The OH designation is a restriction code, not a license type

The letters "OH" on an Ohio driver's license mean your license has been restricted or suspended by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). It is not a separate class of license you can request. Instead, it appears on your license document when the BMV has limited your driving privileges for a specific reason — usually a conviction, a medical condition, or a failure to meet renewal requirements.

When you see "OH" printed on your license, it signals to law enforcement that you are not permitted to drive under all circumstances. Driving outside the terms of an OH restriction is a violation and can result in additional penalties, fines, or jail time depending on what triggered the restriction in the first place.

The most common reason for an OH code is a DUI or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) conviction. Ohio also issues OH restrictions for medical reasons — such as vision problems or seizure disorders — when a doctor reports you to the BMV or when you fail a vision test at renewal. Some restrictions also appear after you accumulate too many points on your driving record or fail to pay child support.

Key Takeaways

  • An OH code on your Ohio license means the BMV has restricted your driving privileges, not that you hold a special license type.
  • The most common cause is a DUI or OVI conviction, which may require an ignition interlock device or limit when and where you can drive.
  • Medical restrictions — for vision, hearing, or seizure disorders — also trigger an OH code and require you to follow specific conditions.
  • You cannot legally drive outside the terms of an OH restriction; doing so is a separate criminal offense.
  • To remove an OH restriction, you must meet the conditions set by the BMV, which vary by the reason for the restriction.

How an OH restriction appears on your license document

When the BMV issues a restricted license with an OH code, the restriction details appear in the "Restrictions" section of your physical license card and in your BMV driving record. The code itself — "OH" — is shorthand; the actual restriction will be spelled out more fully in your BMV file or in the court order that triggered it.

For example, if you received an OH restriction due to a DUI conviction, your license might show "OH" along with a note that you must use an ignition interlock device, or that you can only drive to and from work, school, or a medical appointment. If the restriction is medical, it might state that you must wear corrective lenses at all times or that you cannot drive at night.

You can view your full driving record — including all restrictions and their exact terms — by visiting the Ohio BMV website or visiting a local BMV office in person. Your record will show the date the restriction began and, if applicable, the date it is scheduled to end.

DUI and OVI convictions: the most common reason for OH restrictions

In Ohio, a conviction for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) almost always results in a license suspension or restriction. The length and terms of the restriction depend on whether it is your first offense, how high your blood alcohol content was, and whether anyone was injured.

A first-time OVI conviction in Ohio typically results in a license suspension of six months to three years. During part of that time, you may be ineligible to drive at all. After the suspension period, the BMV may issue a restricted license — marked with an OH code — that allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like alcohol treatment.

If the court orders you to install an ignition interlock device (IID), your restricted license will require it. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition; you must blow into it before the car will start, and it records all results. You pay for the device and its monitoring yourself, usually $60 to $100 per month. You must keep the IID installed for the entire period ordered by the court, even if your license restriction ends earlier.

Multiple OVI convictions result in longer suspensions and stricter restrictions. A second offense within ten years can mean a one-year to five-year suspension. A third or subsequent offense can result in a permanent license revocation, though you may petition for reinstatement after a waiting period.

Medical restrictions and when the BMV requires an OH code

Ohio law requires the BMV to restrict or suspend your license if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. A doctor can report you to the BMV, or you may be required to report yourself if you have a condition listed in Ohio's medical review guidelines.

Common medical reasons for an OH restriction include uncorrected vision worse than 20/60, a seizure disorder, diabetes managed with insulin, a heart condition, or a neurological condition like Parkinson's disease. The BMV does not automatically revoke your license; instead, it may issue a restricted license with conditions — for example, you can drive only during daylight hours, or only with corrective lenses, or only within a certain distance from home.

If you receive a medical restriction, the BMV will send you a letter explaining the condition and what you must do. You may be required to have your doctor complete a form confirming that you can drive safely with the stated restrictions. Some restrictions are temporary; others remain in place as long as the condition exists. You can request a review if your condition improves or if you believe the restriction is too severe.

Point accumulation and other reasons for an OH restriction

Ohio uses a point system to track traffic violations. If you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, the BMV will suspend or restrict your license. The point threshold depends on your age: drivers under 18 face suspension at 12 points in two years, while drivers 18 and older face suspension at 12 points in three years.

