What does driving under FRA suspension mean? Thank you.

FRA is a term used in Ohio in regards to the Financial Responsibility that motorist are required to keep on their vehicles.

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

These limits are known as 12.5/25/7.5.  However, as of Dec. 22, 2013, required liability limits will increase to 25/50/25.

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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:

• Lose driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days and up to two years;
• License plates and vehicle registration suspension;
• License plate reinstatement fees of $150 for first violation to $650 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 or bond) to continuously maintain proof of financial responsibility for three to five 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 year suspension of vehicle registrations.

A FRA suspension thus means the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has temporary taken away your Ohio driving privileges due to a financial responsibility issue. So if you are found driving without insurance you can be issued a FRA suspension. If you are caught operating a vehicle during this period then you would be cited for driving under a FRA suspension.

Ohio courts are authorized to order vehicle immobilization and impoundment of the license plates at the time of sentencing for if you found driving when you have a FRA suspension. A first offense is 30 days, a second offense is 60 days and a third offense can result in the forfeiture of your vehicle.

The Ohio BMV can give you more information a FRA suspension. If you are in need of Ohio car insurance you can get auto insurance quotes online here with us.