Is Your Ohio Drivers License in Danger of Being Suspended?

Do you know how many points you currently have on your Ohio driving record? In the state of Ohio, if you aren’t careful, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of points. If you’ve had a couple accidents, an OVI / DUI charge, or even a few speeding tickets, you’re probably closer to having your driver’s license suspended than you realize.

In the state of Ohio, a number of things will happen if you accumulate 12 points on your driver’s license within a two year period.  Once you reach 12 points, your driver’s license will be suspended for 6 months from the 20^th day after the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles mails the notice to you.

To reinstate your Ohio driver’s license, you must complete the following steps:

• Successfully complete a remedial driving course through an accredited remedial school. If you are 18 or younger, you will participate in the juvenile driver improvement program.
• You must file FRA Insurance.
• Retake a driver’s license exam upon receiving form BMV 2000.
• Pay a reinstatement fee of $40 to the BMV.

Due to the fact it’s so easy to pile on the points to your driving record, it’s important to be aware of how many points you currently have. You can easily find out how many points you have online.

It’s also important to be aware that different offenses carry different amounts of points. Charges such as an OVI / DUI, vehicular homicide / assault, street racing, certain driving under suspensions and unauthorized use of a vehicle all carry 6 points. If you’re charged with an underage OVI / DUI, reckless operation, or speeding 30 miles over the speed limit you will face 4 points on your license. All other moving violations or speeding primarily carry 2 points.

If you’re facing a 12 point driver’s license suspension, you do have the option of appealing your suspension. In order to appeal, you must file in the county or municipal court where you live before the beginning date of your suspension and prove why your driving privileges should not be suspended. Additionally, you will also need to pay for any associated costs or fees. If you’re under 18, you will need to file your appeal in the juvenile court where you live.

If you have a lot of points on your license, taking a remedial driving course may be a viable option for avoiding a future 12 point driver’s license suspension. Participating in the course will give you a two point credit toward the total amount of points you have on your driving record. You may be eligible to participate if you have at least six and less than 12 points. While participating in the course will give you a credit, it will not remove any of the points that you already have.

If you’re confused about anything on your driving record or think that you have been wrongfully awarded points, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your options. Things may not be as bad they seem! If you are in need of legal assistance, contact the Columbus criminal defense attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates today.