(a) General Misdemeanor Classifications.
(1) Predicate Motor Vehicle or Traffic Offenses. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates any provision of this Traffic Code which is a predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense and for which no other penalty is provided is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates such provision is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates such provision is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(2) Non-Predicate Motor Vehicle or Traffic Offense. Whoever violates any provision of this Traffic Code which is not a predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense and for which no other penalty is provided is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(b) Penalties. 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)