Nearly 2 million Ohio drivers − more than one in five − have suspended licenses for infractions such as no proof of insurance, drunk driving, multiple traffic tickets or other problems.
Nearly a year ago, the state made permanent an amnesty program that lets low-income Ohioans apply to have their reinstatement fees forgiven or reduced. The program, which started as a pilot project in 2018, has forgiven more than $255 million in reinstatement fees for 380,000 drivers. Another $326 million in fees are still owed.
"When you look at the reduction numbers, the dollar numbers, it's kind of staggering. We've really put a dent into this," said Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registrar Charlie Norman. "I think it's fair to say we put 100,000 people back on the road legally, that if it were not for amnesty, might not be there."
Nearly 590,000 drivers are currently suspended for not having auto insurance − by far the single most common reason for getting a license suspension.
There are more than 30 ways to lose your license in Ohio. More than 400,000 Ohioans are suspended for behavior that has nothing to do with driving:
- 264,000 for failing to show up for court on a misdemeanor charge or failing to pay a court fine.
- 130,000 for being behind on child support payments.
- 9,000 teens under 18 who have been reported by a school district to the BMV for skipping school, using drugs or dropping out of school.
How does the amnesty program work?
The program has some caveats and limits. Suspensions involving alcohol, drugs or weapons are not eligible for the program. And it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal − no second enrollments allowed.
Ohio BMVAmnesty program puts penalized drivers on road to restored privileges
People are automatically enrolled and notified by mail or email when:
- The license has been suspended for one or more eligible offenses.
- At least 18 months has passed since the suspension period ended.
- Reinstatement fees are owed.
The driver must then activate the enrollment by showing proof of insurance and/or submitting documentation of indigency. About 283,000 Ohioans have been enrolled but have yet to activate.
"We've sent out literally hundreds of thousands of letters letting them know what they need to do," Norman said.
Reinstatement fees range from $40 to $650. Drivers often have their licenses suspended for multiple reasons.
A 2021 study by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators estimates that 75% of those whose licenses are suspended continue to drive anyway. And Norman said insurance industry studies show that roughly 10% to 15% of people drive without insurance, which would be 800,000 to 1.2 million people in Ohio.
Other fees, fines and payment plans
Not everyone is eligible for the amnesty program. The Ohio BMV also offers a payment plan that allows drivers to pay $25 up front to get back on the road as a licensed driver. But there are requirements:
- You have proof of insurance.
- You aren't under suspension.
- You aren't on a court-ordered payment plan.
- You owe at least $150 in reinstatement fees.
The plan is canceled if the driver doesn't pay at least $25 every month or faces another license suspension while on the payment plan.
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