Driving Without a License or With a Suspended License in Ohio

Ohio prohibits driving without a valid license—whether a license is suspended, expired, not reinstated, or never issued. This article explains what constitutes these violations, the possible penalties, and the exemptions to the rule.

Driving Without a License Laws

A person who operates a motor vehicle on a public road or highway in Ohio generally must possess and be able to display a valid driver's license. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4507.35, 4510.12 (2025).)

Penalties for Unlicensed Driving

Unlicensed driving (meaning the driver never issued a license) is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and a maximum of 500 hours of community service. A second offense is a first-degree misdemeanor and carries up to 180 days in jail and/or a maximum $5,000 fine. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 2929.31, 4510.12 (2025).)

A person who drives with an expired license can be convicted of a minor misdemeanor. A third conviction for driving with an expired license within 3 years is a misdemeanor of the first degree and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. If a person's license has been expired for more than six months and it's a second offense within three years, the court may suspend the violator's license for up to one year. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 2929.31, 4510.02, 4510.12 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving Without a License in Your Possession

A driver who was licensed but didn't have the license in their immediate possession might be able to get the charge dismissed. Presentation of a driver's license that was valid at the time of the citation is a valid defense to a driving without a license charge. (State v. Foley, 658 N.E.2d 1137 (1st Dist. 1995).)

Drivers who are convicted of driving without a valid license in their possession are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 500 hours of community service. A third conviction within 3 years is a misdemeanor of the first degree and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 2929.31, 4507.35 (2025).)

Exceptions to the Driver's License Requirement

A non-resident driver with a valid driver's license from another state or country can drive in the state without an Ohio license, subject to Ohio age restrictions. Farmers driving machinery 25 miles per hour or slower and military personnel in official vehicles are also exempt from Ohio's licensing requirements. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4507.03, 4507.04 (2025).)

Driving With a Suspended License

It's illegal for a person to operate a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license. A person who operates a vehicle while on a suspended or revoked license could face jail time, fines, and an extended license suspension. The penalties depend on the reason for the suspension—with penalties for suspensions based on OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) incidents being more severe. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4510.11, 4510.14 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License

Generally, driving while suspended is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a maximum $5,000 fine, and a license suspension of up to 1 year. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 2929.31, 4510.02, 4510.11 (2025).)

For a second offense within 3 years, the court can immobilize the driver's vehicle and impound the license plate for 30 days. This penalty becomes 60 days for a third offense within 3 years. And a fourth offense within three years can lead to vehicle forfeiture. (Ohio Rev. Code § 4510.11 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving After Failing to Reinstate a Suspended License

A driver whose suspension ended but has failed to reinstate a license will be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum of 500 hours of community service. A second conviction within 3 years is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine. The court also may suspend the violator's license for one year for a first or subsequent offense. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 2929.31, 4510.02, 4510.21 (2025).)

Penalties for Driving on an OVI-Related Suspension

Driving while suspended carries increased penalties if the suspension was related to an OVI. A first offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Convicted persons must serve at least 3 days in jail, with a maximum of 180 days. The court will also order a fine of $250 to $1,000, a license suspension of up to 1 year, and immobilization and impoundment of the vehicle for 30 days. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 4510.02, 4510.14 (2025).)

A second offense within 6 years carries 10 to 180 days in jail, a $500 to $2,500 fine, and a license suspension of up to 1 year. The court will also immobilize the vehicle and impound the license plates for 60 days. For a third offense within 6 years, the driver will face 30 days to 1 year in jail, a $500 to $2,500 fine, a license suspension of up to 1 year, and vehicle forfeiture. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2929.24, 4510.02, 4510.14 (2025).)

Getting Help From a Defense Attorney

If you've been arrested for driving without or on a suspended license, get in touch with a knowledgeable defense attorney. A qualified attorney can review your case and help you decide on the best course of action.