Earning the privilege to drive is a significant milestone for many Ohio teens. It is a marker of maturity and offers the freedom to drive to and from school, work, and social events without relying on parents or public transportation. But earning a driver’s license carries significant responsibilities. To ensure young drivers understand their responsibilities and obligations, Ohio uses a Graduated Driver’s Licensing program that requires driver education, practice hours, and curfews to build safe driving habits.

Why Do Strict Teen Driving Laws Exist?

Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash than older drivers. Even though their driver training is fresh, they understand the rules of the road, and they may have better reaction times than seasoned drivers, teens have not yet developed the risk evaluation and decision-making skills required to drive safely in high-stress situations.

The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for risk assessment, is still developing during the teen years. As a result, young people are more likely to take risks, like not wearing a seat belt, driving aggressively, or using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.

Teen driving laws exist to mitigate these risks and help teens learn safe driving habits.

Ohio Driving Laws for Teens

For drivers under age 18, Ohio’s Graduated Driver’s License program has specific phases teens must complete to earn and retain driving privileges.

Temporary Instruction Permit (TIPIC)

At age 15 ½, a teen can apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC), colloquially referred to as a “temps.”

• The teen must achieve a score of 75% or higher to pass a written knowledge test consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions that cover Ohio driving rules and road signs. They must also pass a standard vision screening.
• Once the TIPIC has been issued, a teen can only drive when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian or a certified driving instructor, who must be seated in the front passenger seat. Once the teen reaches age 16, they can drive with any licensed driver over age 21 in the passenger seat.

Driver’s Education and Practice Hours

A teen must hold the TIPIC for at least 6 months before they can apply for a probationary license. During this time, they must complete the following before they can take the driving test:

• 24 hours of classroom instruction through an approved driving school. Classes can be completed in-person or online.
• 8 hours of driving with a certified driving instructor.
• 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or legal guardian. At least 10 of those hours must occur at night.

Probationary License

Once a teen has completed the above requirements, they can schedule the road skills test through the Ohio BMV, which includes a test of the teen’s road driving and maneuverability skills.

Restrictions for Teen Drivers in Ohio

Teens who successfully obtain a probationary license remain subject to several restrictions.

First 12 Months

During the first 12 months after obtaining a probationary driver’s license, teen drivers are prohibited from driving between midnight (12:00 AM) and 6:00 AM unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or driving to/from work, school, or a sanctioned church event.

Passenger Limits

Only one non-family-member passenger is allowed in the vehicle at any time, unless a parent or guardian is also present.

Mobile Devices

Teen drivers are prohibited from using mobile devices, including hands-free, Bluetooth, or speakerphones. A teen driver may use a navigation device, but may not adjust the route navigation while the vehicle is in motion.

After the First 12 Months

After the first 12 months, the curfew relaxes and teens cannot drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, with the same exceptions for work, school, or religious events.

Consequences of Violating Ohio Teen Driving Laws

Ohio driving laws and the consequences of violating them can be harsher for teen drivers than for adults.

Moving Violations

A teen who receives a moving violation during the first 6 months of holding a probationary license will have their driving privileges restricted and must be accompanied by a parent until they reach age 17.

Electronic Devices

Teen drivers caught using electronic devices while driving face a 60-day driver’s license suspension and a $150 fine for a first offense. A second offense carries a one-year driver’s license suspension and a $300 fine.

Drunk Driving

Teen drivers can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .02%. This is significantly lower than the .08% threshold for drivers over age 21.

A teen charged with DUI faces a 6-month driver’s license suspension, mandatory driver’s education classes, and must retake the driver’s license exam.

Robenalt Law Is Committed to Promoting Safe Driving on Ohio Roads

The attorneys at Robenalt Law know all too well that the consequences of a motor vehicle accident can be catastrophic for drivers of any age. We are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road and know that safety begins with education.

Contact Robenalt Law Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a motor vehicle accident, we can help. Robenalt Law has offices in Cleveland and Columbus, and handles personal injury claims throughout Ohio and nationwide. Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614) 695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.