CHAPTER 4501: MOTOR VEHICLES -- DEFINITIONS; GENERAL PROVISIONS

As used in this chapter and Chapters 4503., 4505., 4507., 4509., 4510., 4511., 4513., 4515., and 4517. of the Revised Code, and in the penal laws, except as otherwise provided:

(A) “Vehicles” means everything on wheels or runners, including motorized bicycles, but does not mean electric personal assistive mobility devices, vehicles that are operated exclusively on rails or tracks or from overhead electric trolley wires, and vehicles that belong to any police department, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department, or that are used by such a department in the discharge of its functions.

(B) “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle, including mobile homes and recreational vehicles, that is propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power or power collected from overhead electric trolley wires. “Motor vehicle” does not include utility vehicles as defined in division (VV) of this section, motorized bicycles, road rollers, traction engines, power shovels, power cranes, and other equipment used in construction work and not designed for or employed in general highway transportation, well-drilling machinery, ditch-digging machinery, farm machinery, and trailers that are designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a public road or highway for a distance of no more than ten miles and at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less.

(C) “Agricultural tractor” and “traction engine” mean any self-propelling vehicle that is designed or used for drawing other vehicles or wheeled machinery, but has no provisions for carrying loads independently of such other vehicles, and that is used principally for agricultural purposes.

(D) “Commercial tractor,” except as defined in division (C) of this section, means any motor vehicle that has motive power and either is designed or used for drawing other motor vehicles, or is designed or used for drawing another motor vehicle while carrying a portion of the other motor vehicle or its load, or both.

(E) “Passenger car” means any motor vehicle that is designed and used for carrying not more than nine persons and includes any motor vehicle that is designed and used for carrying not more than fifteen persons in a ridesharing arrangement.

(F) “Collector’s vehicle” means any motor vehicle or agricultural tractor or traction engine that is of special interest, that has a fair market value of one hundred dollars or more, whether operable or not, and that is owned, operated, collected, preserved, restored, maintained, or used essentially as a collector’s item, leisure pursuit, or investment, but not as the owner’s principal means of transportation. “Licensed collector’s vehicle” means a collector’s vehicle, other than an agricultural tractor or traction engine, that displays current, valid license tags issued under section 4503.45 of the Revised Code, or a similar type of motor vehicle that displays current, valid license tags issued under substantially equivalent provisions in the laws of other states.

(G) “Historical motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle that is over twenty-five years old and is owned solely as a collector’s item and for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar uses, but that in no event is used for general transportation.

(H) “Noncommercial motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle, including a farm truck as defined in section 4503.04 of the Revised Code, that is designed by the manufacturer to carry a load of no more than one ton and is used exclusively for purposes other than engaging in business for profit.

(I) “Bus” means any motor vehicle that has motor power and is designed and used for carrying more than nine passengers, except any motor vehicle that is designed and used for carrying not more than fifteen passengers in a ridesharing arrangement.

(J) “Commercial car” or “truck” means any motor vehicle that has motor power and is designed and used for carrying merchandise or freight, or that is used as a commercial tractor.

(K) “Bicycle” means every device, other than a tricycle that is designed solely for use as a play vehicle by a child, that is propelled solely by human power upon which any person may ride, and that has either two tandem wheels, or one wheel in front and two wheels in the rear, any of which is more than fourteen inches in diameter.

(L) “Motorized bicycle” means any vehicle that either has two tandem wheels or one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear, that is capable of being pedaled, and that is equipped with a helper motor of not more than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces no more than one brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of no greater than twenty miles per hour on a level surface.

(M) “Trailer” means any vehicle without motive power that is designed or used for carrying property or persons wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, and includes any such vehicle that is formed by or operated as a combination of a semitrailer and a vehicle of the dolly type such as that commonly known as a trailer dolly, a vehicle used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials between a local place of storage or supply and the farm when drawn or towed on a public road or highway at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour, and a vehicle that is designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a public road or highway for a distance of more than ten miles or at a speed of more than twenty-five miles per hour. “Trailer” does not include a manufactured home or travel trailer.

