Driving with a Suspended License in Ohio

If your license has been suspended or revoked and you continue to drive, you might be breaking the law. The first step is to understand what it means to drive while suspended in Ohio and the consequences of doing so. A criminal law attorney at The VanNoy Firm provides insight into your specific case. Contact us for a consultation. 

Common Reasons for License Suspension in Ohio

A driver’s license may be suspended for multiple reasons in Ohio: 

• DUI & OVI convictions
• Accumulating 12 or more points on a record within two years
• Driving while uninsured
• Suspensions ordered by the court

If you knowingly drive with a license that has been suspended due to any of these reasons, you may face further penalties such as fines and prison time. A criminal defense lawyer is your greatest resource in avoiding these consequences by going through the driver’s license reinstatement process. 

License Reinstatement

In some cases, an individual may have to complete the license reinstatement process even after the suspension is over. License reinstatement in Ohio generally involves the following:

• Pay reinstatement fees, which often cost between $30 and $50 depending on the length of time your license was suspended
• Pay service fees and other relevant costs
• Complete classes if necessary, such as driving courses and exams if the license suspension was due to a DUI

Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Ohio

Driving with a suspended license is a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio. The law outlines that individuals who drive under suspension or violate a license restriction may face a class seven license suspension. The maximum sentence for such a charge involves 180 days of jail time and up to a $1,000 fine. Other possible penalties include immobilization of your vehicle, community service, impounded license plates and other fines. 

Convictions related to driving under suspension can significantly impact a person’s life. When someone is found guilty of operating a vehicle with a suspended license, they will likely have a harder time finding employment, insurance, completing school and other day-to-day activities. After a license suspension, it is best to wait until the suspension period has ended to drive and then complete all necessary reinstatement activities, so you do not receive an additional penalty. 

Obtaining a Restricted License

It’s sometimes possible to receive a hardship license that allows you to drive to limited places, including school, work and treatment facilities. Applying for a restricted license may be feasible for avoiding Ohio’s consequences of driving under suspension. 

Getting Legal Assistance After a License Suspension

If you were convicted of multiple traffic convictions, you might be able to speak to a BMV officer before your license is revoked. Attending one of the hearings provides an opportunity to defend the violations. Your case can describe your good driving habits, how losing your license may present hardship and why an accident wasn’t your fault. In this case, you should plan on speaking to an attorney who is familiar with Ohio’s traffic laws.  

Schedule a Consultation With a Criminal Defense Attorney

The VanNoy Firm works hard to defend your rights. Call our firm today for a consultation with a Dayton criminal defense attorney.