsection (i)(3) of this section, no person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. Except as provided in subsection (i)(3) of this section, no person who is under the age of eighteen years, or who holds a motorcycle operator’s endorsement or license bearing “novice” designation that is currently in effect as provided in Ohio R.C. 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses or other protective eye device shall conform with rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this subsection or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.

(i) (1) Except as provided in subsection (i)(3) of this section, no person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4507.05 unless the person, at the time of such operation, is wearing on the person’s head a protective helmet that conforms with rules adopted by the Director.
(2) No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4507.05 in any of the following circumstances:

A. At any time when lighted lights are required by Section 337.02(a)(1);
B. While carrying a passenger;
C. On any limited access highway.

(3) Subsections (h) and (i)(1) of this section do not apply to a person who operates or is a passenger in a cab-enclosed motorcycle when the occupant compartment top is in place enclosing the occupants.

(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the carrying of a child in a seat or trailer that is designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle.

(k) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.53)

373.03 ATTACHING BICYCLE OR SLED TO VEHICLE.

(a) No person riding upon any motorcycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or self to any vehicle upon a roadway. No operator shall knowingly permit any person riding upon any motorcycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle to attach the same or self to any vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway. This section does not apply to the towing of a disabled vehicle.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.54)

373.04 RIDING BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES ABREAST.

(a) Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.55)

373.05 SIGNAL DEVICE ON BICYCLE.

(a) A bicycle may be equipped with a device capable of giving an audible signal, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.56)

373.06 LIGHTS AND REFLECTOR ON BICYCLE; BRAKES.

(a) Every bicycle when in use at the times specified in Section 337.02, shall be equipped with the following:

(1) A lamp mounted on the front of either the bicycle or the operator that shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front; and three hundred feet to the sides. A generator-powered lamp that emits light only when the bicycle is moving may be used to meet this requirement.
(2) A red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from all distances from one hundred feet to six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
(3) A lamp emitting either flashing or steady red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear shall be used in addition to the red reflector; If the red lamp performs as a reflector in that it is visible as specified in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the red lamp may serve as the reflector and a separate reflector is not required.

(b) Additional lamps and reflectors may be used in addition to those required under subsection (a) of this section, except that red lamps and red reflectors shall not be used on the front of the bicycle and white lamps and white reflectors shall not be used on the rear of the bicycle.

(c) Every bicycle shall be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street or highway.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.56)

373.07 RIDING BICYCLE ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC RULES; PASSING.

(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

(b) This section does not require a person operating a bicycle to ride at the edge of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. Conditions that may require riding away from the edge of the roadway include when necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, surface hazards, or if it otherwise is unsafe or impracticable to do so, including if the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.55(A))

373.08 RECKLESS OPERATION; CONTROL, COURSE AND SPEED.

(a) No person shall operate a bicycle:

(1) Without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, and so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person while in the lawful use of the streets or sidewalks or any other public or private property;
(2) Without exercising reasonable and ordinary control over such bicycle;
(3) In a weaving or zigzag course unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation in compliance with law;
(4) Without both hands upon the handle grips except when necessary to give the required hand and arm signals, or as provided in Section 373.02(d);
(5) At a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

373.09 PARKING OF BICYCLE.

(a) No person shall park a bicycle upon a sidewalk in such a manner so as to unduly interfere with pedestrian traffic or upon a roadway so as to unduly interfere with vehicular traffic.

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

373.10 MOTORIZED BICYCLE OPERATION, EQUIPMENT AND LICENSE.

(a) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon any street or highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, unless all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The person is fourteen or fifteen years of age and holds a valid probationary motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in Ohio R.C. 4511.521, or the person is sixteen years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver’s license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4506, or a driver’s license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4507, or a valid motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in Ohio R.C. 4511.521, except that if a person is sixteen years of age, has a valid probationary motorized bicycle license and desires a motorized bicycle license, the person is not required to comply with the testing requirements provided for in Ohio R.C. 4511.521;
(2) The motorized bicycle is equipped in accordance with rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety and is in proper working order;
(3) The person, if under eighteen years of age, is wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head with the chin strap properly fastened, and the motorized bicycle is equipped with a rear-view mirror;
(4) The person operates the motorized bicycle when practicable within three feet of the right edge of the roadway obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles; and
(5) The motorized bicycle displays on the rear of such bicycle the current license plate or validation sticker furnished by the Ohio Director of Public Safety under Ohio R.C. 4503.191.

(b) No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized bicycle.

(c) Each probationary motorized bicycle license or motorized bicycle license shall be laminated with a transparent plastic material.