(N) “Noncommercial trailer” means any trailer, except a travel trailer or trailer that is used to transport a boat as described in division (B) of this section, but, where applicable, includes a vehicle that is used to transport a boat as described in division (M) of this section, that has a gross weight of no more than three thousand pounds, and that is used exclusively for purposes other than engaging in business for a profit.

(O) “Mobile home” means a building unit or assembly of closed construction that is fabricated in an off-site facility, is more than thirty-five body feet in length or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis, is transportable in one or more sections, and does not qualify as a manufactured home as defined in division (C)(4) of section 3781.06 of the Revised Code or as an industrialized unit as defined in division (C)(3) of section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.

(P) “Semitrailer” means any vehicle of the trailer type that does not have motive power and is so designed or used with another and separate motor vehicle that in operation a part of its own weight or that of its load, or both, rests upon and is carried by the other vehicle furnishing the motive power for propelling itself and the vehicle referred to in this division, and includes, for the purpose only of registration and taxation under those chapters, any vehicle of the dolly type, such as a trailer dolly, that is designed or used for the conversion of a semitrailer into a trailer.

(Q) “Recreational vehicle” means a vehicular portable structure that meets all of the following conditions:

(1) It is designed for the sole purpose of recreational travel.

(2) It is not used for the purpose of engaging in business for profit.

(3) It is not used for the purpose of engaging in intrastate commerce.

(4) It is not used for the purpose of commerce as defined in 49 C.F.R. 383.5, as amended.

(5) It is not regulated by the public utilities commission pursuant to Chapter 4919., 4921., or 4923. of the Revised Code.

(6) It is classed as one of the following:

(a) “Travel trailer” means a nonself-propelled recreational vehicle that does not exceed an overall length of thirty-five feet, exclusive of bumper and tongue or coupling, and contains less than three hundred twenty square feet of space when erected on site. “Travel trailer” includes a tent-type fold-out camping trailer as defined in section 4517.01 of the Revised Code.

(b) “Motor home” means a self-propelled recreational vehicle that has no fifth wheel and is constructed with permanently installed facilities for cold storage, cooking and consuming of food, and for sleeping.

(c) “Truck camper” means a nonself-propelled recreational vehicle that does not have wheels for road use and is designed to be placed upon and attached to a motor vehicle. “Truck camper” does not include truck covers that consist of walls and a roof, but do not have floors and facilities enabling them to be used as a dwelling.

(d) “Fifth wheel trailer” means a vehicle that is of such size and weight as to be movable without a special highway permit, that has a gross trailer area of four hundred square feet or less, that is constructed with a raised forward section that allows a bi-level floor plan, and that is designed to be towed by a vehicle equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch ordinarily installed in the bed of a truck.

(e) “Park trailer” means a vehicle that is commonly known as a park model recreational vehicle, meets the American national standard institute standard A119.5 (1988) for park trailers, is built on a single chassis, has a gross trailer area of four hundred square feet or less when set up, is designed for seasonal or temporary living quarters, and may be connected to utilities necessary for the operation of installed features and appliances.

(R) “Pneumatic tires” means tires of rubber and fabric or tires of similar material, that are inflated with air.

(S) “Solid tires” means tires of rubber or similar elastic material that are not dependent upon confined air for support of the load.

(T) “Solid tire vehicle” means any vehicle that is equipped with two or more solid tires.

(U) “Farm machinery” means all machines and tools that are used in the production, harvesting, and care of farm products, and includes trailers that are used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials between a local place of storage or supply and the farm, agricultural tractors, threshing machinery, hay-baling machinery, corn shellers, hammermills, and machinery used in the production of horticultural, agricultural, and vegetable products.

(V) “Owner” includes any person or firm, other than a manufacturer or dealer, that has title to a motor vehicle, except that, in sections 4505.01 to 4505.19 of the Revised Code, “owner” includes in addition manufacturers and dealers.

