Like all states, it is illegal in Ohio to drive above the posted speed limit or too fast for the conditions of the road. While speeding is not typically a felony offense, it can still result in serious consequences—including jail time. Below is more information about Ohio's speeding laws, as well as other considerations and possible penalties you may face.

Ohio Speeding Laws

A law enforcement officer in Ohio can give you a ticket for speeding, no matter how much or little you may be exceeding the posted limit. However, officers have some leeway here, and often will only ticket you if you are going more than five to 10 mph beyond the limit.

Generally, you should adjust your speed as necessary and slow down when conditions warrant it, even if that means traveling below the limit in certain circumstances. Heavy rain, snow, road work, and traffic generally call for slower speeds. However, you can get a ticket for speeding in one of these road conditions, even if you were not exceeding the limit.

Reckless Driving Laws

If your speed endangers the safety of other people or property, the police can charge you with reckless driving. Ohio laws don't stipulate how much over the speed limit you must go to qualify for reckless driving. However, if your speed makes other people unsafe, law enforcement can issue this ticket. Speeding in inclement road conditions, school zones, or exceeding 10 mph over the posted limit are the most common situations that result in a reckless driving charge.

Penalties

In Ohio, a speeding ticket is a misdemeanor, not a felony. For the first reckless driving offense, you will likely only need to pay a fine. However, if you receive two or more speeding tickets in one year, you could be charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which carries penalties of a fine of up to $250 and 30 days in jail. If you receive three or more tickets in a year, the penalties increase. This means you could face a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

If you receive a speeding ticket and need help fighting it in court, contact James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law. He has been serving the Cincinnati, OH, area since 2002, helping drivers fight felony and misdemeanor charges, whether you have a traffic violation, OVI defense, or juvenile delinquency case. Call (513) 503-7251 to schedule a consultation. Visit his website for more information about his practice areas.