(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(ORC 4511.521)

373.11 PATHS EXCLUSIVELY FOR BICYCLES.

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or all-purpose vehicle upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, when an appropriate sign giving notice of such use is posted on the path.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any rule of the Ohio Director of Natural Resources governing the operation of motor vehicles, snowmobiles, all-purpose vehicles, and bicycles on lands under the Director’s jurisdiction.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.713)

CHAPTER 375
Snowmobiles, Off-Highway Motorcycles and All Purpose Vehicles

375.01 Definitions.
375.02 Equipment.
375.03 Code application; prohibited operation.
375.04 Permitted operation.
375.05 Licensing requirements of operator.
375.06 Registration of vehicles.
375.07 Accident reports.
375.08 Certificate of title.

CROSS REFERENCES

See sectional histories for similar State law
Lights, brakes and muffler – see OAC Ch. 4501.29
Power of trial court of record to impound registration certificate for certain violations – see Ohio R.C 4519.47
Power to regulate; municipal licensing prohibited – see Ohio R.C. 4519.48
Street or highway defined – see TRAF. 301.42
Required usage of helmets and safety glasses – see TRAF. 373.02(f)

375.01 DEFINITIONS.

As used in this chapter:

(a) “Snowmobile” means any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for use on snow or ice, and steered by skis, runners or caterpillar treads. (ORC 4519.01(A))
(b) “All purpose vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or on more than one type of terrain, and steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or any combination thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all season vehicles, mini-bikes and trail bikes. “All-purpose vehicle” does not include a utility vehicle as defined in Ohio R.C. 4501.01 or any vehicle principally used in playing golf, any motor vehicle or aircraft required to be registered under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4503 or Chapter 4561, and any vehicle excepted from definition as a motor vehicle by Section 301.20 of this Traffic Code.
(ORC 4519.01(B))
(c) “Owner” means any person, firm or corporation, other than a lienholder or dealer, having title to a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle, or other right to the possession thereof. (ORC 4519.01(C))
(d) “Operator” means any person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle or all purpose vehicle.
(e) “Limited access highway” or “freeway” means a highway especially designed for through traffic and over which abutting property owners have no easement or right of access by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon such highway, and access to which may be allowed only at highway intersections designated by the Ohio Director of Transportation. (ORC 5511.02)
(f) “Interstate highway” means any part of the interstate system of highways as defined in subsection (e), 90 Stat. 431 (1976), 23 U.S.C.A. 103, and amendments thereof.
(g) “Off-highway motorcycle” means every motorcycle, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4511.01, that is designed to be operated primarily on lands other than a street or highway. (ORC 4519.01)

375.02 EQUIPMENT.

(a) Equipment of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all purpose vehicles shall include, but not necessarily be limited to requirements for the following items:

(1) At least one headlight having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and objects at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness;
(2) At least one red taillight having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to be plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness;
(3) Adequate brakes. Every snowmobile, while traveling on packed snow, shall be capable of carrying a driver who weighs 175 pounds or more, and, while carrying such driver, be capable of stopping in not more than forty feet from an initial steady speed of twenty miles per hour, or locking its traction belt.
(4) A muffler system capable of precluding the emission of excessive smoke or exhaust fumes, and of limiting the engine noise of vehicles. On snowmobiles manufactured after January 1, 1973, such requirement shall include sound dampening equipment such that noise does not exceed eightytwo decibels on the “A” scale at fifty feet as measured according to SAE J192 (September 1970).

(b) No person shall operate any snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle in violation of this section, except that equipment specified in subsections (a)(1) and (2) hereof shall not be required on snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, or all purpose vehicles operated during the daylight hours.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not more than fifty dollars ($50.00). If the offender within the preceding year previously has committed a violation of subsection (b) of this section, whoever violates subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than fifteen dollars ($15.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00), imprisoned not more than three days, or both.
(ORC 4519.20)

375.03 CODE APPLICATION; PROHIBITED OPERATION.

(a) The applicable provisions of this Traffic Code shall be applied to the operation of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all purpose vehicles; except that no snowmobile, offhighway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle shall be operated as follows:

(1) On any street or highway except for emergency travel only during such time and in such manner as the State or local authority having jurisdiction over such street or highway shall designate, and except as provided in Section 375.04;
(2) Upon any property owned or leased by the Municipality except in areas designated for such purposes;
(3) On any private property, or in any nursery or planting area, without the permission of the owner or other person having the right to possession of the property;
(4) On any land or waters controlled by the State, except at those locations where a sign has been posted permitting such operation;
(5) On tracks or right of way of any operating railroad;
(6) While transporting any firearm, bow or other implement for hunting, that is not unloaded and securely encased;
(7) For the purpose of chasing, pursuing, capturing or killing any animal or wild fowl;
(8) During the time from sunset to sunrise, unless displaying lighted lights as required by Section 375.02.

