Having a suspended driver’s license means you cannot legally drive in Ohio. Either a court or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles took away your right to drive for some reason. You may or may not be aware when you have a suspended license. It depends on the circumstances of the suspension.
The Ohio State Bar Association explains that some license suspensions are administrative, which means they come from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a result of a law. Some laws require automatic suspension without the need for a court ruling. For example, if you get too many points for traffic violations, then the state law says you have an automatic suspension. Another example is failure to provide proof of insurance after a traffic stop. You also face an automatic suspension if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop for a suspected OVI.
Other times, a court will suspend your license as part of a ruling on a traffic case. It may often be part of the penalty for a driving offense, such as an OVI or a hit and run. You may also face a suspension if you did not have insurance and caused an accident with damage totaling over $400.
If law enforcement catches you driving while you have a suspended license, you will probably have time added onto your suspension. You may also face additional penalties, which might include incarceration.
You should follow all the rules of your suspension to avoid further penalties, and take the correct steps to reinstate your license when you can. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