(W) “Manufacturer” and “dealer” include all persons and firms that are regularly engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, displaying, offering for sale, or dealing in motor vehicles, at an established place of business that is used exclusively for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, displaying, offering for sale, or dealing in motor vehicles. A place of business that is used for manufacturing, selling, displaying, offering for sale, or dealing in motor vehicles shall be deemed to be used exclusively for those purposes even though snowmobiles or all-purpose vehicles are sold or displayed for sale thereat, even though farm machinery is sold or displayed for sale thereat, or even though repair, accessory, gasoline and oil, storage, parts, service, or paint departments are maintained thereat, or, in any county having a population of less than seventy-five thousand at the last federal census, even though a department in a place of business is used to dismantle, salvage, or rebuild motor vehicles by means of used parts, if such departments are operated for the purpose of furthering and assisting in the business of manufacturing, selling, displaying, offering for sale, or dealing in motor vehicles. Places of business or departments in a place of business used to dismantle, salvage, or rebuild motor vehicles by means of using used parts are not considered as being maintained for the purpose of assisting or furthering the manufacturing, selling, displaying, and offering for sale or dealing in motor vehicles.

(X) “Operator” includes any person who drives or operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways.

(Y) “Chauffeur” means any operator who operates a motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, as an employee for hire; or any operator whether or not the owner of a motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, who operates such vehicle for transporting, for gain, compensation, or profit, either persons or property owned by another. Any operator of a motor vehicle who is voluntarily involved in a ridesharing arrangement is not considered an employee for hire or operating such vehicle for gain, compensation, or profit.

(Z) “State” includes the territories and federal districts of the United States, and the provinces of Canada.

(AA) “Public roads and highways” for vehicles includes all public thoroughfares, bridges, and culverts.

(BB) “Manufacturer’s number” means the manufacturer’s original serial number that is affixed to or imprinted upon the chassis or other part of the motor vehicle.

(CC) “Motor number” means the manufacturer’s original number that is affixed to or imprinted upon the engine or motor of the vehicle.

(DD) “Distributor” means any person who is authorized by a motor vehicle manufacturer to distribute new motor vehicles to licensed motor vehicle dealers at an established place of business that is used exclusively for the purpose of distributing new motor vehicles to licensed motor vehicle dealers, except when the distributor also is a new motor vehicle dealer, in which case the distributor may distribute at the location of the distributor’s licensed dealership.

(EE) “Ridesharing arrangement” means the transportation of persons in a motor vehicle where the transportation is incidental to another purpose of a volunteer driver and includes ridesharing arrangements known as carpools, vanpools, and buspools.

(FF) “Apportionable vehicle” means any vehicle that is used or intended for use in two or more international registration plan member jurisdictions that allocate or proportionally register vehicles, that is used for the transportation of persons for hire or designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property, and that meets any of the following qualifications:

(1) Is a power unit having a gross vehicle weight in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds;

(2) Is a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of the gross vehicle weight;

(3) Is a combination vehicle with a gross vehicle weight in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds.

“Apportionable vehicle” does not include recreational vehicles, vehicles displaying restricted plates, city pick-up and delivery vehicles, buses used for the transportation of chartered parties, or vehicles owned and operated by the United States, this state, or any political subdivisions thereof.

(GG) “Chartered party” means a group of persons who contract as a group to acquire the exclusive use of a passenger-carrying motor vehicle at a fixed charge for the vehicle in accordance with the carrier’s tariff, lawfully on file with the United States department of transportation, for the purpose of group travel to a specified destination or for a particular itinerary, either agreed upon in advance or modified by the chartered group after having left the place of origin.

(HH) “International registration plan” means a reciprocal agreement of member jurisdictions that is endorsed by the American association of motor vehicle administrators, and that promotes and encourages the fullest possible use of the highway system by authorizing apportioned registration of fleets of vehicles and recognizing registration of vehicles apportioned in member jurisdictions.

(II) “Restricted plate” means a license plate that has a restriction of time, geographic area, mileage, or commodity, and includes license plates issued to farm trucks under division (J) of section 4503.04 of the Revised Code.

(JJ) “Gross vehicle weight,” with regard to any commercial car, trailer, semitrailer, or bus that is taxed at the rates established under section 4503.042 of the Revised Code, means the unladen weight of the vehicle fully equipped plus the maximum weight of the load to be carried on the vehicle.

