On April 9, 2025, a new law took effect in Ohio, which states that Ohio drivers can no longer receive license suspensions based on outstanding court fines or fees in minor misdemeanor and traffic cases. Ohio is now the 30th state to eliminate or significantly reduce debt-based license suspensions.
Proponents of the new law successfully argued that the prior law allowing license suspensions based on outstanding debt disproportionately impacted low-income drivers. As a result of the suspension, drivers were less likely to earn the money necessary to pay off the debt and have their licenses reinstated. According to a 2022 report from The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, approximately 600,000 of the 1,000,000 driver’s licenses suspended from 2016 to 2020 were a direct result of debts owed to the courts.
While it is unclear how many Ohio drivers currently have suspensions related to outstanding fees and court costs, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has confirmed that they will work with local courts to identify those impacted and lift the suspensions. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is required to lift all qualifying suspensions on or before May 9, 2025.
If you believe you qualify for removing a debt-based license suspension or have questions about eligibility, please get in touch with L. Michael Bly or Kaylee Price at 937.223.1130.
