Legal Question in Traffic Law in Ohio

I am a Maryland resident going to school in Ohio. I was pulled over in Beavercreek, Ohio going 58 in a 35, on radar. It was 2 A.M. and there was no traffic on the road: a four lane highway. The ticket says nothing about reckless operation, but one of my friends who is an Ohio resident insists that I could be charged with it, as I have to make a court appearance to determine the penalty. Can I be charged with reckless operation still? What kind of fines or other penalties am I looking at?


Asked on 3/14/10, 9:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Once the police write the ticket for speed they cannot change the ticket to reckless operation of a motor vehicle. However, they could either (a) issue a new ticket for reckless operation of a motor vehicle or (b) ask the trial judge to suspend your license by deciding that your conduct "relates to reckless operation of a motor vehicle" and warrants a license suspension.

First offense speed violations are a fine of up to $150.00, court costs, and 2 points on your driving record. Second offense or more within one year can result in jail time. If the ticket is written under a local Municipal Code, rather than under the State Revised Code, the penalties may be more severe.

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Answered on 3/20/10, 5:16 pm


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