(KK) “Combined gross vehicle weight” with regard to any combination of a commercial car, trailer, and semitrailer, that is taxed at the rates established under section 4503.042 of the Revised Code, means the total unladen weight of the combination of vehicles fully equipped plus the maximum weight of the load to be carried on that combination of vehicles.

(LL) “Chauffeured limousine” means a motor vehicle that is designed to carry nine or fewer passengers and is operated for hire on an hourly basis pursuant to a prearranged contract for the transportation of passengers on public roads and highways along a route under the control of the person hiring the vehicle and not over a defined and regular route. “Prearranged contract” means an agreement, made in advance of boarding, to provide transportation from a specific location in a chauffeured limousine at a fixed rate per hour or trip. “Chauffeured limousine” does not include any vehicle that is used exclusively in the business of funeral directing.

(MM) “Manufactured home” has the same meaning as in division (C)(4) of section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.

(NN) “Acquired situs,” with respect to a manufactured home or a mobile home, means to become located in this state by the placement of the home on real property, but does not include the placement of a manufactured home or a mobile home in the inventory of a new motor vehicle dealer or the inventory of a manufacturer, remanufacturer, or distributor of manufactured or mobile homes.

(OO) “Electronic” includes electrical, digital, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or any other form of technology that entails capabilities similar to these technologies.

(PP) “Electronic record” means a record generated, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means for use in an information system or for transmission from one information system to another.

(QQ) “Electronic signature” means a signature in electronic form attached to or logically associated with an electronic record.

(RR) “Financial transaction device” has the same meaning as in division (A) of section 113.40 of the Revised Code.

(SS) “Electronic motor vehicle dealer” means a motor vehicle dealer licensed under Chapter 4517. of the Revised Code whom the registrar of motor vehicles determines meets the criteria designated in section 4503.035 of the Revised Code for electronic motor vehicle dealers and designates as an electronic motor vehicle dealer under that section.

(TT) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” means a self-balancing two non-tandem wheeled device that is designed to transport only one person, has an electric propulsion system of an average of seven hundred fifty watts, and when ridden on a paved level surface by an operator who weighs one hundred seventy pounds has a maximum speed of less than twenty miles per hour.

(UU) “Limited driving privileges” means the privilege to operate a motor vehicle that a court grants under section 4510.021 of the Revised Code to a person whose driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit or nonresident operating privilege has been suspended.

(VV) “Utility vehicle” means a self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for the purpose of transporting material or cargo in connection with construction, agricultural, forestry, grounds maintenance, lawn and garden, materials handling, or similar activities. “Utility vehicle” includes a vehicle with a maximum attainable speed of twenty miles per hour or less that is used exclusively within the boundaries of state parks by state park employees or volunteers for the operation or maintenance of state park facilities.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004; 09-16-2004; 09-29-2005; 04-06-2007; 2007 HB9 10-18-2007

(A) There is hereby created in the department of public safety a bureau of motor vehicles, which shall be administered by a registrar of motor vehicles. The registrar shall be appointed by the director of public safety and shall serve at the director’s pleasure.

The registrar shall administer the laws of the state relative to the registration of and certificates of title for motor vehicles, and the licensing of motor vehicle dealers, motor vehicle leasing dealers, distributors, and salespersons, and of motor vehicle salvage dealers, salvage motor vehicle auctions, and salvage motor vehicle pools. The registrar also shall, in accordance with section 4503.61 of the Revised Code, take those steps necessary to enter this state into membership in the international registration plan and carry out the registrar’s other duties under that section. The registrar, with the approval of the director of public safety, may do all of the following:

(1) Adopt such forms and rules as are necessary to carry out all laws the registrar is required to administer;

(2) Appoint such number of assistants, deputies, clerks, stenographers, and other employees as are necessary to carry out such laws;

(3) Acquire or lease such facilities as are necessary to carry out the duties of the registrar’s office;

(4) Establish accounts in a bank or depository and deposit any funds collected by the registrar in those accounts to the credit of “state of Ohio, bureau of motor vehicles.” Within three days after the deposit of funds in such an account, the registrar shall draw on that account in favor of the treasurer of state. The registrar may reserve funds against the draw to the treasurer of state to the extent reasonably necessary to ensure that the deposited items are not dishonored. The registrar may pay any service charge usually collected by the bank or depository.

