Understanding the BMV Point System
2016-09-19- Traffic
Penalties for most traffic violations include points against your driver’s license. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) administers the points system, and racking up 12 points in a two-year period results in a suspension. The rules regarding license points are largely the same for people who drive their own cars and for commercial drivers, but CDL holders face a particular risk when they accumulate point penalties. Any driver’s license suspension applies to each type of license a driver holds. This means that losing your own personal license to a 12-point suspension also means you lose your CDL.
How Points Are Assessed
Different numbers of points are assessed for different violations. A long, but not complete, list of point penalties follows.
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OVI)/Drunk or Drugged Driving | 6 |
Hit-Skip/Leave Scene/Hit and Run | 6 |
Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License | 6 |
Drag Racing/Street Racing | 6 |
Fleeing an Accident Scene/Eluding an Officer or Traffic Stop | 6 |
Vehicular Assault | 6 |
Driving Without a Vehicle Owner’s Consent | 6 |
Vehicular Homicide | 6 |
Reckless Operation/Reckless Driving | 4 |
Operating a Vehicle After Underage Alcohol Consumption/Underage DUI | 4 |
Speeding by 30 mph Over Limit | 4 |
Speeding in a Commercial Vehicle | 4 |
Running a Stop Sign | 2 |
Dropping Items on a Highway/Unsecured Load | 2 |
Disobeying or Interfering With an Officer’s Order | 2 |
Disregarding a Traffic Light | 2 |
Railroad Crossing Violation | 2 |
Disregarding Traffic Signs | 2 |
Hit-Skip on Private Property | 2 |
Driving While Not Carrying Your License | 2 |
Prohibited U-Turn | 2 |
Speeding | 2 |
Slow Speed | 2 |
Following Too Closely | 2 |
Driving the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street | 2 |
Driving Left of Center | 2 |
Crossing a Yellow Line | 2 |
Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian or Blind Person | 2 |
Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle or Funeral Procession | 2 |
Failure to Stay Within Marked Lanes | 2 |
Failure to Yield Right of Way | 2 |
Improper Passing | 2 |
Stopped School Bus Violation | 2 |
Failing to Maintain Assured Clear Distance | 2 |
Improper Backing | 2 |
Driving on a Closed Highway | 2 |
Failing to Signal a Turn or Lane Change | 2 |
Failing to Maintain Control | 2 |
Physical Control (Alcohol-Related) | 2 |
Driving on a Temporary Permit Without an Adult in the Vehicle | 2 |
Curfew Violation While on Temporary Permit | 2 |
Failing to Use Child Restraint | 2 |
Pleading guilty to, or being found guilty of, one of the listed offenses places points on your license. Each set of points stays on a penalized driver’s license for two years in Ohio. If you have an out-of-state driver’s license, the points will often transfer back to your home state.
You Have Limited Options for Removing Points From Your License
The BMV will deduct two points from an Ohio driver’s license for successfully completing a remedial driving course through the Ohio BMV. Drivers can only enroll in such a course once every three years, and only five times over their lifetime.
A 12-Point License Suspension Lasts Six Months
Drivers can work with a Columbus, Ohio traffic violations lawyer to appeal a points suspension during the few days between when the twelfth point is assessed and when the BMV issued its letter notifying the driver of the suspension. It is very important to have your current address on file with the BMV so you can receive notice of potential suspensions. If a 12-point suspension takes effect, it lasts six months. Commercial driving is not allowed during that period, but very limited privileges to drive one’s own car may be applied for through the courts.
Getting Your License Back Requires More Than Waiting
Drivers who lose their license to a 12-point suspension must apply to the BMV for reinstatement by paying an extra fee, taking a remedial driving course, proving they have full insurance including an SR-22 for 3 years, and retaking the complete driver’s license exam. Having a CDL reinstated can require passing a full battery of road tests.
The best way to avoid a 12-point license suspension is to keep points off your license from the beginning. You should contest every ticket as though your license depends on it. To discuss options for challenging a traffic ticket like speeding, driving under suspension, or drunk driving, call The Maher Law Firm at (614) 205-2208. You can also schedule a free consultation with a Columbus, OH, traffic violations lawyer by filling out this contact form.
