When driving in a new state, there are various things you need to consider to make your journey as smooth, and enjoyable, but most importantly, as safe as possible.
Therefore, if you’re looking to drive around the great state of Ohio, it’s highly important you’re aware of all the laws that apply to road users.
In this article, we’ll take you through the many essential laws you need to follow when driving in Ohio.
- Minimum coverage requirement
One of the most important laws to know for driving in Ohio, is the minimum requirement for car insurance coverage. This is the type of coverage you need to have in order to be a legal road user.
In the state of Ohio, the minimum requirement is liability coverage.
This third-party coverage comes in two forms – bodily injury liability and property damage liability:
- Bodily injury liability – This coverage helps cover the cost of damages to another person you injure when driving. For instance, when you injure someone who’s not in your car in an accident, this can help cover their medical bills.
- Property damage liability – This coverage helps cover any damage to another person’s property. If, for example, you damage someone’s wall or fence, this can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Another important thing to know about this insurance is that Ohio has a specified limit on how much an insurer will pay out for this type of claim. When it comes to bodily injury liability, Ohio driver’s limits are $25,000/$50,000.
This means each driver carries $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person they injure, and if they injure more than one person in a single accident, the maximum limit is $50,000.
This is important to consider when choosing your insurance options and aligning them with your budget.
- Speed limits
Another important law to know when driving in Ohio is the speed limit that apply to each type of road. Following these limits is essential for staying both legal and safe when driving.
The limits are:
- School zones – Any zones where school children are present, the limit can go down to 15 mph.
- City areas – Standard city areas usually have a limit of 25 mph, but this may vary.
- Urban interstate roads and highways – These roads often have a speed limit of 50-65 mph.
- Divided highways and interstates – These roads are 55-70mph. Ohio is one of the few states that allows a 70mph limit on a non-freeway highway.
Make sure you’re vigilant with your car’s speed on each of these road types when in Ohio.
- Driving whilst under the influence
Driving whilst under the influence (DUI) is illegal, full stop. That being said, each state will have different laws that will apply to the punishments for DUIs.
In Ohio, your first DUI offence can result in 3 days to 6 months in jail, as well as a fine up to $1,075 and a license suspension of 1 to 3 years.
A second offence can result in 10 days to 6 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,625, and a license suspension of 1 to 7 years.
A third offence could see you spending 30 days to 1 year in jail, a fine up to $2,750, and a license suspension of 2 to 12 years.
As always, never drive if under the influence of any alcohol or substance that could affect your driving.
- Parking
In Ohio, there are many regulations on parking which you need to follow. Some of these are:
- No parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
- No parking on a crosswalk, in the middle of an intersection, or on a highway bridge or tunnel.
- No double parking – parking alongside another vehicle.
- No parking within 30 feet of a safety zone.
—
It’s crucial you follow these laws when driving in Ohio, as not only will it make you a safer driver for yourself and others, but it can also help you avoid any issues when making an insurance claim.
