The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) was established in the 1930s, guaranteeing the safety and security of motorists traveling on Buckeye State’s roadways, . Featuring a rich history of patrolling interstates, state routes, and state-owned properties, the core responsibility of the organization is ensuring the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, helping to prevent accidents, and promoting safe driving practices.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is also tasked with responding to accidents, investigating crashes, and reconstructing events to determine cause and liability. Additionally, the OSHP troopers offer motorist assistance for disabled vehicles, promote public safety education programs, and foster community outreach initiatives. Patrolling roadways to deter crime forms another one of the organization’s agendas, by apprehending criminals and assisting local law enforcement forces.
There is no denying that the OSHP is an internationally accredited agency, demonstrating their commitment to professionalism and adherence to the highest law enforcement standards. If you are looking to settle any pre-existing cases or dues with this agency, then our comprehensive guide can be of help.
How to Pay Your Fine Online
Unfortunately, you cannot pay your traffic fine directly to the Ohio Highway Patrol. Instead, your payment must be directed to the court of the county in which the violation took place. For instance, if the offense took place in the village of Crooksville in Perry County, Ohio, then the payment must be to the Court of Crooksville.
The traffic ticket or citation issued to you will contain the name of the county and the court that will be responsible for handling your case. To start the payment process right away, follow the below-mentioned steps for a seamless experience.
- The primary step involves heading over to the official website.
- On the landing page, select the court related to which your traffic ticket was issued. Once done, hit ‘Go’.
- In the next step, you will have the option to search for your traffic citation using your name, case number, ticket number, or all the aforementioned search options.
- Whichever option you end up selecting, provide the required information, and click on ‘Search’. The online portal will then showcase the search results, and if the search is successful, your traffic ticket will be presented to you on your screen.
- Proceed to pay the fine amount using your credit card or an electronic cheque. Keep in mind that credit card payments will attract a small convenience fee.
- After successful payment, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
For any additional queries or assistance, you can get in touch with the OSHP headquarters via phone at (614) 752-2792 or visit in person at the following address: Ohio State Highway Patrol, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223.
Different Types of Offenses and Penalties
Traffic offenses in Ohio can be segregated into various categories, ranging from minor infractions to serious violations. As a result, understanding the differences between them and their potential consequences is crucial for safe and responsible driving.
When it comes to the classification of traffic offenses, there are primarily two types: infractions and misdemeanors. Infractions are considered minor offenses and generally result in fines and points added to your driving record. If you accumulate too many points, then it can lead to license suspension. Some of the common examples include speeding, disregarding traffic signals, improper lane changes, equipment violations (such as totaled tires or broken taillights or headlights), and parking violations.
On the other hand, misdemeanors include more serious offenses, which involve fines, jail time (up to a year), suspension of a driver’s license, community service, and required attendance at driving schools. Examples of misdemeanors include drag racing on highways, reckless driving, operating a vehicle under influence, and driving despite a license being suspended.
Additionally, felonies are also considered to be one of the most serious traffic offenses with the harshest penalties in Ohio. Some instances of committing a traffic felony include vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, aggravated vehicular homicide (causing death while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics), and performing repeat offenses in quick succession.
It should also be known that there are additional factors that can affect the kind of penalties you will receive for your traffic offenses. For instance, if you have a history of traffic violations or your offense results in injury, death, or property damage, then your penalty will significantly increase. To learn more about the traffic laws in Ohio, click here.
