Texting while driving ticket in Ohio
A texting ticket in Ohio costs $150–$252 across 3 courts and carries 2 points.
Fine$150–$252across 3 courts
Points2
Remedial driving courseYes
Add up my ticket All Ohio rules
How much does each court charge for a texting ticket?
Summit County charges the most, at $252. Hamilton County charges $150.
Amount on your notice (not published): Franklin County.
What does Ohio law allow for a texting ticket?
| Ticket | You pay |
|---|---|
| Using a hand-held device while driving (4511.204)Up to $150 first offense, $250 for a second within 2 years, $500 and a possible 90-day suspension for a third. | Up to $150[9] |
How many points is it?
Will a texting ticket raise your insurance in Ohio?
Probably, once it is on your record. Insurers rate a texting ticket as a moving violation. In Ohio one speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium about 23% on average[1], or about $1,225 over three years. A texting ticket usually lands in the same range.
Estimate based on the state's speeding average, not a quote.
How long do you have to respond to a texting ticket in Ohio?
- Date on noticePay or respondset by the court[18][15]
Details
Pay the ticket or appear by the court date printed on it. If you miss it: The court can declare your license forfeited and issue a warrant.
- 20daysAppeal a 12-point suspension before it startsfrom the notice date[3]
Details
Appeal a 12-point suspension before it starts. If you miss it: The 6-month suspension takes effect on the 20th day after the BMV mails notice.
- 30daysLicense suspended if ignoredfrom the court date[15]
Details
Court reports a license forfeiture to the BMV after you miss court. If you miss it: The BMV suspends your license until the court tells it you appeared.
- 90daysFile proof of the distracted driving course (first hand-held device offense)from the ticket date[9]
Details
File proof of the distracted driving course (first hand-held device offense). If you miss it: Without proof in time, you owe the fine and get the points.
Can you keep a texting ticket off your Ohio record?
Every way to handle an Ohio ticket, from paying to contesting →
Texting tickets in other states →
Got a different ticket in Ohio?
- Speeding
- School zone
- Work zone
- Red light
- Stop sign
- No insurance
- Expired registration
- Seat belt
- School bus
- Failure to yield
- Parking
What else do people ask?
How many points is a texting ticket in Ohio?
Handheld phone use: 2 points.
How much is a texting ticket in Ohio?
It depends on the court. Published amounts: Summit County $252, Cuyahoga County $250, Hamilton County $150.
Will a texting ticket raise my insurance in Ohio?
Probably, if it goes on your record. Insurers rate it as a moving violation. In Ohio a speeding ticket raised full-coverage premiums about 23% on average (ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026), and a texting ticket tends to land in the same range.
Sources
Ohio law and DMV sources (6)
- Ohio Rev. Code §4510.037 Point system, remedial driving course, Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
- Ohio Rev. Code §4510.036 Points chargeable for offenses, Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
- Ohio Rev. Code §4511.204 Using an electronic wireless communication device while driving, Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
- Ohio Rev. Code §4511.991 Additional fine for distracted driving, distracted driving safety course, Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
- Ohio Rev. Code §4510.22 License forfeiture for failure to appear, Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
- Ohio Traffic Rules, Rule 13 (Traffic violations bureau), Supreme Court of Ohio.
Insurance sources (4)
- State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).