HB 29, which was signed into law on January 8 and went into effect in early April, eliminates automatic license suspensions linked to non-driving drug offenses, unpaid court fines, school truancy, and child support defaults.
Yes, you can now rest easy knowing that your grandmother, who has cataracts, will not be regaining her license. These are only for those who refuse to pay traffic fines and have never demonstrated that they are dangerous drivers.
The deadline for the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Courts to lift suspensions related to these problems was May 9. As of mid-June, approximately $8.3 million in reinstatement fees had been waived, and 429,501 suspensions had been lifted.
That’s almost half a million people getting back their fundamental freedom without paying anything or having to go through any formalities.
The breakdown is as follows: by May 9, local courts reported non-driving suspension records to the BMV. Following that, the BMV automatically revoked those suspensions, removed any registration blocks on the vehicles, and sent drivers letters outlining the next steps without charging them.
With evidence that the suspension prevents them from making support payments, those who have been suspended for nonpayment of child support can now request limited privileges from the judge at any time.
Being able to drive is a need rather than a luxury for many Ohioans. According to a 2022 Legal Aid Society study, non-driving reasons accounted for 60% of Ohio’s 1 million license suspensions.
A vicious cycle is reinforced by those suspensions: unable to work, unable to pay, and still unable to drive. In 2024, courts in Montgomery County alone suspended 1,961 people for unpaid child support, which accounts for about 12% of all child support suspensions in the state.
The procedure has gone smoothly, according to local court employees. Some suspensions date back to the 1990s, according to Rob Scott, a clerk in Kettering, and his office “forwarded the info to the BMV immediately.” In order to guarantee that drivers receive their letters of reinstatement, Ohio courts are enhancing their notification systems.
Businesses are already benefiting in the interim. “When people lost their driving privileges, employers lost valuable workers,” says Sen. Lou Blessing III (R), a co-sponsor of the bill.
All suspensions are not nullified by the legislation. Drivers are still blocked by serious insurance lapses, DUI convictions, and vehicle-involved drug offenses.
Additionally, you will still be responsible for the underlying court fines; they are not forgiven. Did you miss the letter of suspension? Drivers can visit BMV branches or check their status online.
Read Also: Drivers in Connecticut Now Facing $75 Fines as Citywide Ticketing Kicks Off
Although the bill’s detractors acknowledge that it doesn’t address every issue, it is a good beginning. Rep. Darnell Brewer says, “It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.”
With this modification, Ohio becomes one of 25 states that have abolished the practice of license suspensions due to debt. Restricting mobility due to minor financial defaults is more punishment than public safety, as both red and blue states have acknowledged.
Imagine Franklin arriving on time for his job interview or driving his children to school. That’s the true effect. When overnight shifts start, there will be no more cab rides. Don’t miss any more doctor’s appointments. A restored license is a second chance, not just a card.
