Things to Know About Ohio's Driving Laws

Substitute House Bill 343 - Signed into law on January 4, 2007, this new Graduated Driver License Law went into effect on April 6, 2007. Click here to find out more about the changes that affect Ohio's young drivers.

Graduated Driver License Law - The Ohio Graduated Driver License Law (GDL) mandates that a young driver receive a minimum of 24 clock hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in driver training. In addition to this requirement, they must receive at least 50 hours of in-car practice (10 of these at night) with a parent or legal guardian.

Senate Bill 123 - In 2003, the Ohio legislature voted to lower Ohio's legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level from .10 to .08. In coordination with this change, Senate Bill 123 revised Ohio's laws concerning impaired driving and consequent punishments.

Senate Bill 163 - This law provides an additional prison term or term of imprisonment for certain repeat driving imparied offenders and provides an increased penalty for an OVI conviction if the offender refused to take a chemical test after being arrested for the offense and has a prior OVI or OVUAC conviction, among other changes.

Ohio Revised Code (Chapter §4508) - Legal definitions and clarification of administration and enforcement of rules, driver training for disabled persons, requirements for instructor and school licenses, license fees, motorcycle safety and education programs, exemptions and penalties.

Ohio Administrative Code (Chapter §4501-7) - Legal definitions and clarification of instructor character and fitness requirements, place of business, application for and renewal of school licenses, application for and renewal of licenses for instructors and managers, qualifications for those instructing persons with a disability, insurance and bonding for training, required instructor training, training agreements, records, requirements for vehicles used in training, advertising and soliciting business, and guarantees.