How Long Do Speeding Tickets Stay on Your Record in Ohio?

The state of Ohio is known to have some of the strictest traffic laws in the United States. There are harsh penalties for DUIs and a system of points that affects a driver’s record, should they accumulate traffic violations. For any driver that has faced speeding tickets on their record, there are a number of questions to consider as you think about what steps to take next i.e. whether or not you want to connect with a Columbus speeding ticket lawyer and how long do points actually stay on your record.

Below, we look at how long speeding tickets stay on your record, what exactly the points system is, and what steps you can take should you receive a speeding ticket in Columbus Ohio.

Disclaimer: The following is not legal advice. It is general information meant to inform. Please consult with a speeding ticket lawyer in Columbus, Ohio for legal advice and representation on your individual case.

What Exactly is the Point System in Ohio?

As a driver in Ohio, you may already be familiar with the point system. The point system is used by the State to indicate the severity of different traffic violations like speeding, failure to follow posted traffic signs/signals, and even DUIs.

The point system applies a specific point value to each different type of traffic violation. When drivers hit the 6-point mark on their record within 2 years, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will issue a warning letter. The letter will include each traffic violation and the number of points for each one.

In 2021, Ohio issued a total of 72,543 warning letters to drivers.

How Long Do Speeding Tickets Stay on Your Record in Ohio?

In Ohio, if a driver receives a speeding ticket, they will receive points added to their driving record via the State’s point system. Each set of points that are issued to drivers will accumulate for a rolling 2-year period.  Insurance companies often use their own point system or risk category and look back period to determine your rate.

Each situation in which you may be issued points will result in a range of 0-6 points being added to your record if you are convicted. For example, say you receive two speeding violations within a year and each is worth 2 points. That means that a total of 4 points have been added to your driving record and they will continue to accumulate on your record for 2 years starting on the conviction date.

If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 2-year period, your driver’s license will be suspended. Once suspended, as per Ohio’s BMV website, there are a number of reinstatement requirements that would need to be met before your license can be valid again.  These requirements include:

• Serve a 6-month suspension.
• File a certificate of insurance.
• Complete a remedial driving course.
• Retake a complete driver’s license exam and in-car test.
• Pay a reinstatement fee.

So, to sum up, speeding tickets on your record will continue to stack up for a 2-year period. You can seek to fight speeding tickets to help reduce the potential points added to your record and additional license penalties with the help of a Columbus speeding ticket lawyer.

Traffic Violations That Lead to Points

There are a number of traffic violations that can lead to points being added to a driver’s record. Traffic violations that may lead to points on your record include:

• Speeding
• Failure to control
• Assured clear distance (running into the car in front of you)
• Failure to use the turn signal
• Failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic light
• Failing to stop after being involved in a car accident
• Disobeying a traffic control device or traffic signal
• Driving under a suspended driver’s license
• Evading or fleeing from the police
• Operating or driving a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Street racing
• Improper passing
• Following too closely to another vehicle

This is a non-exhaustive list of traffic violations that do carry points in Ohio. It’s important to note that different traffic violations will receive a different point value based on severity. For example, driving too slowly is a 2-point violation whereas driving under the influence is a 6-point violation.

What Should You Do if You Want to Address Speeding Tickets on Your Record?

Regarding speeding tickets already on your record, there is no easy way to remove the points. You can request that the court reopens a resolved case, but there is no guarantee that the case will be reopened.

Another option for drivers is the 2-point extension. The Ohio BMV does allow this extension on a driver’s license (giving you a total of 14 points before license suspension) if a driver completes a remedial driving course.

Lastly, drivers can and should contest traffic violations when received. This is extremely important, even if you have no history of traffic violations.  Once violations begin accumulating, harder it becomes to avoid convictions and points in the future. Calling a Columbus speeding ticket lawyer is a good first step to contesting a traffic violation in Columbus.  Attorney Colin Maher from The Maher Law Firm, LLC can be reached by calling 614-205-2208.

Mike

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