Many types of laws can impact teen driving safety, and it is important to know your state laws. Some examples of laws that impact teen driving include Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL), zero tolerance for drinking and driving, seat belt laws, cell phone and texting laws. In some states, these laws apply to all drivers regardless of age while in other states, laws are different based on age.
Here are some laws that are important for young drivers:
Ohio Graduated Driver’s License Law
During the first 12 months of holding a license:
- May not operate a car between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, driving to or from work, school, or a religious event.
- May not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- All drivers and passengers must wear their seat belt.
- Must not use mobile devices while driving.
Until age 18:
- May not operate a car between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, driving to or from work, school, or a religious event.
- All drivers and passengers must wear their seat belt.
- Must not use mobile devices while driving.
Ohio Seat Belt Law
- All front seat passengers are required to wear a seatbelt, and children aged 8 – 15 must wear seat belts or be in a child restraint in any seating position.
- All vehicle occupants must wear their seat belt if the driver is under age 18.
- Ohio’s belt law is secondary, meaning the driver must be pulled over for something else in order to be cited for not wearing a seat belt.
Ohio Youth Drinking and Driving
- The blood alcohol (BAC) limit for those under 21 years old is 0.02%.
Ohio Mobile Phone Use
- Writing, sending, or reading text messages as well as using a cell phone for internet use while driving is illegal.
Some useful links for state laws are below:
