March 20, 2015 | Defenses, Driving Privileges

For an individual convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (OVI), there are many requirements that must be met, like appearing in court and paying a significant fine. Another requirement relates to providing proof of financial responsibility.

Requirement of All Ohio Drivers

Under Ohio law, all drivers must have proof of financial responsibility in order to operate a vehicle in Ohio. Proof of financial responsibility is defined as “proof of the ability to respond in damages for liability, on account of accidents occurring subsequent to the effective date of such proof, arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle.”

The minimum insurance requirements are as follows:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any accident;
  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more persons in any one accident; and
  • $25,000 for injury to property of others in any one accident.

Additional Requirements of Drivers Convicted of OVI

While all drivers must have proof of financial responsibility, there are more requirements placed on individuals convicted of OVI. A person convicted of OVI must provide proof of financial responsibility to the court. A failure to do so may result in the court ordering the individual to pay restitution in an amount up to $5,000 for economic loss arising from an accident or collision that was the direct and proximate result of the offender’s operation of a vehicle before, during, or after the committing of OVI.

A person who has had their license suspended will also face additional requirements related to proof of financial responsibility. In order to have a license restored after a suspension, an individual, among other requirements, must give and maintain proof of financial responsibility with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Beginning March 23, 2015, this can be satisfied with the following:

  1. A financial responsibility identification card;
  2. A certificate of insurance;
  3. A bond;
  4. A certificate of deposit of money or securities; or
  5. A certificate of self-insurance.

The proof of financial responsibility must be maintained with the BMV for a period of between three and five years, depending on the class level of the license suspension. A person may use an electronic wireless communications device to provide proof of financial responsibility to the traffic violations bureau, court, registrar, or peace officer. These types of devices include:

  1. A cellular phone;
  2. A personal digital assistant;
  3. A computer or tablet computer; or
  4. Any other wireless device designed or used to communicate and display texts or images.

The ability to use a device like a cell phone or laptop will make it significantly easier to always have your proof of financial responsibility with you.

OVI in Ohio

After an OVI conviction, you will be responsible for doing many things, some that cost money and others that just take time and effort. It is one of the many reasons why communicating with a Columbus OVI attorney you trust is so critically important. An experienced attorney can help you through the entire process related to an OVI arrest.