Ohio DMV Points System: What is It? How does it Work?

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Similar to many other states, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) utilizes a point system to penalize drivers with violations once an offense is committed. If you accumulate too many points due to traffic infractions, it can lead to your license being suspended.

Even if traffic tickets have been resolved, these points added can still affect your driving record.

In Ohio, accruing 12 points or more in 2 years will result in the Ohio BMV suspending your driver’s license for 6 months. You will inevitably lose your driving privileges if you’re convicted of an OVI.

Ohio License Suspensions

Below is a list of incidents where your license will suspend by the state of Ohio:

  • Collecting too many driving points
  • DUI//DWI conviction or violation involves drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to submit BAC test
  • Failing to uphold Ohio car insurance requirements

To appeal your suspension, you should do either of the following within 30 days:

  • Mail request to the BMV:

Ohio P.O. Box 16784 Columbus, OH 43216

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

  • Reach out to the court in the respective county where you received the suspension
  • Appear in court and appeal the suspension

Ohio BMV Point List

Below we provide examples of incidents where points are added to your driving record. It all comes down to how severe the violation or traffic ticket is. Hopefully, this does not happen to you! The more damage is done, the more points will be added to your license. For example:

  • Speeding over 10mph in a 55mph zone: 2 points added
  • Speeding 30mph or more: 4 points added
  • Driving a car without the owner’s permission: 6 points
  • Driving with a suspended license: 6 points
  • Evading the police: 6 points
  • Killing or injuring someone with your car: 6 points

For drivers with an Ohio commercial driver’s license (CDL), the point penalties are much more severe and can lead to immediate license suspension, depending on the severity of the violation.

How to Remove Points in Ohio License?

The Ohio BMV gives drivers the option to remove points from their driver’s record. A corrective driving course is available at your disposal for a credit of 2 points, but you need to have between 2-12 points on your driving record. Please note that this doesn’t remove points from your record but acts as a cushion against future point accruals. You can only take this course every 3 years at a maximum of 5 times.

Conclusion

Points on your Ohio driver’s license can be costly and lead to suspension if not paid attention to. It is important to avoid any major traffic violations that will add more points to your record. If you are in a situation with too many points, enrolling in a points-credit driving course or defensive driving school may help you avoid further penalties. Lastly, don’t forget to check with your local DMV for more information on how to keep your license in good standing. Thank you for using DMVConnect!