A traffic ticket conviction in Ohio normally leads to fines and demerit points going on your driving record. However, by taking a defensive driving defensive driving course, you can get a two-point credit. And, if you opt to fight your ticket and you win, there won’t be any fines or points.
Below are the fines and other penalties for some more common Ohio traffic violations. However, depending on the situation, judges have the power to deviate from these fine amounts.
What are the Fines, Points, and Jail for Ohio Speeding Tickets?
The penalties for speeding citations vary depending on the speed, the location of the violation, and the driver’s record.
Ohio has Three Types of Speed Limits
Ohio has three types of speed limits: prima facie, absolute, and basic. The basic limit requires motorists to always drive at a reasonable speed in relation to the existing conditions. Absolute limits are just what they sound like—the maximum speed a motorist can lawfully drive. Prima facie limits are similar to absolute limits except the driver can beat the ticket by showing that—despite exceeding the posted limit—he or she was driving at a safe speed. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4511.21 (2024).)
Ohio's Speeding Ticket Penalties
First & Second Speeding Violations in OH:
- Classification - Minor misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $150
- Jail - None
- Points - 0, 2 or, 4
Third Speeding Violation Within a Year in OH:
- Classification - Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $250
- Jail - 30 days maximum
- Points - 0, 2 or, 4
Fourth or Subsequent Speeding Violation Within a Year in OH:
- Classification - Third-degree misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $500
- Jail - 60 days maximum
- Points - 0, 2 or, 4
Speeding Faster than 35 MPH in a Business District in OH:
- Classification - Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $250
- Jail - 30 days maximum
- Points - 2 or 4
Speeding Faster than 35 MPH in a School Zone in OH:
- Classification - Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $250
- Jail - 30 days maximum
- Points - 2 or 4
The fines are generally doubled for speeding violations that occur in a construction zone. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2929.28 (2024); Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2929.25 (2024); Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2929.24 (2024).)
What Are the Fines, Jail, and Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Ohio?
Stop sign and red light tickets carry the same penalties.
Ohio's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Laws
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. Right turns on red are allowed so long as the driver makes a complete stop first. Typically, stop sign and red light violations carry the same penalties. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4511.13 (2024); Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4511.43 (2024).)
Ohio's Stop Sign and Red Light Ticket Penalties
First Offense:
- Classification - Minor misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $150
- Jail - None
- Points - 2
Second Offense within a Year:
- Classification - Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $250
- Jail - 30 days maximum
- Points - 2
Third Offense within a Year:
- Classification - Third-degree misdemeanor
- Fines - Up to $500
- Jail - 60 days maximum
- Points - 2
For red light camera tickets, no points are assessed. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2929.28 (2024); Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2929.25 (2024); Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2929.24 (2024).)
How Much Will a Distracted Driving Ticket Cost in Ohio?
The penalties for distracted driving tickets in Ohio depend on the number of prior convictions. Distracted driving is an unclassified misdemeanor.
Ohio's Distracted Driving Laws
Ohio’s distracted driving laws prohibit texting while driving for all motorists and talking on a cell phone for underage motorists who are driving with a temporary instruction permit or probationary license. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4511.204 (2024).)
Ohio's Distracted Driving Ticket Penalties
First Distracted Driving Offense in OH:
- Fines - Up to $150
- Suspension - None
- Points - 2
Second Distracted Driving Offense Within Two Years in OH:
- Fines - Up to $250
- Suspension - None
- Points - 3
Third Distracted Driving Offense Within Two Years in OH:
- Fines - Up to $500
- Suspension - 90 days possible
- Points - 4
First Underage Distracted Driving Offense in OH:
- Fines - $150
- Suspension - 60 days
- Points - 2
Second Underage Distracted Driving Offense in OH:
- Fines - $300
- Suspension - 1 year
- Points - 2
First-time violators who opt to complete a distracted driving course can avoid points and the fine.