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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 5537-2 | Operation of Vehicles

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 5537-2-01 | Compliance with police orders.
 

No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order, signal or direction of any police officer.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-02 | Compliance with signs, signals and markings.
 

No person shall fail to comply with any traffic-control sign, signal, marking or device, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-03 | Speed regulations.
 

(A) No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon the turnpike at a speed which is greater than the posted speed limit or greater than is reasonable or proper, having due regard for the weather, traffic, surface, and any other conditions, and no person shall operate any motor vehicle upon the turnpike at a greater speed than will permit the operator to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. In no event shall any motor vehicle be driven in excess of the speed limits prescribed by state law or in excess of posted speed limits.

(B) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the turnpike at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when such reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or when ordered to do so by a police officer.

(C) The commission, in cooperation with police, has the authority to: (1) temporarily reduce speed limits on any part of the turnpike where hazardous conditions warrant the reduction in speed or where the reduction is necessary for construction or maintenance operations; and (2) temporarily stop traffic or reroute traffic off of the turnpike where warranted by hazardous conditions, construction or maintenance operations, vehicle accidents or other obstructions.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 3/20/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 3/3/2001
Rule 5537-2-04 | Vehicle operation.
 

(A) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the turnpike unless such person is duly licensed to operate such vehicle in accordance with law.

(B) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the turnpike unless such vehicle is registered in accordance with law.

(C) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the turnpike carelessly or recklessly, without being in reasonable control of the vehicle, or in a manner so as to endanger any person or property, or while the operator is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any narcotic or habit-forming drug.

(D) No vehicle shall be operated on the turnpike in violation of any law or standard, including noise standards promulgated by the United States, the state of Ohio, or the commission, as applicable to that class of vehicle.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 9:06 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 4/30/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954, 3/3/2001
Rule 5537-2-05 | One-way traffic.
 

All traffic lanes, deceleration lanes, acceleration lanes, entrance and exit ramps, shoulders, and other travelways on the turnpike are hereby designated as one-way lanes. No person shall operate any vehicle, or otherwise cause it to move, on any of such lanes and travelways in any direction other than forward and generally parallel to, and to the right of, the medial strip.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-06 | Entering traffic lanes.
 

Upon entering a traffic lane from a service plaza, interchange, shoulder, or entrance ramp, the operator of a motor vehicle shall use the acceleration lane or and the operator shall enter the outer lane with caution so as not to interfere with or endanger traffic. The operator of a vehicle entering a traffic lane shall yield the right of way to vehicles already on the traffic lanes.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/0954
Rule 5537-2-07 | Space between moving vehicles.
 

The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle, the traffic upon and the condition of the surface of the turnpike, visibility, and all other conditions.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:07 AM

Supplemental Information

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Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Rule 5537-2-08 | Stopping or suddenly decreasing speed.
 

No operator of a motor vehicle shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of the vehicle without first giving a clearly visible and conventional warning signal to the traffic immediately to the rear.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-09 | Driving lane - passing.
 

The operator of a motor vehicle shall drive in the outer and center traffic lanes in the designated direction for traffic, except when lawfully crossing from one lane to another. The operator of a motor vehicle shall use the inner traffic lanes for passing only. Where three traffic lanes are provided for the same direction of travel, heavy commercial vehicles and vehicles operated at a rate of speed below the maximum in effect shall drive in the outer lane and shall use the center lane for passing only.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-10 | Overtaking a vehicle.
 

The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall signal to the vehicle to be overtaken and shall also signal to any vehicles to the rear in sufficient time in advance of the movement indicated to give ample warning to other users of the turnpike who would or might be affected by such movement. Upon ascertaining that such movement can be made with safety, the operator may gradually pass the overtaken vehicle at a safe distance to the left thereof, whereupon the operator shall return to the outer or center traffic lane, but not until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-11 | Crossing medial strip.
 

No operator of a motor vehicle shall drive their vehicle across or upon the medial strip, including crossovers constructed thereon, except as provided in rule 5537-2-14 of the Administrative Code or unless permission to do so, in writing (which may be subject to all reasonable conditions contained in said writing), shall have been granted by the commission, or its representative thereunto specifically authorized, for purposes incidental to or necessary in connection with the safety, maintenance, or operation of the turnpike, or any construction in connection with the turnpike. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the operator of an emergency vehicle may cross the medial strip at designated crossovers, provided in so doing the operator shall use caution so as not to interfere with or endanger traffic.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 3/20/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 3/3/2001
Rule 5537-2-12 | U-turns.
 

