Road Safety Rules

Headlights and Visibility

• Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and during poor visibility.
• High beam headlights can be used when necessary.
• Headlights must be used when windshield wipers are in use due to precipitation.

Turn Signals

• Use turn signals when changing direction to the right or left.
• Activate turn signals 100 feet prior to changing direction.

Hazard Lights

• Use hazard lights to increase visibility when stopped on or near a roadway.

Driver Position

• Practice good driving posture by sitting upright with back against the seat and feet against the floor.
• Adjust seat to have a clear view through the windshield.
• Keep feet positioned to pivot smoothly from brake to accelerator.
• Ensure the top of the steering wheel is no higher than the shoulders and below the chin.
• Maintain at least 10 inches between the chest and the steering wheel for airbag deployment.
• Adjust head restraints to contact the back of the head, not below the ears, to avoid whiplash.

Distracted Driving

• In Ohio, it is illegal for drivers 18 and above to use, hold, or physically support a cell phone or electronic wireless communications device while driving.
• Penalties for distracted driving include:
  • 1st offense: 2 points assessed to driver's license, up to $150 fine
  • 2nd offense: 3 points assessed to driver's license, up to $250 fine
  • 3rd or more offense: 4 points assessed to driver's license, up to $500 fine, and possible 90-day suspension
• Fines double if violation occurs in a work zone.
• Drivers under 18 cannot use any electronic device while driving, even hands-free.
• Penalties for drivers under 18 include:
  • 1st offense: 60-day driver's license suspension, $150 fine
  • 2nd offense: 1-year driver's license suspension, $300 fine

Speed Limits

• Speed limits in Ohio include:
  • 15 mph in alleys within municipal corporations
  • 20 mph in school zones during recess and normal hours
  • 25 mph on streets within municipal corporations
  • 35 mph on state routes through highways, except controlled-access highways
  • 50 mph on state routes within municipal corporations outside urban districts
  • 55 mph on freeways with paved shoulders inside municipal corporations
  • 70 mph on rural freeways

Traffic Signals

• Red: Stop
• Yellow: Slow down with caution
• Green: Proceed with caution
• Flashing yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution
• Flashing red: Stop, then proceed with caution
• Inoperable traffic light: Treat as a stop sign, yield right-of-way, and use caution

Lane Pavement Markings

• White lines: Separate traffic traveling in the same direction
• Yellow solid lines: Separate traffic traveling in the opposite direction
• Yellow broken lines: Vehicles may pass when safe to do so

Alcohol and the Law

• The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21 years or older.
• It is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of:
  • .08% or higher at any age
  • .04% or higher for commercial drivers
  • .02% or higher for drivers under 21
• Administrative license suspension (ALS) penalties include:
  • 1st refusal: 1-year license suspension
  • 1 prior refusal: Enhanced penalties