The registrar shall give a bond for the faithful performance of the registrar’s duties in such amount and with such security as the director approves. When in the opinion of the director it is advisable, any deputy or other employee may be required to give bond in such amount and with such security as the director approves. In the discretion of the director, the bonds authorized to be taken on deputies or other employees may be individual, schedule, or blanket bonds.

The director of public safety may investigate the activities of the bureau and have access to its records at any time, and the registrar shall make a report to the director at any time upon request.

All laws relating to the licensing of motor vehicle dealers, motor vehicle leasing dealers, distributors, and salespersons, and of motor vehicle salvage dealers, salvage motor vehicle auctions, and salvage motor vehicle pools, designating and granting power to the registrar shall be liberally construed to the end that the practice or commission of fraud in the business of selling motor vehicles and of disposing of salvage motor vehicles may be prohibited and prevented.

(B) There is hereby created in the department of public safety a division of emergency medical services, which shall be administered by an executive director of emergency medical services appointed under section 4765.03 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 09-30-1998; 09-16-2004

(A) Notwithstanding sections 149.33 to 149.34 of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles shall determine the methods for obtaining, collecting, recording, and maintaining the records of the bureau of motor vehicles and of deputy registrars that pertain to driver’s or commercial driver’s licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations, including photographic or digitalized images, and electronic or digitalized signatures. The registrar may choose methods including paper, film, digital or other electronic media, or any other media that reasonably allows for recording, maintaining, and retrieving the records in a reliable manner.

(B) The registrar of motor vehicles may dispose of all records of the bureau of motor vehicles pursuant to section 149.34 of the Revised Code.

The disposal of all records shall not take place when the registrar has received notice that a court case or other legal action is pending involving such records.

Any surplus from the sale of such records, after paying the cost of administering the destruction or sale of such records, shall be paid into the state treasury.

(C) Each deputy registrar shall retain in the deputy registrar’s office a file containing copies of all records and transactions performed for the bureau. Copies of motor vehicle registration applications shall be retained for a period of eighteen months from the date of the record or transaction, whichever is later; copies of driver’s license or identification card applications shall be retained for a period of four years from the date of the record or transaction, whichever is later; and all other records shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of the record or transaction, whichever is later. The retained records shall be available for public examination, but no person may make copies of the records for sale or distribution.

Effective Date: 10-21-1997; 09-16-2004

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles shall determine the necessary or appropriate method by which written notice of an order suspending a motor vehicle driver’s or commercial driver’s license or requiring the surrender of a certificate of registration and registration plates may be provided to the person holding the license or the certificate of registration and registration plates. Division (A) of this section does not apply if the registrar is required to provide notification by use of a method specified by law.

(B) Pursuant to rules adopted by the registrar, the bureau of motor vehicles shall implement proof of mailing procedures to provide verification that written notice of an order suspending a motor vehicle driver’s or commercial driver’s license or requiring the surrender of a certificate of registration and registration plates was sent to the person holding the license or the certificate of registration and registration plates.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles shall designate an employee of the bureau of motor vehicles to be in charge of and responsible for voter registration within the bureau. Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles shall designate an employee in that deputy registrar’s office to be in charge of and responsible for voter registration within that office.

(B) The registrar shall provide, in cooperation with the secretary of state, a training program and materials for initial training in voter registration and for ongoing training for all deputy registrars and their employees.

(C) The registrar shall report to the secretary of state at least once annually the number of applicants for licenses served and the number of voter registration transactions completed and transmitted to the board of elections by the registrar and all deputy registrars.

Effective Date: 01-01-1995

The bureau of motor vehicles shall do both of the following:

(A) Develop and maintain a donor registry as required by section 2108.18 of the Revised Code;

(B) Maintain a toll-free telephone number as specified in section 2108.19 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 12-13-2000

(A) There is hereby created within the bureau of motor vehicles the citizens advisory committee consisting of nine appointed members and the registrar of motor vehicles, who shall serve as an ex officio nonvoting member. The governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives each shall appoint three members to the committee. The president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives each shall appoint one member from their respective houses. Of the three members that the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives each appoint to the committee, no more than two shall be members of the same political party.

