Tips to Avoid a 12-Point License Suspension

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will order the suspension of your Ohio driver’s license if you accumulate 12 points on your driving record in a two-year period. Points can be recorded on your license for various traffic offenses. The number of points applied depends on the nature of the moving violation. Minor traffic offenses such as your typical speeding or running of a stop sign will record two points on your license. More serious offenses such as Reckless Operation, Street Racing or OVI may carry 4 or 6 points.

Tips for Avoiding a Suspension:

• Know the Point Schedule– If you are convicted of a traffic offense know how many points are to be recorded on your license. The BMV has organized this information in the Offense & Conviction Code List.
• Check your Driving Record– the BMV provides an online service for checking your unofficial driving record that will tell you how many points you have on the BMV website.
• Update Your Address– Keep your address current with the BMV because if you are in danger of getting suspended, you will be sent a warning letter.
• Take a Remedial Driving Course– If you have between 5 and 11 points you are eligible to take a Remedial Course to have 2 points removed from your record. The Department of Public Safety provides a Directory of Approved Schools.

If you do receive a 12-point suspension, contact an attorney immediately. If your attorney properly and timely appeals the suspension, you may be able to avoid the imposition of the suspension. If all else fails, your attorney can petition the court to allow you limited driving privileges during the length of the suspension. Lastly, if you are suspended learn what you need to restore your driving privileges.

Attorney Joseph Hada handles OVI , criminal, and traffic cases as part of the defense team at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc.