(a) Misdemeanor Classifications.
(1) General classifications. Whoever violates any provision of this Traffic Code for which violation no penalty is otherwise provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree; one each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
(2) Compliance with order of police officer; fleeing. Whoever violates Section 303.01 is guilty of failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer. A violation of Section 303.01(a) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. A violation of Section 303.01(b) is a misdemeanor of the first degree, unless the jury or judge as trier of fact finds any one of the following by proof beyond a reasonable doubt:
A. In committing the offense, the offender was fleeing immediately after the commission of a felony;
B. The operation of the motor vehicle by the offender was a proximate cause of serious physical harm to persons or property;
C. The operation of the motor vehicle by the offender caused a substantial risk of serious physical harm to persons or property.
(ORC 2921.331)
(3) Providing false information. Whoever violates Section 303.10 is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4513.99)
(b) Penalties.
(1) Whoever is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this Traffic Code shall be imprisoned for a definite term or fined, or both, which term of imprisonment and fine shall be fixed by the court as provided in this section.
Classification of Misdemeanor | Maximum Term of Imprisonment | Maximum Fine |
First degree | 180 days | $1,000.00 |
Second degree | 90 days | 750.00 |
Third degree | 60 days | 500.00 |
Fourth degree | 30 days | 250.00 |
Minor | No imprisonment | 150.00 |
(ORC 2929.24; 2929.28)
(2) The maximum fines fixed by the court under this section may be increased, but not more than doubled, if the violation of the Traffic Code occurs in a construction zone having been posted with signs in accordance with Section 4511.98 of the Revised Code. For the purposes of this section, “construction zone” shall have the same meaning as in Section 5501.27 of the Revised Code.
(Ord. 2017-46. Passed 5-22-17.)