Of the initial appointments to the committee, the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives each shall appoint one member for one year, one member for two years, and one member for three years. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years, each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Members may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member’s term until the member’s successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

The committee shall select from among its members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The committee shall meet at least twice each calendar year and at other times upon the call of the chair.

Voting members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the conduct of their official duties.

(B) The committee shall review and evaluate the client service practices of the bureau and advise the bureau on ways to improve its interaction with the public. The procedures that the committee shall review include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The form and processing of required applications and other documents;

(2) The administration of tests;

(3) The accessibility of bureau staff and the speed and accuracy with which questions are answered;

(4) Methods of notification for the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license;

(5) Rules regarding proof of financial responsibility;

(6) The efficiency of service at the offices of deputy registrars.

The committee shall adopt recommendations by a majority vote of its members and shall present recommendations to the bureau for consideration. The committee shall provide copies of its recommendations to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the director of public safety.

(C) The bureau shall establish a toll-free telephone number for the committee that citizens may call to register complaints, suggestions, or other comments about their interactions with the bureau. The bureau also shall establish an address at which citizens may contact the committee electronically via the internet. The committee periodically shall review all electronic communications and all calls placed to the toll-free number. The bureau shall cooperate with the committee in the committee’s performance of its duties.

(D) The citizens advisory committee shall expire three years after the date of its creation unless the general assembly renews it pursuant to division (D) of section 101.83 of the Revised Code. A renewal of the committee shall be for a period of three years.

Effective Date: 02-19-2002

The registrar of motor vehicles shall open an account with each county and district of registration in the state, and may assign each county and district of registration in the state a unique code for identification purposes. Except as provided in section 4501.044 or division (B)(1) of section 4501.045 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall pay all moneys the registrar receives under sections 4503.02, 4503.12, and 4504.09 of the Revised Code into the state treasury to the credit of the auto registration distribution fund, which is hereby created, for distribution in the manner provided for in this section and sections 4501.04, 4501.041 , 4501.042 , and 4501.043 of the Revised Code. All other moneys received by the registrar shall be deposited in the state bureau of motor vehicles fund established in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code for the purposes enumerated in that section, unless otherwise provided by law.

All moneys credited to the auto registration distribution fund shall be distributed to the counties and districts of registration, except for funds received by the registrar under section 4504.09 of the Revised Code, after receipt of certifications from the commissioners of the sinking fund certifying, as required by sections 5528.15 and 5528.35 of the Revised Code, that there are sufficient moneys to the credit of the highway improvement bond retirement fund created by section 5528.12 of the Revised Code to meet in full all payments of interest, principal, and charges for the retirement of bonds and other obligations issued pursuant to Section 2g of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and sections 5528.10 and 5528.11 of the Revised Code due and payable during the current calendar year, and that there are sufficient moneys to the credit of the highway obligations bond retirement fund created by section 5528.32 of the Revised Code to meet in full all payments of interest, principal, and charges for the retirement of highway obligations issued pursuant to Section 2i of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and sections 5528.30 and 5528.31 of the Revised Code due and payable during the current calendar year, in the manner provided in section 4501.04 of the Revised Code.

The treasurer of state may invest any portion of the moneys credited to the auto registration distribution fund, in the same manner and subject to all the laws with respect to the investment of state funds by the treasurer of state, and all investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Once each month the registrar shall prepare vouchers in favor of the county auditor of each county for the amount of the tax collection pursuant to sections 4503.02 and 4503.12 of the Revised Code apportioned to the county and to the districts of registration located wholly or in part in the county auditor’s county. The county auditor shall distribute the proceeds of the tax collections due the county and the districts of registration in the manner provided in section 4501.04 of the Revised Code.

Once each month the registrar also shall prepare vouchers in favor of the county auditor of each county levying a county motor vehicle license tax pursuant to section 4504.02, 4504.15, or 4504.16 of the Revised Code and of each county in which is located one or more townships levying a township motor vehicle license tax pursuant to section 4504.18 of the Revised Code for the amount of the tax due the county or townships in the county.

