Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws

About This Manual

• Overseen by Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
• Covers driver and vehicle licensing, registration, and motor vehicle laws.
• Not a substitute for Ohio Revised Code or Ohio Administrative Code.
• Available in multiple languages and formats.

BMV Online Services

• Schedule tests.
• Save place in line at Deputy Registrar.
• Renew or reprint licenses.

How to Get Your Driver License

Vision Screening and Knowledge Testing

• Minimum age: 15 years and 6 months.
• 40 multiple-choice questions.
• Available in multiple languages.

Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)

• Must be purchased within 60 days of passing tests.
• Requires proof of identity documentation.

Driver Education Requirements (Under Age 18)

• 24 hours of classroom/online instruction, 8 hours driving.

Motorcycle Ohio

• Course completion required for motorcycle license/endorsement.

Before You Drive

Inspecting Your Vehicle

• Regular maintenance essential for safety.
• Key equipment: brakes, lights, mirrors, tires, horn, exhaust.

Driver Position

• Proper seat and mirror adjustment for safety and comfort.

Safety Restraints

• Mandatory use of seat belts.
• Airbags as supplementary protection.

Be Alert

Vision

• Regular eye checks recommended.

Fatigue and Distracted Driving

• Fatigue impacts reaction time and vision.
• Distracted driving includes using electronic devices.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving

• Illegal to drive under influence.

Rules of the Road

Speed Limits

• Based on road condition and type.

Right-of-Way

• Yield to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and at intersections.

Traffic Signals and Signs

• Follow lights, signs, and pavement markings.

Learning to Drive

Basic Driving

• Starting, moving, and stopping the vehicle.
• Proper steering techniques.

Intersections and Turns

• Identifying traffic controls and proper signaling.

Roundabouts

• Entering and navigating safely.

Lane Usage

• Proper lane travel and changing lanes.

Passing

• Safe passing practices.

Railroad Crossings

• Safety measures and stopping rules.

School Bus Rules

• Stop for buses with flashing lights.

Parking

• Follow local parking rules and avoid no-parking zones.

State Laws and Penalties

Insurance and Financial Responsibility

• Proof required at stops or crashes.

Alcohol and Drug Penalties

• Strict penalties for impaired driving.

Child Passenger Safety

• Laws for child restraint systems.

Special Driving Situations

Police and Traffic Stops

• Steps to follow when pulled over.

Night and Fog Driving

• Use headlights appropriately.

Winter Driving

• Adjust speed for snow and ice.

Work Zones

• Follow signs and reduce speed.

Safe Driving Tips

Visual Search

• Be aware of surroundings and blind spots.

Speed and Space Management

• Adjust speed for conditions and maintain safe following distance.

Communication

• Use signals and headlights to communicate with other drivers.

Preventing Heat Injuries

• Never leave children or pets in vehicles.

Sharing the Road

Pedestrians

• Yield and be cautious, especially near schools.

Motorcyclists

• Allow full lane and check blind spots.

Bicyclists

• Maintain a safe distance and be aware of hand signals.

Commercial Vehicles

• Be cautious due to larger blind spots and longer stopping distances.

Emergency Vehicles

• Move over and give the right of way.

Emergency Situations

Avoiding Crashes

• Brake and steer effectively.

Vehicle Malfunctions

• Know how to handle brake failure and tire blowouts.

In the Event of a Crash

• Exchange information and report to authorities.

Driving Test and Licensing

Taking the Driving Test

• Includes maneuverability and on-road skills.

Abbreviated Adult Driver Training

• Required if failing test after age 18.

Purchasing Your License

• Visit Deputy Registrar with required documents.

What Else Should I Know?

New Residents

• Must obtain Ohio license and vehicle registration within 30 days.

Safe Our Sight Fund and Organ Donor Registry

• Opportunities for donations when registering vehicles.

Voter Registration and ID R Kids

• Services available through BMV.