COLUMBUS, Ohio — As of October 5, law enforcement across Ohio will transition from issuing warnings to writing tickets for distracted driving offenses, marking an end to the six-month grace period following the enactment of the state’s distracted driving law.
The law, heralded by Gov. Mike DeWine and taking effect on April 4, seeks to mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving, which has been implicated in a total of 6,281 crashes across the state so far this year. This figure denotes a 20% reduction compared to the same period last year, according to State Highway Patrol Lt. Nathan Dennis.
The penalties, structured to escalate with repeated offenses, are as follows:
- First offense: A fine of up to $150 and two points on the offender’s license.
- Second offense within two years: A fine of up to $250 and three points on the offender’s license.
- Third offense within two years: A fine of up to $500, four points on the offender’s license, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
Drivers caught using their cellphones in a work zone will see their fines doubled.
With 3,132 distracted driving violations issued since April, the enforcement of the law has, according to officials, predominantly been about educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging behavior modification.
In addition to traditional patrols, troopers will also utilize aircraft to monitor drivers from above. This bird’s eye view helps in identifying dangerous driving behaviors often associated with distraction.
The law covers a broad range of distractions including reading, eating, or doing makeup while driving. Even in the era of autonomous vehicles, the law mandates that drivers must remain attentive and ready to take control at any moment.