All moneys received by the registrar under sections 4503.02, 4503.12, and 4504.09 of the Revised Code shall be distributed to counties, townships, and municipal corporations within thirty days of the expiration of the registration year, except that a sum equal to five per cent of the total amount received under sections 4503.02 and 4503.12 of the Revised Code may be reserved to make final adjustments in accordance with the formula for distribution set forth in section 4501.04 of the Revised Code. If amounts set aside to make the adjustments are inadequate, necessary adjustments shall be made immediately out of funds available for distribution for the following two registration years.

Effective Date: 06-30-1999

All moneys paid into the auto registration distribution fund under section 4501.03 of the Revised Code, except moneys received under section 4504.09 of the Revised Code and moneys received under section 4503.02 of the Revised Code in accordance with section 4501.13 of the Revised Code, and except moneys paid for costs of audits under section 4501.03 of the Revised Code, after receipt by the treasurer of state of certifications from the commissioners of the sinking fund certifying, as required by sections 5528.15 and 5528.35 of the Revised Code, that there are sufficient moneys to the credit of the highway improvement bond retirement fund created by section 5528.12 of the Revised Code to meet in full all payments of interest, principal, and charges for the retirement of bonds and other obligations issued pursuant to Section 2g of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and sections 5528.10 and 5528.11 of the Revised Code, due and payable during the current calendar year, and that there are sufficient moneys to the credit of the highway obligations bond retirement fund created by section 5528.32 of the Revised Code to meet in full all payments of interest, principal, and charges for the retirement of highway obligations issued pursuant to Section 2i of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and sections 5528.30 and 5528.31 of the Revised Code due and payable during the current calendar year, shall be distributed as follows:

(A) Thirty-four per cent of all such moneys are for the use of the municipal corporation or county which constitutes the district of registration. The portion of such money due to the municipal corporation shall be paid into its treasury forthwith upon receipt by the county auditor, and shall be used to plan, construct, reconstruct, repave, widen, maintain, repair, clear, and clean public highways, roads, and streets; to maintain and repair bridges and viaducts; to purchase, erect, and maintain street and traffic signs and markers; to purchase, erect, and maintain traffic lights and signals; to pay the principal, interest, and charges on bonds and other obligations issued pursuant to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code or incurred pursuant to section 5531.09 of the Revised Code for the purpose of acquiring or constructing roads, highways, bridges, or viaducts, or acquiring or making other highway improvements for which the municipal corporation may issue bonds; and to supplement revenue already available for such purposes.

The county portion of such funds shall be retained in the county treasury and shall be used for the planning, maintenance, repair, construction, and repaving of public streets, and maintaining and repairing bridges and viaducts; the payment of principal, interest, and charges on bonds and other obligations issued pursuant to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code or incurred pursuant to section 5531.09 of the Revised Code for the purpose of acquiring or constructing roads, highways, bridges, or viaducts or acquiring or making other highway improvements for which the board of county commissioners may issue bonds under such chapter; and for no other purpose.

(B) Five per cent of all such moneys, together with interest earned by the treasurer of state as provided in section 4501.03 of the Revised Code, shall constitute a fund for the use of the several counties for the purposes specified in division (C) of this section. The moneys shall be divided equally among all the counties in the state and shall be paid out by the registrar of motor vehicles in equal proportions to the county auditor of each county within the state.

(C) Forty-seven per cent of all such moneys shall be for the use of the county in which the owner resides or in which the place is located at which the established business or branch business in connection with which the motor vehicle registered is used, for the planning, construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, and repair of roads and highways; maintaining and repairing bridges and viaducts; and the payment of principal, interest, and charges on bonds and other obligations issued pursuant to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code or incurred pursuant to section 5531.09 of the Revised Code for the purpose of acquiring or constructing roads, highways, bridges, or viaducts or acquiring or making other highway improvements for which the board of county commissioners may issue bonds under such chapter.

