In Ohio, purchasing motor vehicle insurance is mandatory. If you are caught operating your vehicle without proof of financial responsibility coverage (FR) or allowing another driver to operate your vehicle without insurance, you will be subject to heavy penalties, even if you are a first-time offender. In spite of this strict state law, if you drive your car and are injured in an accident caused by someone else, you may still be able to recover damages. Our Cincinnati car accident lawyers explain how being uninsured affects you in a collision. Contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our qualified lawyers.
Ohio Penalties For Not Having Insurance
If you are given a traffic ticket or are involved in an accident and cannot provide proof of FR coverage, the penalties for breaking Ohio’s financial responsibility law are as follows:- First offense: Your driver’s license and vehicle registration will be suspended until a $100 restoration fee is paid. The court may issue other fines as it sees fit.
- Second offense: Driver’s license and vehicle registration are suspended for one full year. After providing proof of FR coverage, limited driving privileges may be allowed after a 15-day period, however, a $300 fee is required to restore vehicle registration and license plates. Other penalties could be issued by the court.
- Third and subsequent offenses: The third offense will result in the loss of a driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension for two years. Drivers may be granted limited driving privileges after a 30-day period with proof of FR coverage, but a $600 restoration fee to restore vehicle registration and license plates will apply. Other penalties may be issued by the court.
- Complete a two-year suspension of your license and driving privileges
- Submit a damages payment agreement or have all parties sign a release for the losses
- Pay a damages deposit to the BMV or file a bankruptcy petition. List the accident claim as a creditor
