Getting pulled over for speeding is never fun. But it is even more nerve-wracking when it happens to you while you’re driving in a rental car. Here’s what you should do if you get a speeding ticket in Ohio.
Looking at the average number of speeding tickets issued annually, Ohio ranks no. 6 in the nation, according to a study by Insurify.
How Much Are Speeding Fines in Ohio?
Traffic ticket fines are not uniform throughout Ohio. This means a speeding in Dayton is not the same as in Columbus or Cleveland. Most speeding fines will cost between $100 and $200, depending on your speed and where you get the ticket.
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Ohio is one of two states allowing local courts to set their own fines, court costs and other fees. That results in a wide discrepancy in how much you might pay for a violation from one locality to another. These surcharges can be as costly or more costly than the speeding fine itself.
How to Handle a Speeding Ticket in a Rental
Unlike parking tickets and toll violations, which are typically tied to the vehicle, a speeding ticket is generally tied to the driver. If a police officer pulls you over, you’ll be able to handle the fine on your own—possibly without the rental company ever finding out. From there, you can pay the fine or fight it. Going to traffic school or taking a defensive driving course online may also be an option for avoiding points on your record.
There is one way the rental company could find out about the issue. Getting caught by a speed camera that takes a photo of the plate would mean that the rental company would be notified of the fine—and pass on to you at a later date with an added fee. If you receive a notice in the mail about a fine triggered by a speed camera, pay it immediately to avoid dealing with collections agencies or you could end up on the Do Not Rent list.
How to Pay a Speeding Ticket in Ohio
You’ll have to pay for a speeding ticket in Ohio even if you don’t live there, as states disclose out-of-state violations to one another. The quickest way to handle the ticket is to pay for it as soon as possible by following the directions printed on the ticket itself, which usually includes information for paying online or by phone. You can also pay in person at the court denoted on the ticket.
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If you choose to contest the ticket, you will have to do so with the specific Ohio municipality that oversees the traffic laws where you were driving—not the rental car company. In some cases you may be able to do this online. That information will be available through the same municipal court listed on your ticket. However, going this route could require showing up in court and paying additional fees in the long run.
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