Section 4509.101 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle in Ohio without maintaining proof of Financial Responsibility (FR) continuously throughout the registration period with respect to that vehicle. Ohio law goes on to say that it is illegal for a motor vehicle owner to let anyone driver their vehicle if there is not car insurance or proof of other financial responsibility means on it.

If a motorist chooses to fulfill state required motor vehicle financial responsibility through obtaining auto insurance the state minimum requirements are: $12,500 for bodily injury or death of 1 person in any one accident, $25,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people in any one accident, and $7,500 for injury to the property of others in one accident.

Ohio's FR law requires every applicant for registration of a motor vehicle and every applicant for a driver's license, or the renewal of such license, to sign a statement indicating that the applicant maintains, or has maintained proof of financial responsibility at the time of application, and the applicant will not operate a motor vehicle in Ohio without maintaining proof of financial responsibility.

Failure to carry auto insurance or otherwise provide proof of financial responsibility in OH could result in the following civil penalties by the Register of Motor Vehicles at the BMV:

• Lose driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days and up to 2 years;
• License plates and vehicle registration suspension;
• License plate reinstatement fees of $125 for first violation;
• Require to file with the OH BMV a SR-22 or bond to continuously maintain proof of financial responsibility for a minimum of 3 years up to 5 years from the date of the suspension the driver's license;
• Vehicle immobilization and confiscation of plates for 30 to 60 days if the driver violates the suspension.

So it is very likely that if you were cited for driving without insurance you will receive at least a suspension of your driver's license for a certain period of time but likely also other penalties such as requiring you to carry a SR-22 and registration suspension. Driving and registration privileges cannot be restored until all requirements of the suspension have been met.