License Suspension / Limited Driving Privileges

If you have a non-compliance or 12-point suspension and you meet all the requirements, you may request limited driving privileges from the Court to drive to and from work and for family necessities.

Limited Driving Privileges Information Sheet(PDF, 221KB)

Do I qualify?

The BMV can help you know whether you qualify. You can chat with the BMV online at www.bmv.ohio.gov. You can find a list of all the issues with your license on your BMV Online profile or on a BMV 2006 form. You also may consult with an attorney.

Before you file a petition for limited driving privileges you must meet the following requirements:

1. Resolve any other suspensions or revocations under any other law (for example: license forfeiture, judgment/security suspensions, warrant blocks, violator compact suspension, or a court suspension).
2. If your license was suspended by a Judge in Franklin County Municipal Court for failing to show insurance at the time of the offense, you need to see that Judge for privileges.
3. Obtain SR-22 insurance and make sure it is on file with the BMV.
4. Complete any requirements to test, retest, or renew your license.
5. If you have a 12-point suspension, you need to take a remedial driving course and retest.

I qualify - what do I do next?

File Your Petition with the Clerk of Courts

Download Petition Form

• You must file your application with the Clerk of Courts on the 3rd floor of 375 S. High. The Clerk's hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The filing fee is $111.00 (cash or credit card).
• You will be mailed a court date and an order to renew/test if you need it.
• If you need to test/renew/retest for your license, the Clerk of Courts will send you an order in the mail to take to the BMV to take your tests. If you can't get your test done prior to your court date, call the clerk at (614) 645-7220 or email the court on the website under driving privileges requesting a continuance. You can also check the surrounding counties, Licking, Fairfield, Delaware, and Pickaway to see if you can get your test done sooner. If you don't request a continuance, there is a possibility your case may be dismissed.

Attend Your Court Date

Privileges hearings are held on Mondays at 1:30 pm in Courtroom 10A on the 10th floor. The Court will have checked with the BMV to see if you are eligible for privileges. If you are not, you will be informed what you still need to do before you can receive privileges and your case will be rescheduled to give you time to complete all tasks.

When Granted Privileges

• If you receive privileges, always carry the paperwork with you. Get a notebook and keep it in the front seat of the car. If you work at a place that gives you a weekly schedule, copy it and put it in your notebook. If you are going anywhere allowed by your privileges, write it in your notebook. If you are pulled over, show the officer your driving privileges and your notebook. It is your responsibility to show the officer you are allowed to be driving.
• If you owe fees to the BMV, the court will put you on a payment plan to pay the BMV $50.00 a month. The BMV can give you information about when and how to make your payments.