Motorists can avoid an Ohio speeding ticket by abiding by three speeding laws. These laws are:
Basic Laws – Ohio Speeding Ticket
- Forbids drivers from moving at a speed greater than “reasonable or proper,” having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the street or highway and any other conditions” (meaning, motorists must always operate at a safe speed).
- Circumstances can determine whether or not a motorist’s speed is “safe” (For example, driving at the speed limit of 55 mph may be considered dangerous and a violation of the Basic Speeding Law during dark and icy conditions).
- Prohibits driving a vehicle at a speed that will not “permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead” (rear-ending another vehicle can be a violation of the Ohio Basic Speeding Law).
Absolute Speed Limits – Ohio Speeding Ticket
- Unless otherwise posted, the absolute speed limits prohibit a motorist from driving over:
- A speed of 75 mph on rural freeways.
- A speed of 65 mph on rural expressways and urban freeways.
- A speed of 55 mph on most other roadways.
- These speed limits are absolute, meaning if a vehicle is operating at a speed greater than what is permitted, the driver has violated the law.
Prima Facie Speeds
- Sometimes referred to as “presumed” speed limits. This means, if a driver is able to prove to a court that the speed in question was safe and under the “presumed” speed limit, the driver may not be in violation of the Basic Speeding Law in Ohio
- Ohio’s prima facie speed limits are as follows:
- 50 mph on state routes within a municipal corporation, outside of urban districts.
- 35 mph on highways outside of business districts.
- 25 mph within business districts.
- 20 mph in school zones.
- 15 mph in alleys within a municipal corporation.
There is no set amount for an Ohio speeding ticket fine. The fine amount will depend on the speed, violation, and the county in which the driver was cited.
The fine amount and the due date for a response to the citation can be found on the speeding ticket along with whether or not an appearance in court is required. If the fine amount is not indicated on the speeding ticket, the driver can contact the county court that is listed on the citation.
Violating an Ohio speeding law in a construction zone will double the amount of the fine.
It is helpful to be represented by an Ohio Traffic Attorney who may have a Traffic Defense Plan.