In Ohio, you can accumulate no more than 12 points on your driving record within a two-year period. With 12 or more points on your BMV record, you will be considered a repeat traffic offender. If you accumulate 12 points on your driving record, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will send you a notice of suspension. Your suspension term begins 20 days after the BMV sends the letter to you, and it lasts six (6) months. Getting 12 points on your license is a level 1 misdemeanor, punishable by 3-180 days in jail (or community service) and up to a $1000 fine. The Ohio 12-point suspension lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates can better help you understand your options.
If you violate your 12 point suspension and you are found to be driving during this period, you will be charged under Ohio Revised Code 4510.037(J). This code section states that any person whose driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, driving permit, or nonresident operating privileges are suspended as a repeat traffic offender and who, during the suspension, operates any motor vehicle upon any public roads and highways is guilty of driving under a twelve-point suspension. In Ohio, this is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and the court will sentence you to a minimum of three days in jail. The minimum three days is not waived.
Driving under 12 point suspension will also add six (6) additional points on your driving record.
If you are getting close to 12 points on your driving record, you may want to consider taking a remedial driving class. This will typically provide you with a two (2) point credit. This does not reduce the overall number of points you have, but it gives you some leeway in case you happen to accumulate additional points on your record. This only applies if the driving course is voluntary; if a remedial driving class is mandated by an Ohio court, then you will not receive a two (2) point credit.
Offense
Level |
Degree |
Jail* |
Fines |
Class 7
Suspension |
Vehicle
Immobilized |
Vehicle
Forfeited |
Impound Plates
Req’d |
| Any |
M-1 |
3-180 days |
$0-1000 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
* This could also include community service.
Our Columbus 12 Point Suspension Lawyers Can Help You
If you have been charged with driving under suspension, you’re probably wondering what your options are. Contact the Columbus driving under suspension lawyers at LHA today. The team at Luftman, Heck & Associates has years of experience these cases for clients. Call a Columbus criminal defense lawyer today for a free consultation. To contact us, call us at (614) 500-3836 or email us via advice@columbuscriminalattorney.com.