No person operating a motor vehicle shall make a U-turn movement at any point on the turnpike unless directed to do so by a police officer or unless permission to do so shall have been granted by the commission, or its representative thereunto specifically authorized, for purposes incidental to or necessary in connection with the safety, maintenance, or operation of the turnpike, or any construction in connection with the turnpike.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 9:03 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 4/30/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 3/1/1956
Rule 5537-2-13 | No passing areas.
 

No operator of a motor vehicle, while on a deceleration lane, an acceleration lane, or interchange ramp, shall overtake and pass another vehicle which is in motion thereon, or attempt to do so.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Rule 5537-2-14 | Operating on shoulders.
 

(A) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the shoulders except in the case of an emergency or when so directed by a police officer.

(B) This section does not preclude the use of the outer shoulder for emergency stopping, parking or standing as provided in rule 5537-2-15 herein.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

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Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Rule 5537-2-15 | Stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles.
 

No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the traffic lanes, acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes, bridges, entrance or exit ramps, shoulders, medial strip, or at any place where a "No Parking" sign is posted; provided that in case of an emergency, a motor vehicle may be stopped and parked on the shoulder adjacent to the outer traffic lane in the designated direction of traffic, but only if all wheels and projecting parts of the vehicle and its load are completely clear of the traffic lanes and all required warning devices are displayed in accordance with applicable law; and provided further that the commission or its representative thereunto specifically authorized may grant permission, in writing, for such stopping and parking on the shoulder, subject to the restrictions contained in the preceding provision with respect to the place of stopping or parking and to any other reasonable conditions contained in said written permission, for purposes incidental to or necessary in connection with the administration of justice or the safety, maintenance, or operation of the turnpike, or any construction in connection with the turnpike. A person may not park or leave a vehicle standing on the turnpike for the purpose of demonstrating, striking or other similar purpose.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 3/1/1956
Rule 5537-2-16 | Impounding of vehicles.
 

Any vehicle which is illegally parked or abandoned on any portion of the turnpike, without first obtaining permission from a police officer, shall be towed off the turnpike and impounded at the owner's expense. An impounded vehicle may not be removed from the place where it is impounded until after payment for towing, storage, and other costs and charges has been made.

Last updated March 23, 2023 at 9:08 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By:
Amplifies:
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-17 | Stops at toll booths.
 

The operator of a motor vehicle who travels within a closed ticket system or the barrier system of the turnpike without a valid electronic tolling transponder shall not enter or exit through the marked E-ZPass only lanes, and shall make a complete stop at toll plazas to retrieve a ticket and to pay the toll. At toll assessment points, the operator of a motor vehicle who possesses a valid electronic tolling transponder properly mounted in or on the vehicle may proceed through E-ZPass lanes at a speed which is not greater than the posted speed limit.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 9:04 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 7/1/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/2013
Rule 5537-2-19 | Traffic-control signals.
 

All operators of vehicles approaching lane-use control signals exhibiting colored lights shall comply with the lighted signals indicating the following:

(A) Steady downward green arrow - indicates that the traffic lane over which the lighted signal is displayed is open to traffic.

(B) Steady red "X" - indicates that the traffic lane over which the lighted signal is displayed is closed to traffic.

(C) Flashing amber light - indicates that all traffic shall reduce speed and proceed with caution and in compliance with all supplemental and related traffic signs.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 9:04 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 4/30/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 12/1/1954
Rule 5537-2-21 | Public police officers.
 

To the extent that the proper discharge of official duties or the meeting of an emergency so requires, the provisions of rules 5537-2-02, 5537-2-03, 5537-2-07, 5537-2-09 to 5537-2-13, and rules 5537-2-15, 5537-2-17 and rule 5537-2-19 hereof shall not apply to any police officer who, while in the performance of official duties, is in hot pursuit of any suspected offender under any criminal statute of the state of Ohio; to any police officer authorized to control and regulate traffic on the turnpike while in the performance of official duties; or to any operator of an emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties. The foregoing shall apply only when such police officer or operator of an emergency vehicle is sounding an audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle, and is showing a signal, by means of flashing lights, that is clearly visible within a distance of five hundred feet to the front and to the rear of the vehicle. Nothing herein contained shall relieve any police officer operating a motor vehicle on the turnpike or the operator of any emergency vehicle thereon from the duty to drive with the degree of care for the safety of others which is compatible, under all attending circumstances, with the proper discharge of official duties.

Last updated September 1, 2023 at 9:04 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5537.16
Amplifies: 5537.16
Five Year Review Date: 7/1/2023