Financial Responsibility

 

Financial Responsibility is a term used in Ohio regarding the minimum insurance motorists are required to keep on their vehicles.

 

Ohio Revised Code §4509.101 prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle in Ohio without maintaining proof of financial responsibility with respect to that vehicle, or, in the case of a driver who is not the owner, with respect to that driver's operation of that vehicle.

 

Ohio Revised Code §4509.20 requires a insurance policy or bond in the minimum amount of $25,00 for bodily injury to or death of one (1) individual in any one (1) accident, $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more individuals in any one (1) accident, and $25,000 for injury to the property of others in any one (1) accident.

 

Failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, when required in Ohio, will result in the following civil penalties imposed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles:

 

First Offense

A non-compliance suspension is imposed when the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is notified that a driver failed to show proof of insurance at a traffic stop or at an accident.

 

Reinstatement Requirements

This suspension will stand until the following requirements are met:

 

Carry a certificate of insurance (SR-22/bond) for three years.

 

Pay a reinstatement fee.

 

Second Offense

The penalty for a second non-compliance offense in a five-year period is a one-year suspension.

 

Reinstatement Requirements

This suspension will stand until the following requirements are met:

 

Serve one-year suspension.

Carry a certificate of insurance (SR-22/bond) for five years.

Pay a reinstatement fee.

 

Third Offense

The penalty for a third non-compliance offense in a five-year period is a two-year suspension.

 

Reinstatement Requirements

This suspension will stand until the following requirements are met:

 

Serve two-year suspension.

Carry a certificate of insurance (SR-22/bond) for five years.

Pay a reinstatement fee.

 

Please Note: The suspension can be removed if valid proof of coverage at the time of the traffic stop or accident is provided to the BMV.

 

If you are caught operating a vehicle while under a financial responsibility administrative (FRA) suspension, you can be cited for driving under a FRA suspension, and subjected to the following penalties:

 

First or Second Offense in 3 Years 

Unclassified Misdemeanor

0 to 500 hours of community service

Fine: $0 - $1,000

Optional suspension of one year or less

Restitution for loss due to accident up to $5000

Two Points

 

Third Offense in 3 Years

M-4 Misdemeanor

0 to 30 days in jail

Fine: $0 - $250

Optional suspension of one year or less

Restitution for loss due to accident up to $5000

Two Points

 

If you are charged with any of the above offenses, please call 216.225.9181, Email, or use the contact form to schedule an initial consultation.