Ohio Distracted Driving and DUI Laws

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Questions and Answers

What is the consequence for a first violation of using an electronic device while driving for drivers under 18 years old?

1-year Driver License suspension and a $300 fine

60-day Driver License suspension and a $150 fine (correct)

90-day Driver License suspension and a $200 fine

30-day Driver License suspension and a $100 fine

What defines a secondary offense for drivers age 18 years and older in Ohio?

Ignoring speed limits while driving

Committing a traffic violation while distracted (correct)

Driving without a valid license

Using a device while driving without a traffic violation

Under Ohio law, when is it illegal for drivers under 18 to use electronic devices?

Only during nighttime driving

Only when stopped at traffic lights

Any time during their drive, including traffic jams (correct)

When on a highway only

What is a consequence of reckless driving due to distraction in jurisdictions with primary offense ordinances?

Being pulled over for the sole purpose of the offense Signup and view all the answers

What are possible effects of alcohol and drugs on driving ability?

Reduced ability to judge distance and speed Signup and view all the answers

What happens on the second violation of using an electronic device while driving for drivers under 18?

1-year Driver License suspension and a $300 fine Signup and view all the answers

How does Ohio classify driving while distracted for adults?

As a secondary offense Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are considered in determining reasonable speed limits?

Road design, expected traffic volume, and visibility Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum liability insurance requirement for injury or death of one person in Ohio?

$25,000 Signup and view all the answers

Under Ohio law, what happens to drivers who cannot show proof of insurance during a traffic stop?

Their license plate may be impounded Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when passing another vehicle?

Signal your intention to pass when it is safe. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation prohibits passing another vehicle?

When an oncoming vehicle is approaching. Signup and view all the answers

What is the liability coverage required in Ohio for property damage in an accident?

$25,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence for accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period in Ohio?

Requirement to file proof of high-risk insurance Signup and view all the answers

On a multi-lane roadway, which lane is designated for passing?

Left-most lane. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid way to demonstrate financial responsibility in Ohio?

Paying a one-time fee Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to cross solid double-yellow lines?

To pass a slow-moving vehicle when safe. Signup and view all the answers

When is proof of financial responsibility required to be shown in Ohio?

Whenever law enforcement issues a traffic ticket Signup and view all the answers

What does a two-way left turn lane signify?

A lane reserved for left-turning vehicles only. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you see a round yellow warning sign with an ‘X’ symbol?

Prepare to slow down and be ready to stop. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum liability insurance requirement for injury or death of two or more people in Ohio?

$50,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the solid yellow line in your lane on a two-lane roadway?

To show that passing is prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

What must a vehicle owner do if they wish to avoid liability insurance while owning more than 25 motor vehicles?

Establish a certificate of self-insurance Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your view is blocked by a curve while driving?

Do not attempt to pass another vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper way to park a vehicle on a one-way street?

Parallel to the right or left curb, not more than 12 inches from either. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations is it prohibited to park a vehicle?

Within 20 feet of a crosswalk. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you must park your vehicle on a hill?

Turn your front wheels toward the curb and set the parking brake. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for identifying the driver if a bus driver reports an unlawful passing?

The law enforcement agency is responsible. Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable to park in a space marked for people with disabilities?

If you have a disability placard or license plate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following curb markings indicates no parking?

Red curb. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance you should park your vehicle from the right curb?

12 inches. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if parking in a designated no-parking zone?

You should not stop, park, or stand in that area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for individuals under the age of 21 in Ohio?

0.02% Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an individual consents to a chemical test and the results show a BAC of 0.08% or higher?

Their Driver License will be confiscated and a suspension begins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving abilities?

They can cause blurred vision and slower response times. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of refusing to submit to a chemical test after being arrested for suspected impaired driving in Ohio?

The Driver License will be confiscated and a suspension will begin. Signup and view all the answers

At what age is it legal to consume alcohol and operate a motor vehicle in Ohio?

21 years or older Signup and view all the answers

What type of driving impairment may result from taking prescription or over-the-counter medication?

Reduced ability to judge distance and speed Signup and view all the answers

How long can a license suspension last if an individual is found with a BAC over the legal limit?

Up to five years Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a sobriety test, what does the arresting officer evaluate to establish evidence of impaired driving?

Physical findings and results from a chemical test Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Distracted Driving

Ohio law prohibits distracted driving, including using handheld electronic devices.
Drivers 18 years and older face a $100 fine or a fine and distracted driving course for a secondary offense.
Local jurisdictions may have primary offense ordinances allowing for traffic stops based solely on cell phone use while driving.
Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any electronic devices while driving, even at traffic lights or in traffic jams.
Exceptions include navigation devices and emergency calls.
First violation results in a 60-day Driver License suspension and a $150 fine.
Second violation results in a 1-year Driver License suspension and a $300 fine.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving

It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Ohio.
Legally prescribed or over-the-counter medication can affect driving abilities.
Effects of alcohol and drugs include:
- Vision: Blurred vision, reduced focus, and difficulty judging distance, speed, and other vehicles' movement.
- Reaction Time: Slowed processing speed and delayed responses to driving situations.
- Judgment: Reduced awareness of surroundings and impaired decision-making.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are determined based on road design, expected traffic volume, and visibility conditions.
They are intended to be reasonable speeds for safe driving.

Passing

Check for oncoming traffic, mirrors, and following vehicles, signal intentions, adjust speed as needed, and ensure the passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror before returning to the lane.
On multi-lane roads, the left lane is for passing slower vehicles.
Passing is prohibited on the shoulder.
Passing is prohibited when:
- Oncoming traffic is present.
- The view is obstructed by curves or hills.
- At intersections.
- Before a highway-railroad crossing or bridge.

Solid Double Yellow Lines

Passing is prohibited from both directions when there is a solid double-yellow line in the center of the road.
Crossing the centerline is permitted for left turns into driveways or to pass slow vehicles safely.

Passing Zones

Passing is prohibited on the side with a solid yellow line.
Passing is permitted when a broken yellow line is present.

Center Two-Way Left Turn Lane

This lane is for left-turning vehicles only. It should not be used for passing, merging, or traveling through.

Railroad Crossings

Round, yellow signs with an “X” symbol and “RR” letters, or a white, X-shaped (crossbuck) sign saying "Railroad Crossing," mark crossings.
Be prepared to stop upon seeing or hearing a train, and slow down when approaching crossings with flashing red lights, with or without gates.

Parking

Park in designated areas.
Park facing the direction of traffic on that side of the street, parallel to the right curb, no more than 12 inches from the curb.
On one-way streets, parking is allowed parallel to both the right or left curb within 12 inches.
Angled parking is marked with lines.
Check for signs or colored curb markings that may prohibit or limit parking.
Don’t park in spaces with a wheelchair symbol reserved for people with disabilities unless you have a disability placard or license plate.
Prohibited parking locations include:
- Sidewalks.
- Front of public or private driveways.
- Within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk.
- Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Within one foot of another parked vehicle.
- Alongside a stopped or parked vehicle.
- Where signs indicate no stopping.
Bicycles, electric bicycles, mopeds, motor scooters, or micro-mobility devices can be parked on sidewalks if they don't interrupt pedestrian flow.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels towards the curb, shift from "DRIVE" to "PARK" gear, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.

Insurance - Financial Responsibility

Owning a vehicle without insurance is illegal in Ohio.
Owners cannot allow others to drive their vehicles without insurance.
Proof of insurance is required for:
- Traffic tickets.
- Vehicle inspection stops.
- Traffic Court appearances.
- Traffic crashes causing more than $400 in damage.
Minimum liability insurance requirements include:
- $25,000 for injury/death of one person.
- $50,000 for injury/death of two or more people.
- $25,000 for property damage in an accident.
Drivers with serious traffic violations, points accumulation, or crashes without insurance may be required to have high-risk coverage.
Registration and Driver License applications require a signed statement affirming that liability insurance or another form of financial responsibility is in place.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving - Penalties

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Ohio.
The legal drinking age is 21 years or older.
It’s illegal to drive with a BAC of:
- .08% or higher at any age.
- .04% or higher for commercial drivers.
- .02% or higher for drivers under age 21.
For suspected DUI, officers will conduct sobriety tests and request chemical tests to determine blood alcohol and/or drug content.
Evidence of impairment involves physical indications and results of blood, breath, plasma, or urine tests.
Administrative License Suspension (ALS):
- If a chemical test within two hours of arrest shows a BAC of .08% or higher, the officer will confiscate the driver’s License, send a sworn statement to the BMV, and immediately start a suspension for up to five years.
- If the driver refuses a chemical test, the officer will confiscate the License, send a sworn statement to the BMV, and immediately start a suspension for one to five years, regardless of the outcome of the OVI charge.
- Drivers can request independent chemical tests at their expense.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Ohio's laws regarding distracted driving and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Understand the fines, penalties, and exceptions for drivers in the state. This quiz covers critical information that every driver should know to ensure safety and compliance.