Reckless operation in Ohio is listed under 4511.20 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and is considered a minor misdemeanor. If this is what you were cited for then it is worth 4 points on your Ohio driving record.

Beyond the points for the reckless driving offense the other penalties are not listed. To find out what exactly you will be facing, check with the court listed on your citation and/or the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). We have read the fine amount can start at $150 plus court fees, so it can be pretty expensive, a few hundred dollars in total. This traffic ticket in Ohio also requires a court appearance. If you were to get a second violation in a year involving reckless operation this would then allow a judge to impose jail time.

Ohio does have special suspension rules for teenagers with temporary permits or probationary licenses. If you are under 18, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles will automatically suspend your probationary license for 90 days if you are convicted or plead guilty to two moving violations. You will also be required to complete a state authorized juvenile driver improvement program.

Temporary permit holders and probationary license holders will be suspended for one year for accruing 3 moving violations before age 18. Temporary permit holder and probationary license holders may be suspended for 6 months if convicted of certain traffic-related violations.

Also as of April 2007 if a probationary driver license holder under the age of 17 is convicted of having committed one moving violation during the first six months of having a driver's license, the person must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whenever operating a motor vehicle during the six-month period commencing on the date on which the person is convicted of or pleads guilty to the moving violation or until the person turns 17.

The BMV notes that a person whose temporary permit or probationary license is suspended will have to meet a number of requirements before getting back their permit or license. The requirements can include completion of a juvenile improvement program and retaking the driver's examination.

Since you were cited for reckless driving since you were found by the Ohio Highway Patrol to be going 45 mph over the speed limit, likely in a residential area since the speed limit was only 35, this possibly could be reason enough for the BMV to suspend your license. As noted above the OH driver's handbook states that probationary license holders can be suspended for 6 months due to due violations of the traffic law. Whether your offense counts for this type of suspension you should check with the BMV and/or the court listed on your citation.

For more information regarding the OH graduated licensing program contact the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).