Getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone, but it’s more than just passing a test in Ohio. The state has specific Ohio teen driving laws designed to help young drivers gain experience while staying safe. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, will walk teens and their parents through Ohio teen driving laws, restrictions, and the steps necessary to hit the road legally and safely.
Ohio’s driving laws help teens gain experience safely through a structured learning process. Ohio’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has specific stages to earning and maintaining driving privileges. These laws reduce accidents by gradually exposing new drivers to more challenging situations.
If you’re a teen (or parent of one), the first step is understanding the basics of the Temporary Permit, Probationary License, and driving restrictions under the GDL.
Teens in Ohio must follow these steps to get a driver’s license:
Ohio enforces strict driving restrictions for teens to minimize the risks associated with inexperience and distractions:
Violating these rules can lead to severe penalties. Here’s what you need to know.
Failing to follow Ohio’s teen driving laws can affect your driving privileges and insurance:
A moving violation during the first 6 months of holding a Probationary License restricts driving privileges to being accompanied by a parent or guardian until the restrictions are lifted or turning 17.
Using electronic devices while driving can result in a 60-day suspension and a $150 fine for the first offense. A second offense results in a one-year suspension and a $300 fine. To stay safe and avoid penalties, keep devices away while driving.
A BAC of 0.02%+ leads to a 6-month suspension, driving education, and retaking the license exam. Repeat offenses bring harsher penalties.
Sixteen-year-olds with a Probationary License can’t drive between midnight and 6 a.m., must limit passengers to one non-family member, and must follow all seatbelt and electronic device restrictions.
No. Sixteen-year-olds are generally allowed only one non-family passenger unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.
A Probationary License is an intermediate step for drivers under 18 that restricts driving during certain hours, limits passengers, and enforces seat belt and no-device rules.
To supervise a teen learning to drive, the driver must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Ohio driver’s license.
Teen drivers are statistically more likely to face accidents due to inexperience, distractions, and risky behaviors. Young drivers aged 16-19 are almost three times more likely to be involved in a crash than adults.
Ohio’s strict GDL program exists to combat these risks and help teens gradually gain the necessary experience to become safe drivers.
If your teen is facing driving-related legal issues, we can help. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, our experienced Dayton car accident lawyers are ready to protect your family’s future. Call 1-937-222-2222 or visit us at 131 N Ludlow St #1400, Dayton, OH 45402, for a free consultation. Reach out today!
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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