Say you forgot your driver's license at home (or didn't feel like paying the fees and taking the time to get one) — what now? If you're pulled over by an officer, you could be in big, big trouble. Keep reading to find out what happens if you drive without a license in Ohio.
Penalties for Driving Without a License
States make residents get a driver's license to keep them safe. Ohio is no different. Section 4510.12 of the Revised Code is dedicated to driving without a license, so you know it's a big deal.
New, Unlicensed Drivers
People who have never gotten a license from any state will be charged with an unclassified misdemeanor. While they won't face prison time, they can be fined up to $1,000 and have to do community service for up to 500 hours.
If it's not their first offense, the charge is upgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor. They may be sentenced to six months in jail and pay a $1,000 fine.
Driving with an Expired License
People found driving with an expired license get charged with a minor misdemeanor for their first and second offenses. They'll have to pay all court costs and a fine of up to $150.
If they keep getting caught for the same offense within three years, the charges are much more serious. Besides risking jail time and having to pay fees and fines, a judge may revoke their license altogether.
Revoked, Suspended, or Canceled License
The state of Ohio can revoke, suspend, or cancel driver's licenses for a variety of reasons. If you drive when you're not supposed to, you'll be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor:
On your first offense, you will:
Face up to six months of jail time
Pay up to $1,000 in fines
Pay court and processing fees
Have your license suspended for up to 12 months
Have your vehicle immobilized for 30 days
See your vehicle's plates impounded for 30 days
For the second offense, you face all that and:
Have your license immobilized for 60 days
See your vehicle's plates impounded for 60 days
For the third and subsequent offenses, you deal with all that and:
May deal with the criminal forfeiture of your vehicle
Forgetting Your License at Home
If you simply forgot your license at home, you'll likely still be charged with driving without a license. However, you can contest the misdemeanor by later providing evidence that you did have a valid license at the time you were pulled over.
While you won't be convicted (nor pay a fine or do community service), you will still have to pay court and processing fees.
Who Needs a License to Drive in Ohio?
Virtually everyone who wants to drive a motorized vehicle on any public or private road in Ohio needs to get a license. There are only a few very narrow exceptions. For example, farmers operating agricultural tractors going under 25 mph don't need a license. But unless you only hit the road with husbandry equipment, road rollers, road machinery, or military vehicles, you'll need a license.
Ohio vs. Out-of-State Licenses
If you're a non-resident of Ohio just passing through, you'll need to carry your valid out-of-state license. No Ohio license needed.
However, if you move to Ohio, you have 30 days to get your Ohio driver's license. If your current license is expired, you'll have to pass a written and driving test. But if it's still valid, you can get a new one in a single visit to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Getting Your License in Ohio Starts with Driver's Ed
It's not worth getting into trouble for driving without a license. Especially since it's so easy to get a license in Ohio! If you're under 18, the first step is enrolling in driver's ed classes. You'll learn all you need to know to pass the written test in the Buckeye State.
Updated 7/18/23