In Ohio, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without insurance or other financial responsibility (FR) proof. It is also illegal for any motor vehicle owner to allow anyone else to drive the owner’s vehicle without FR proof.
Section 4509.101 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle in Ohio without maintaining proof of FR continuously throughout the registration period with respect to that vehicle, or, in the case of a driver who is not the owner, with respect to that driver’s operation of that vehicle. The law requires financial responsibility in the minimum amount of $12,500 for bodily injury to or death of one (1) individual in any one (1) accident, $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more individuals in any one (1) accident, and $7,500 for injury to the property of others in any one (1) accident.
When law enforcement officer’s request FR proof and the motorist cannot provide satisfactory proof at such time, they are given a notice explaining the options to provide such proof:
- Sending a copy (document displaying satisfactory evidence of FR) when paying the fine;
- Bringing FR proof when appearing in traffic court;
- Sending FR proof when requested by the BMV.
Failure to comply with proof of FR will initiate a suspension process through the BMV. Failure to respond to a Notice of Suspension will result in an individual’s driving and registration privileges being suspended, even if individual was properly insured at the time of the traffic stop.