Distracted Drivers
(ORC 4511.991)
In the Bellevue Municipal Court, the Distracted Driving violation is waiverable. The offense is not, however, payable online. YOU MUST CONTACT THE COURT FOR WAIVER AND COURSE INSTRUCTIONS.
** For traffic offenders who are charged with a violation of distracted driving, this Ohio Department of Public Safety driving course is available in lieu of paying the court fine of $100.00, providing the offender submits written evidence of the distracted driver course to the Court ON OR BEFORE THE COURT DATE GIVEN.
The one-hour course discusses what distracted driving is, who is a distracted driver, cell phone distractions, the risks and consequences of driving distracted, and combating distracted driving.
The course can be found on the Driver Training website https://www.drivertraining.ohio.gov.
From the homepage, a person should click on the "Distracted Driving Course" button. On the next page the offender should click on the "Enter Course" button. The offender will need to print the Certificate of Completion and submit to the Court.
Texting While Driving (Hands Free Offenses)
ORC 4511.204 SB288
Effective 4/4/2023 (6 Month Grace Period Expires 10/4/2023)
| ORC | Violation | Degree | Points | Fine | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4511.204 | * Texting - 1st Violation in 2 Years | UM | 2 | $150.00 Max | $100.00 |
| 4511.204 | * Texting - 2nd Violation in 2 Years | UM | 3 | $250.00 Max | $100.00 |
| 4511.204 | ** Texting - 3rd Violation in 2 Years | UM | 4 | $500.00 Max | $100.00 |
| 4511.204 | Texting - Commercial Vehicle | UM | 2/3/4 | Same as 1st, 2nd, 3rd penalties in addition to other applicable penalties | $100.00 |
| 4511.204 | Texting - Construction Zone | UM | 2/3/4 | Double 1st, 2nd, 3rd penalties | $100.00 |
| 4511.204 | Handheld Mobile Telephone | UM | 2/3/4 | Double 1st, 2nd, 3rd penalties | $100.00 |
COURT APPEARANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL ABOVE LISTED CHARGES
- * Texting - 1st Violation in 2 Years
- 1st time offenders who are charged with a violation of Texting While Driving may take a distracted driving course, in lieu of paying the court fine of $100.00. The offender must contact the Court for payment + court instructions.