Key points
In Ohio it is illegal to drive distracted, including using a wireless device.
Source: Section 3
“In Ohio, it is illegal to drive distracted. This includes using an electronic wireless communication device.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3It is illegal in most cases to use, hold or support a phone while driving.
Source: Section 3
“It is illegal in most cases to use, hold, or physically support a cell phone or electronic wireless communications device while driving on Ohio roads.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3Drivers over 18 may use hands-free technology if they do not hold or support the device.
Source: Section 3
“The law allows drivers over 18 years old to make and receive phone calls using “hands-free” technology, and use other device features, as long as they do not hold or support the device”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3You may use a phone to report an emergency to police, a hospital, a fire department or similar.
Source: Section 3
“Reporting an emergency to law enforcement, a hospital, health care provider, fire department or similar emergency entity.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3First phone offense in two years: 2 points and a fine up to $150.
Source: Section 3
“1st offense in two years: 2 points assessed to Driver License, up to a $150 fine.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3Third or more in two years: 4 points, up to $500 and a possible 90 day suspension. Fines double in work zones.
Source: Section 3
“3rd or more in two years: 4 points assessed to Driver License, up to a $500 fine, possible 90-day suspension of Driver License. Fines doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3It is illegal to drive without insurance or to let anyone drive your car uninsured.
Source: Section 6
“In Ohio, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without insurance, and it is illegal for a vehicle owner to allow anyone else to drive his or her motor vehicle without insurance.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 6Minimum liability: $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more and $25,000 for property.
Source: Section 6
“$25,000 for injury/death of one person, and $50,000 for injury/death of two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage in an accident;”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 6Six points in two years brings a warning letter from the BMV.
Source: Section 6
“If a driver accumulates six points within a two-year period, the BMV will send a six-point warning letter to the driver.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 6Twelve or more points in two years brings a 12-point suspension.
Source: Section 6
“If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a two-year period, the BMV will impose a 12-point suspension of the Driver License.”
Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 6
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | drivers over this age may use hands-free | Section 3 |
| 2 points | first offense | Section 3 |
| $150 | maximum first offense fine | Section 3 |
| 4 points | third offense | Section 3 |
| $500 | maximum third offense fine | Section 3 |
| 90 days | possible suspension | Section 3 |
| $25,000 | minimum per person and property coverage | Section 6 |
| $50,000 | minimum coverage for two or more people | Section 6 |
| 6 points | warning letter threshold | Section 6 |
| 12 points | suspension threshold | Section 6 |
3 questions from the Ohio practice test
1. Which activity is specifically allowed as an exception to Ohio’s hands-free restriction?
- Reporting an emergency
- Reading a new text at a red light
- Typing a destination while moving
- Holding the phone during a lane change
Show answer
Reporting an emergency. Reporting an emergency to law enforcement, a hospital, a health care provider, a fire department, or a similar emergency entity is an express exception. Reading messages at a red light remains risky and is not transformed into ordinary permitted use by the stop. Typing while moving and holding the device during a lane change are also outside the exception. The cue is genuine emergency reporting, not convenience or routine communication.
2. How many Ohio penalty points accumulated within two years cause the BMV to impose a point suspension?
- 9 points
- 6 points
- 12 or more points
- 18 points
Show answer
12 or more points. The BMV imposes a 12-point suspension when a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a two-year period. Six points trigger a warning letter, not the suspension, while nine and eighteen are not the thresholds stated here. The cue is the progression: six means warning, twelve means suspension. Read the time window too, because the rule counts points within two years rather than across an unlimited driving history.
3. What financial responsibility document must accompany reinstatement after an Ohio 12-point suspension?
- A notarized apology letter
- A community service certificate
- A vehicle inspection waiver
- An SR-22 bond filed with the BMV
Show answer
An SR-22 bond filed with the BMV. Ohio lists filing an SR-22 bond with the BMV among the requirements for reinstating driving privileges after a 12-point suspension. The SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not an apology letter or proof of community service. An inspection waiver is unrelated to this reinstatement step. Pair the document with the other listed requirements, including a remedial course and retaking the license examination.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Ohio practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Ohio Driver Manual, Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, Section 3: Be Alert. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.