The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to strengthen regulations surrounding traffic offenses, particularly in construction zones. It mandates that driver education courses include information on the dangers of driving in these areas, alongside topics like distracted driving and driving under the influence. Stricter penalties are introduced for traffic violations committed in construction zones, categorizing them as first-degree misdemeanors, which significantly increases the consequences for such offenses. Additionally, the bill establishes new penalties for distracted driving, especially when the distraction contributes to the violation, and allows the Department of Public Safety to charge fees to online driver training enterprises to cover regulatory costs.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific speed limit regulations for various road types and grants local authorities the power to request changes based on engineering studies. It introduces provisions for establishing boarding school zones with specific speed limits and hours of enforcement. The legislation also clarifies penalties for traffic violations, including increased fines for offenses committed in construction zones or while distracted. New legal language specifies that offenders in construction zones will face additional penalties as outlined in section 4511.993 of the Revised Code, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws in these high-risk areas to enhance safety for both drivers and workers.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4508.02, 4511.03, 4511.12, 4511.132, 4511.17, 4511.20, 4511.202, 4511.204, 4511.205, 4511.21, 4511.211, 4511.213, 4511.22, 4511.23, 4511.25, 4511.251, 4511.26, 4511.27, 4511.28, 4511.29, 4511.30, 4511.31, 4511.32, 4511.33, 4511.34, 4511.35, 4511.36, 4511.37, 4511.38, 4511.39, 4511.41, 4511.42, 4511.43, 4511.431, 4511.44, 4511.441, 4511.451, 4511.46, 4511.47, 4511.54, 4511.57, 4511.58, 4511.59, 4511.60, 4511.61, 4511.64, 4511.71, 4511.711, 4511.712, 4511.72, 4511.73, 4511.991, 5517.07