Driving Under Suspension in Ohio

If your driver’s license has been suspended for any reason under the Ohio Revised Code, you may not drive any motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roads, highways, public property, or private property used by the public until your driving privileges have been reinstated. If you are found to be driving under suspension and you do not have limited driving privileges, you may be charged under ORC 4510.11 with a first-degree misdemeanor.

If convicted of driving under suspension, you face an additional two (2) points on your driving record. The court may impose a Class 7 Suspension of your driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary driver’s permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privileges. This will suspend your driving privileges for up to one year if imposed.

A conviction of driving under suspension could mean sizable fines, lengthy periods of jail time or community service, and a mark on your permanent criminal record. For subsequent offenses within three years, you could face vehicle immobilization, forfeiture, or impound plates. If you have recently been charged, we highly suggest that you contact an experienced Ohio traffic defense lawyer who can work to reduce the charges and penalties you face. A good attorney will also fight to protect your remaining driving privileges as well as your rights.

* C.S. denotes community service. If not specified, it refers to jail time.

Are you looking for additional information or other offenses that fall under the general driving under suspension category?

• Ohio BMV Point System – Learn more about Ohio’s laws about driving under a suspended license and the BMV points you may incur.
• – Though this offense does not carry any BMV points, a conviction may result in fines, community service, or even jail time.
• Driving Under 12-Point Suspension – In Ohio, your driver’s license will be suspended for 12 or more points on your driving record within a two-year period. If you are found guilty of driving on a 12-point suspension, you will have to serve a minimum of three (3) days in jail.
• Wrongful Entrustment – Allowing someone to drive your vehicle if they are not permitted to do so under Ohio law can lead to fines, a misdemeanor conviction on your record, and community service or jail time if convicted.
• Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License in Ohio – You are required to maintain a valid driver’s license in Ohio and in the U.S. The penalties you face if charged depend on whether you have ever had a driver’s license and if you have had other offense on your record.
• Failure to Reinstate a Driver’s License – If your driver’s license is suspended, you are prohibited from driving again until you have complied with reinstatement requirements. If you are found to be driving prior to completing these requirements, you may face additional suspension and other, more severe penalties.
• Failure to Display a Driver’s License – If you are pulled over by a police officer or involved in an auto accident, you can be charged with failure to display your driver’s license or provide proof of license if you make a refusal.
• Driving Under Suspension for Failing to Appear – Learn more about the penalties you face if you fail to appear in court, fail to pay fines, or default on child support payments.

Our Columbus Criminal Defense Team Can Help You. Contact us.

If you have been charged with driving under suspension, you’re probably wondering what your options are. The team at Luftman, Heck & Associates has years of experience handling these types of cases and winning optimal outcomes for our clients. Call a Columbus criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation. To contact us, call us at or email us via advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.