Driving Restrictions For New Drivers In Ohio

You have worked hard and the time has finally arrived, as you are about to get your driver's license in Ohio. While it is an exciting time, most states have some kind of driving restrictions that come with getting your license. Most states take part in a graduated license system, so they impose some kind of driving restrictions on new drivers, including Ohio. Find out those driving restrictions on new drivers in Ohio below!

Driving Restrictions for New Drivers in Ohio

From passenger restrictions to curfews, there are different driving restrictions in place for new drivers in Ohio. We break them down for you right here, as stated by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles!

License Restrictions

Once you pass the driving test, you'll receive a probationary Ohio drivers license and can drive without supervision. However, there are some restrictions if you are 16 years old:

• You can't drive between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. unless:

1. Accompanied by a parent or guardian
2. Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825)
3. Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)

• You can't have more than one non-family passenger in the car unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.
• Driver may not use any mobile devices, including cellular phones.

A conviction of a traffic offense within the first six months of having a license may result in a parent or guardian having to accompany the driver for six months or until the driver reaches age 17.

After 12 Months

After holding the probationary license for 12 months and if you are under the age of 18, the following restrictions apply:

• You can't drive between 1 a.m. to 5 a.m unless:

1. Accompanied by a parent or guardian
2. Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825)
3. Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)

• Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts.
• Driver may not use any mobile devices, including cellular phones.

Multiple traffic convictions before the driver’s 18th birthday may result in a license suspension. For alcohol-related convictions, the driver license will be suspended for at least six months (see Ohio Revised Code 4511.19).

The Final Step

The final step in the Graduated License System for Ohio is for the driver to turn 18 years old. Once you turn 18, the probationary license converts to a full, unrestricted Ohio drivers license with just the rules of the road to follow.

It is an exciting time, as you finally got your driver's license. However, these restrictions are put in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. Make sure you are following them!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.