(b) Whoever violates this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), imprisoned not less than three nor more than thirty days, or both. (ORC 4519.40)

375.04 PERMITTED OPERATION.

Snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, and all purpose vehicles may be operated as follows:

(a) To make a crossing of a highway, other than a freeway or limited access highway, whenever the crossing can be made in safety and will not interfere with the movement of vehicular traffic approaching from any direction on the highway, and provided that the operator yields the right of way to any approaching traffic that presents an immediate hazard;

(b) On highways in the County or Township road systems whenever the local authority having jurisdiction over such highway so permits;

(c) Off and alongside a street or highway for limited distances from the point of unloading from a conveyance to the point at which the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle is intended and authorized to be operated.

(d) On the berm or shoulder of a highway, other than a highway as designated in Ohio R.C. 4519.40(A), when the terrain permits such operation to be undertaken safely and without the necessity of entering any traffic lane;

(e) On the berm or shoulder of a county or township road, while traveling from one area of operation of the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle to another such area. (ORC 4519.41)

375.05 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS OF OPERATOR.

(a) No person who does not hold a valid, current motor vehicle driver’s or commercial driver’s license, motorcycle operator’s endorsement or probationary license issued under Ohio R.C. Chapter 4506 or 4507, or a valid, current driver’s license issued by another jurisdiction, shall operate a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle on any street or highway, on any portion of the right of way thereof, or on any public land or waters. This subsection shall not be construed to permit the holder of such a license to operate a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle in violation of Section 375.03.

(b) No person who is less than sixteen years of age shall operate a snowmobile, offhighway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle on any land or waters other than private property or waters owned by or leased to such person’s parent or guardian, unless accompanied by another person who is eighteen years of age, or older, and who holds a license as provided in subsection (a) hereof, except that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources may permit such operation on State controlled land under its jurisdiction when such person is less than sixteen years of age and is accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a licensed driver eighteen years of age or older.

(c) Whoever violates this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), imprisoned not less than three nor more than thirty days, or both. (ORC 4519.44)

375.06 REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES.

(a) Except as provided in Ohio R.C 4519.02(B), (C) and (D), no person shall operate any snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle unless the snowmobile, offhighway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle is registered and numbered in accordance with Ohio R.C. 4519.03 and 4519.04.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of subsection (a) of this section, whoever violates subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00). (ORC 4519.02)

375.07 ACCIDENT REPORTS.

(a) The operator of a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle involved in any accident resulting in bodily injury to or death of any person or damage to the property of any person in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall report the accident within forty-eight hours to the Chief of Police, and, within thirty days, shall forward a written report of the accident to the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles on a form prescribed by the Registrar. If the operator is physically incapable of making the reports and there is another participant in the accident not so incapacitated, the participant shall make the reports. In the event that there is no other participant, and the operator is other than the owner, the owner, within the prescribed periods of time, shall make the reports.

Any law enforcement officer or other person authorized by Ohio R.C. 4519.42 and 4519.43, who investigates or receives information of an accident involving a snowmobile, offhighway motorcycle, or all purpose vehicle shall forward to the Registrar a written report of the accident within forty-eight hours. (ORC 4519.46)

(b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

375.08 CERTIFICATE OF TITLE.

(a) No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Operate in this Municipality an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle without having a certificate of title for the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, if such a certificate is required by Ohio R.C. Chapter 4519 to be issued for the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, or, if a physical certificate of title has not been issued for it, operate an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle knowing that the ownership information relating to the motorcycle or vehicle has not been entered into the automated title processing system by a clerk of a court of common pleas;
(2) Operate in this Municipality an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle if a certificate of title to the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle has been issued and then has been canceled;
(3) Fail to surrender any certificate of title upon cancellation of it by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and notice of the cancellation as prescribed in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4519;
(4) Fail to surrender the certificate of title to a clerk of the court of common pleas as provided in Ohio R.C. Chapter 4519, in case of the destruction or dismantling of, or change in, the off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle described in the certificate of title;
(5) Violate any provision of Ohio R.C. 4519.51 to 4519.70 or any lawful rules adopted pursuant to those sections;
(6) Operate in this Municipality an off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle knowing that the certificate of title to or ownership of the motorcycle or vehicle as otherwise reflected in the automated title processing system has been canceled.

(b) Whoever violates this section shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) or imprisoned not more than ninety days, or both.
(ORC 4519.66)