Points are assigned for violations like speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield, and at-fault accidents. A single serious violation — like reckless operation or fleeing police — can result in when ready suspension. If you accumulate points but have not yet reached the suspension threshold, the BMV may issue a warning or require you to complete a defensive driving course.

Other reasons for an OH restriction include failure to pay child support (the BMV will suspend your license until you make a payment arrangement), failure to maintain auto insurance, or failure to pay traffic fines or court costs. In these cases, the restriction remains in place until you resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, obtain insurance, or make a child support payment.

How to remove or modify an OH restriction

The process to remove an OH restriction depends entirely on why it was issued. For a DUI or OVI conviction, you must complete all court-ordered requirements — such as alcohol treatment, community service, or probation — and serve the full suspension period. After that, you can request a license reinstatement from the BMV. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $25 to $50, though this varies) and may be required to pass a written test or vision test.

If your restriction is due to points, you can request a hearing before the BMV to contest the suspension, or you can wait out the suspension period and then explore for reinstatement. Some drivers reduce their point total by completing a defensive driving course, which removes up to four points from your record.

For medical restrictions, you can request a review if your condition has improved. You will need a letter from your doctor stating that you can now drive safely without the restriction, or that the restriction can be modified. Submit this letter to the BMV along with a request for review. The BMV will evaluate your request and may remove the restriction, modify it, or require you to pass a vision or road test.

If your restriction is due to unpaid fines or child support, contact the agency that issued the restriction — the court, the child support enforcement office, or the Ohio Department of Public Safety — and make a payment or payment arrangement. Once the underlying debt is resolved, notify the BMV and request reinstatement.

What happens if you drive with an OH restriction you do not follow

Driving outside the terms of an OH restriction — for example, driving at night when your restriction says daylight only, or driving without an ignition interlock device when one is required — is a separate criminal offense in Ohio. It is treated as driving with a suspended or invalid license, which is a misdemeanor for a first offense and can result in jail time, fines up to $500, and an additional license suspension.

If you are stopped by police and your license shows an active OH restriction, the officer will check whether you are complying with its terms. If you are not, you can be arrested on the spot. A conviction for violating a license restriction can also result in points being added to your driving record, which may trigger another suspension.

If you believe you cannot comply with the terms of your restriction — for example, if your job requires you to drive at night but your restriction says daylight only — contact the BMV or the court that issued the restriction and request a modification. Do not straightforward ignore the restriction and hope you do not get caught.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my OH restriction removed early?

Early removal is rare and depends on the reason for the restriction. For DUI convictions, you cannot remove the restriction before the court-ordered period ends. For medical restrictions, you can request a review if your condition improves and your doctor confirms you can drive safely. For point-based suspensions, you may reduce points by completing a defensive driving course, which can shorten the suspension period.

Does an OH restriction mean I cannot drive at all?

Not necessarily. An OH restriction usually allows you to drive for specific purposes — work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — or under specific conditions, such as daylight hours only or with corrective lenses. The exact terms are listed in your BMV record and on your license. A full suspension, by contrast, means you cannot drive at all for any reason.

What is the difference between an OH code and a license suspension?

A suspension means your license is invalid and you cannot drive at all. A restriction (marked with an OH code) means your license is valid but only under certain conditions. After a suspension period ends, the BMV may issue a restricted license with an OH code, allowing limited driving. Eventually, if you meet all requirements, the restriction can be removed and your license restored to full driving privileges.

How much does it cost to reinstate an OH-restricted license?

Reinstatement fees in Ohio range from $25 to $50, depending on the reason for the restriction and whether you are requesting a full reinstatement or a modification. You may also owe court fines, ignition interlock device fees, or other costs related to the original violation. Contact your local BMV office or check your BMV record online to see what fees explore to your specific case.

Can I appeal an OH restriction if I think it was issued by mistake?

Yes. If your restriction is due to a medical condition, you can request a review with updated medical documentation. If it is due to points or a conviction, you can request a hearing before the BMV to contest the suspension. Contact the BMV office that issued the restriction to learn how to file an appeal or request a hearing in your case.