Nov 7th, 2024
Paulozzi Joseph

Ohio Law and Insurance Requirements

In the possible event of an accident, all Ohio drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover any resulting damages. Driving without insurance in Ohio is an illegal action. The minimum coverage requirements for liability insurance in Ohio are as follows:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident
  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in any one accident
  • $25,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident

These are only the minimum requirements and it is important to consider purchasing additional coverage to protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Ohio

Those who are caught driving without insurance in Ohio will face penalties that can include:

  • Fines
  • License suspension
  • Criminal charges

A few different factors will impact the severity of the penalties, which include whether this is your first offense and whether you were involved in an accident at the time of the offense.

First Offense

First-time offenders can expect to encounter a fine of up to $500 and a license suspension for up to 90 days. You may also be required to obtain SR-22 insurance for a certain period of time, which can be costly. This type of insurance is designed for high-risk drivers and requires the insurance company to notify the state if your policy is canceled or lapses.

Second Offense

If this is your second offense within five years, you can expect a fine of up to $1,000 and a license suspension for up to one year. You will also be required to obtain SR-22 insurance for a longer period of time.

The penalties become even more severe for those involved in an accident while driving without insurance. In this case, you may be held personally responsible for any damages or injuries caused by the accident, which can result in significant financial hardship. This may also cause you to face criminal charges, including driving under suspension, reckless operation, or even vehicular homicide, depending on accident severity.

If you are caught driving without insurance and cannot provide proof of insurance at the time of the offense, your license plates may be confiscated on the spot. You will need to provide proof of insurance and pay a $100 reinstatement fee to get your plates back.

punishments for driving without insurance

What to Do If You Are Caught Driving Without Insurance

Contact a qualified attorney immediately if you are caught driving without insurance in Ohio; you will need someone who can help you navigate the legal system and minimize the consequences of your actions. Your attorney will help you understand your options and work to reduce fines, license suspensions, and other penalties.

If you do not have insurance, your attorney can also help you obtain the necessary coverage to comply with Ohio law and avoid future legal trouble. Remember, if you are required to obtain SR-22 insurance, your premiums will likely be higher than for a driver with a clean record.

It is also important to note that if you are caught driving without insurance, you may be tempted to simply pay the fine and move on. However, this could have long-term consequences such as higher insurance premiums and difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. It is always in your best interest to consult with an attorney before taking any action.

Preventing Accidents and Protecting Yourself

While driving without insurance is never a good idea, there are steps you can take to prevent accidents and protect yourself on the road. First and foremost, always obey traffic laws and drive defensively. This includes wearing your seatbelt, following posted speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving.

You should also consider purchasing additional insurance coverage to protect yourself in the event of an accident and stay compliant with Ohio’s insurance laws.

Contact an Attorney If Caught Driving Without Insurance

For those facing charges for driving without insurance in Ohio, the smartest decision is to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you navigate the legal system and work to minimize the consequences of your actions.

Our team at Paulozzi LPA in Cleveland, OH has years of experience handling cases related to driving without insurance. We understand the seriousness of this offense and are committed to helping our clients obtain the best possible outcome in their case.

If you need legal assistance due to driving without insurance, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our team of attorneys is standing by to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

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