(a) Misdemeanor Classifications.
(1) General classification. 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, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense such 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 303.11
is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
(ORC 4513.99)
(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 2929.21)
(c) Construction Zone Violations. Notwithstanding subsection (b) hereof, upon a finding that any person referred to in subsection (a)(1) hereof or Section 333.99
(a) has operated a motor vehicle in violation of this Traffic Code, in a construction zone where a sign was then lawfully posted, the court, in addition to all other penalties provided by law, shall impose a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation. No court shall impose a fine of two times the usual amount imposed for the violation upon an offender who alleges, in an affidavit filed with the court prior to his sentencing, that the offender is indigent and is unable to pay the fine imposed pursuant to this subsection, provided the court determines the offender is an indigent person and is unable to pay the fine.