I just want to know if the state of Ohio requires car insurance. Thank you.

Maricel

Thank you for asking Maricel.

The state of Ohio requires drivers to have either car insurance or other proof of financial responsibility (FR). It is illegal for a motor vehicle owner to allow anyone to drive their car without Financial Responsibility proof.

An individual must have at least one of the following to comply to the Financial Responsibility law:

* A motorist liability insurance policy;
* A $30,000 bond issued by an authorized surety or insurance company;
* A certificate of proof of financial responsibility signed by an insurance agent on a from prescribed the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV);
* A certificate issued by the BMV, indicating that money or government bonds in the amount of $30,000 is on deposit with the Treasurer of State;
* A certificate of bond issued by the BMV in the amount of $30,000 signed by 2 people who own real estate having equity of at least $60,000;
* A certificate of self-insurance issued by the BMV to those with more than 25 motor vehicles registered in their name or a company’s name

Proof of insurance or other acceptable financial responsibility must be shown at the time of a violation or accident. If there is not Financial Responsibility in force at the time of the violation the individual’s driver’s license is suspended or revoked.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

I received a speeding ticket in South Carolina. I live in Texas and I just want to know how this will affect my premium in Ohio. Can I also take any driving school to remove from my record?

Maja

Thank you for asking Maja.

Ohio and South Carolina are both part of the Driver License Compact. This means that the speeding ticket that you received from SC will be transferred from the South Carolina DMV to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, your home state and will likely be placed on your Ohio driving record.

If points are assigned to your Ohio driving record for out of state violations the state might only assess the points that the infraction would have been charged if it happened in Ohio. It has been reported that Ohio does not assign points for out of state minor moving infractions but you would need to contact with the BMV to be make sure.

If points are assigned to your Ohio vehicle driving record (MVR), you can check with the BMV to verify if taking a driving course or enrolling in traffic school will help to remove points.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

I live in Florida. I received a DUI in Ohio. How will this affect my license and driving record in Florida. Please help.

Len

Good question Len.

If you get convicted of DUI in Ohio, this will definitely affect your driver’s license in Florida. Ohio and Florida are part of the Drivers License Compact. This means that traffic violations and other major offenses from out of state will be reported back to your Ohio state.

In addition to that, if your license got suspended from out of state, the state where you got your drivers license will also suspend you license. First DUI in Florida typically is a 180 day up to 1 year license suspension. The penalties that you may face in Ohio might instead apply in Florida.

Here are the penalties for the first time convictions on DUI:

* Administrative License Suspension – 90 days to 5 years.
* Jail – Minimum of 3 days

* Fine – Minimum $200 and not more than $1000.
* Court License Suspension – 6 months to 3 years.

It is required by the state of Ohio to carry an SR-22 for various reasons You may check with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get more information if an sr22 will be part of your DUI penalties.

Goodluck!

MariCAR