Section 4509.101 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle in Ohio without maintaining proof of FR (Financial Responsibility) continuously throughout the registration period 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.

The OH law requires financial responsibility in the minimum amount of $12,500 for bodily injury to or death of one (1) individual in any one (1) accident, $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more individuals in any one (1) accident, and $7,500 for injury to the property of others in any one (1) accident.

According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, when required, will result in the following civil penalties imposed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles:

• Lose driving privileges for a minimum of ninety (90) days and up to two (2) years;
• License plates and vehicle registration suspension;
• License plate reinstatement fees of $125 for first violation, $300 for second violation, and $550 for a third or subsequent violation (this includes a $50 penalty for failing to surrender the license, plates or vehicle registration to the BMV);
• Require filing with the BMV (SR-22) to continuously maintain proof of financial responsibility for a minimum of three (3), up to five (5) years from the date of the suspension of operating privileges;
• Vehicle immobilization and confiscation of plates for 30 to 60 days for violating FR suspension. Third and subsequent offenses could result in vehicle forfeiture and a five (5) year suspension of vehicle registrations.

As this last point noted the court is authorized to order vehicle immobilization and impoundment of the license plates at the time of sentencing for FRA suspension (without insurance). For a first offense it is 30 days, for a second offense it is 60 days and a third offense forfeiture can occur.

Driving and registration privileges cannot be restored until all requirements of the suspension have been met for a driving without insurance violation.

The BMV does note that limited driving privileges may be granted by the court during the term of a first or second non-compliance suspension. During a first-time non-compliance suspension, limited privileges may be granted immediately. A second non-compliance suspension requires a fifteen day waiting period. Privileges will not be granted on a third or subsequent non-compliance suspension though.

The court listed on your citation can give you more information on your penalties for being caught for a second time driving without insurance and without the previously required SR-22 being filed. As listed above the penalties for a second offense should be similar to what you received for your first offense, except a bit more severe. The fine amount and reinstatement fees cost more and the time of driving suspension, registration suspension and impoundment of plates are all for longer periods of times.

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