If you’re driving in Ohio, there are new laws to keep in mind or it could hit you in the wallet.

When it is necessary to use your windshield wipers, it is also necessary to have your headlights on under Ohio Revised Code 4513.03. Another violation must occur before you can be stopped for this offense. Fines vary by the court district in which this occurs.

Child Restraint

Enforcement begins April 7, 2010, on Ohio’s new child restraint law which was enacted October 7, 2009. Under this new law, all children under the age of eight and/or under the height of 4’9” must be restrained in booster seats and in the back seat of vehicles. This is addition to the previous ordinances regarding backward-facing seats for infants until at least the age of one and at least 20 pounds and forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until around age 4 and 40 pounds.

The general rule of thumb is that lap belts must cross the upper thighs and the shoulder belt must fit properly across the chest.

All children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.

Until April 7, those of you caught in violation, will receive a warning.

Recent License Changes

As of August 10, drivers can pay reinstatement fees online.

Effective Oct. 8, 2009, those applying for a new or first time driver license or state identification (ID) card, replacing a lost license or ID card, or making an address change on a license or ID card will need to provide documents that establish the applicant’s current Ohio residential street address.

Military Symbol Free of Charge

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces now have the option of displaying a symbol representing this on their driver license (DL) or state identification card (ID) through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

House Bill 450 of the 127th General Assembly gave the BMV the authority to place this special symbol on DLs and IDs. Certain merchants may offer discounts or unique services to veterans or current members of the Armed Forces and they will now be able to conveniently use their DL or ID to prove their affiliation for these discounts. This symbol is not intended to be used in lieu of a military identification card issued by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

There is no additional cost to have the symbol added, other than the normal fees associated with applying for or renewing a DL or ID. The Armed Forces symbol can be added to the DL or ID at any Deputy Registrar. The applicant must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 displaying their military service or honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.