If You Get a Ticket in Ohio

Please note that your state and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regularly update these CDL requirements. Please visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website and the FMCSA website for the most authoritative and up-to-date information regarding CDL requirements and processes.

If you possess an Ohio CDL and receive a traffic violation within the state of Ohio, the court will notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which will then assess the points to be added to your driving record and any disqualifications against you, based on the severity of the violation. If you receive a violation outside of the state of Ohio, you are required by law to report it to the Ohio BMV within 10 days. Failure to do so is considered a misdemeanor.

The most important thing to remember when you receive a citation of any type is that you have the option to contact an attorney, who can help you fight for a much better outcome. No driver should ever pay a ticket without first talking with an experienced law firm that understands commercial driving laws. In many cases, they can help you keep your job and maintain your ability to keep driving for the long term.

Commercial Driving Laws in Ohio
Violations for commercial drivers in the state of Ohio can result in the temporary loss of driving privileges or even permanent revocation of your CDL, depending on the severity and frequency of violations. In general, two traffic or moving violations within a 3-year period will result in the loss of your driving privileges for a minimum of 60 days. Drivers who are convicted of 3 violations within a 3-year period will lose driving privileges for a minimum of 120 days. These penalties may apply whether the violations occurred in your commercial or personal vehicle.

The following violations are considered serious offenses. Drivers convicted of these offenses will be subject to temporary suspension of driving privileges, based on prior convictions and the period of time that has elapsed between violations.

• Driving in excess of 15 mph over the speed limit: Considered a serious traffic offense for commercial drivers and may result in disqualification.
• Improper lane changes: Unsafe or abrupt lane changes without appropriate signaling or caution are violations under FMCSA rules.
• Reckless driving: Defined as willful disregard for the safety of others while operating a commercial vehicle.
• Following too closely: Tailgating is especially dangerous in larger vehicles and can lead to serious penalties.
• Negligence with a commercial vehicle that results in a fatality: A major offense that can lead to license revocation and criminal charges.
• Exceeding weight limitations on specified roads or highways: Violates both state and federal regulations and endangers road integrity.
• Exceeding 55 mph while towing a trailer: A common state-specific violation that can compromise safety and vehicle control.
• Failing to follow logbook regulations: Inaccurate or falsified hours-of-service logs are considered serious FMCSA violations.
• Violating downhill grade restrictions: Disregarding posted speed limits or gear requirements on downhill grades can lead to loss of vehicle control and penalties.

It is important to note that failure to notify your employer or the court about any prior traffic convictions, even if they occurred in another state, is considered an additional violation.

Railroad Crossings
Commercial vehicles are required to stop or slow down prior to crossing railroad tracks and must ensure that there is proper clearance both in front of and under the vehicle. Violations of these requirements will result in revocation of your license for at least 60 days for a first offense, at least 120 days for a second offense, and one year for third or subsequent offenses within three years.

Out-Of-Service Orders (OSO)
In some situations, a police officer may issue an out-of-service order at the time of a violation. The OSO applies to both the driver and the commercial vehicle. The OSO temporarily prohibits the driver from operating the vehicle for varying amounts of time, depending on prior violations. Drivers who drive in violation of OSO restrictions will be subject to a 180-day revocation of their CDL on the first offense. Subsequent offenses will result in revocations of up to three years.

Remember, the most important thing to remember when you receive a ticket is that you should never just pay the ticket or the court fees without first talking to a legal representative who understands trucking laws. While you want to maintain a clean driving record, unforeseen violations can happen. When they do, you need expert legal protection. Drivers Legal Plan, the Nation's Leading CDL Defense Law Firm, is ready to defend your rights and your career.