Understanding Camera Speeding Tickets in Ohio

Speeding tickets in Ohio, regardless of whether they come from a speed camera or a police officer, follow the same legal and financial process.

Do Camera-Speeding Tickets Go on Your Record?

Speeding tickets, whether captured by speed cameras or issued by a police officer, have the same impact on your driving record. If you receive a ticket from a speed camera, it will be recorded on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) just as any other speeding ticket.

Key Point: There is no difference between a speed camera ticket and a traditional speeding ticket. The violation will appear on your driving record, no matter the source.

Consequences of Camera Speeding Tickets in Ohio

While speed camera violations do not result in points on your driving record, they can still have significant financial and legal consequences.

In Ohio, speeding tickets are considered non-moving violations, meaning they do not incur points on your license. However, they can lead to increased insurance premiums and higher fines. This is because violations, whether from cameras or officers, contribute to a history of traffic infractions, which can affect your insurance rates.

Key Point: Speeding violations from cameras, like those from officers, stay on your MVR and can lead to sustained increases in insurance rates.

Can Speeding Tickets be Removed from Your Record?

According to Ohio law, speeding tickets, including those from speed cameras, are not removable from your driving record. The state has a specific statute that forbids the removal of these tickets from your MVR. This means that the tickets will continue to affect your insurance premiums and potentially other aspects of your driving history.

Key Point: Speeding tickets from speed cameras in Ohio cannot be removed from your driving record and will have a lasting impact on your driving history.

Fighting Speeding Tickets

Yes, you can fight a speeding ticket, including those from speed cameras. However, the process can be complex and costly. Speed cameras are often operated by third parties, and due process is crucial. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can challenge the ticket. This can require legal representation, which often costs more than the fine itself.

For motor vehicle owners in Ohio, the best course of action is to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for specific guidelines and advice. If you choose to fight the ticket, consult a legal professional for guidance.

Key Point: You can fight a speeding ticket from a speed camera, but it requires legal representation that may cost more than the fine itself.

What Happens If You Don't Pay the Fine?

Failure to pay a speed camera ticket does not automatically result in a criminal case. However, if you do not pay, the violation can be sent for collection. This is more common for unpaid fines than for camera tickets, which are typically non-moving violations.

One example of handling unpaid tickets in Ohio involves personal experiences. The author's wife had to pay a fine to Cleveland, but no thanks were given. Another user ignored their ticket and shortly after, the cameras were removed from the area due to public dissatisfaction. No follow-up action was taken regarding anyone's unpaid tickets.

Key Point: Non-payment of a speed camera ticket may result in collection efforts but is not typically escalated to a criminal case unless the violation involves a different level of offense.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the impact of camera speeding tickets on your driving record is crucial. While these tickets do not typically affect your license points or generate income for law enforcement, they can lead to increased insurance costs and other financial obligations. Always stay informed and seek advice from your local DMV if you have questions about your specific situation.