Legal Question in Traffic Law in Ohio

Ohio driving without insurance

I had an accident minnor finder bender and i beleived at the time that i had insurance i did not have my card with me I called my wife to bring the insurance card to me she did I gave it to the police officer and he ask if I had a current one I looked at my wife and she responed we have not recieved it yet. The officer said ok when you pay the ticket please send in a current copy of the card I responed yes sir. After i got home my wife informed me that she did not pay the insurance, but was on the phone paying right then and there for the coverage. I am the only provider for my family and i must drive because my job calls for me to travel a lot in and out of the country. Basically if I loose my right to drive for 90 days i lose my job and we have no income is there anything I can do?


Asked on 8/13/07, 7:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jeff Reynard Reynard & Rice, LLP

Re: Ohio driving without insurance

First make sure that your coverage actually lapsed. Although the insurance company is likely to not cover the accident and claim it lapsed.

If you did not have coverage, then you will have to petition for driving privileges from your local municipal court. In Columbus, that petition costs $116. To actually get driving privileges, you'll need to pay a reinstatement fee of $75-$125 to the BMV and obtain insurance. If the accident damage isn't paid for, you may need to settle that also.

This really is not a simple process and you should obtain counsel in approaching the court for privileges as they are not automatic.

The good news, if there is any, is that the process for the BMV to actually suspend your license can take a bit as you have the opportunity for a hearing, giving you a bit of time. Also, the BMV can decide to terminate the suspension early. Although, I've yet to see that happen.

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Answered on 8/13/07, 11:38 pm


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