Ohio Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road
Know the numbers before you know the rules
Speed and spacing facts are the easiest points to lose. In Ohio the unposted limit is 25 mph in residential and business districts, 20 mph in a school zone during recess and arrival/dismissal, 15 mph in an alley, and 65 mph on most rural freeways, rising to 70 mph where posted on the Turnpike and designated rural interstate sections. Outside municipal corporations the unposted limit on most two-lane roads is 55 mph.
Right-of-way is yielded, never taken
At an uncontrolled intersection the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic. A right turn on red is legal after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it. Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right of way.
Ohio-specific traps
- School bus: stop for flashing red lights on a two-lane road, but on a divided highway with four or more lanes you do not stop when the bus is on the opposite side - proceed with caution.
- Ohio's Move Over law requires moving over or slowing for any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights.
- Headlights are required whenever wipers are in use because of precipitation.
- Ohio's distracted-driving law makes texting and handheld phone use a primary offense for all drivers.
Worked example
A candidate drives on a four-lane divided road and sees a school bus across the median with red lights flashing. The correct answer is to continue at a reduced, cautious speed. Selecting "stop" confuses the two-lane rule with the four-lane exception.
Rule of thumb
Stop, look, decide, then go - and when two rules seem to conflict, apply the more protective one.