(D) Nine per cent of all such moneys shall be for the use of the several counties for the purposes specified in division (C) of this section and shall be distributed to the several counties in the ratio which the total number of miles of county roads under the jurisdiction of each board of county commissioners in each county bears to the total number of miles of county roads in the state, as determined by the director of transportation. Before such distribution is made each board of county commissioners shall certify in writing to the director the actual number of miles under its statutory jurisdiction which are used by and maintained for the public.

(E) Five per cent of all such moneys shall be for the use of the several townships and shall be distributed to the several townships in the ratio which the total number of miles of township roads under the jurisdiction of each board of township trustees in each township bears to the total number of miles of township roads in the state, as determined by the director of transportation. Before such distribution is made each board of township trustees shall certify in writing to the director the actual number of miles under its statutory jurisdiction which are used by and maintained for the public.

Effective Date: 07-26-1991; 03-29-2005

Except as provided in section 4501.042 of the Revised Code, all moneys received under section 4504.09 of the Revised Code with respect to counties levying county motor vehicle license taxes pursuant to section 4504.02, 4504.15, or 4504.16 of the Revised Code and paid into the state treasury under section 4501.03 of the Revised Code shall be distributed to the respective counties levying such taxes for allocation and distribution as provided in section 4504.05 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-01-1987

All moneys received under section 4504.09 of the Revised Code from municipal motor vehicle license taxes levied pursuant to section 4504.06, 4504.17, 4504.171 , or 4504.172 of the Revised Code, and any part of the moneys received from county motor vehicle license taxes levied pursuant to section 4504.15 of the Revised Code which is to be distributed to municipal corporations, shall be paid directly into the treasuries of the municipal corporations levying or entitled to such tax moneys.

Effective Date: 07-01-1987

All moneys received under section 4504.09 of the Revised Code with respect to townships levying township license taxes pursuant to section 4504.18 of the Revised Code and paid into the state treasury under section 4501.03 of the Revised Code shall be distributed to the respective townships levying such taxes for allocation and distribution as provided in section 4504.19 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-01-1987

(A) All moneys received under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code and from the tax imposed by section 4503.02 of the Revised Code on vehicles that are apportionable and to which the rates specified in divisions (A)(1) to (21) and division (B) of section 4503.042 of the Revised Code apply shall be paid into the international registration plan distribution fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury, and distributed as follows:

(1) First, to make payments to other states that are members of the international registration plan of the portions of registration taxes the states are eligible to receive because of the operation within their borders of apportionable vehicles that are registered in Ohio;

(2) Second, forty-two and six-tenths per cent of the moneys received from apportionable vehicles under divisions (A)(8) to (21) of section 4503.042 and section 4503.65 of the Revised Code shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the highway obligations bond retirement fund created by section 5528.32 of the Revised Code and used solely for the purposes set forth in that section, except that, from the date the commissioners of the sinking fund make the certification to the treasurer of state on the sufficiency of funds in the highway obligation bond retirement fund as required by section 5528.38 of the Revised Code, and until the thirty-first day of December of the year in which the certification is made, the amounts distributed under division (A)(2) of this section shall be credited to the highway operating fund created by section 5735.291 of the Revised Code;

(3) Third, an amount estimated as the annual costs that the department of taxation will incur in conducting audits of persons who have registered motor vehicles under the international registration plan, one-twelfth of which amount shall be paid by the registrar of motor vehicles into the international registration plan auditing fund created by section 5703.12 of the Revised Code by the fifteenth day of each month;

(4) Fourth, to the state bureau of motor vehicles fund established in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code, to offset operating expenses incurred by the bureau of motor vehicles in administering the international registration plan;

(5) Any moneys remaining in the international registration plan distribution fund after distribution under divisions (A)(1) to (4) of this section shall be distributed in accordance with division (B) of this section.

(B)(1) Moneys received from the tax imposed by section 4503.02 of the Revised Code on vehicles that are apportionable and to which the rates specified in divisions (A)(1) to (21) and division (B) of section 4503.042 of the Revised Code apply shall be distributed and used in the manner provided in section 4501.04 of the Revised Code and rules adopted by the registrar of motor vehicles for moneys deposited to the credit of the auto registration distribution fund.

(2) Moneys received from collections under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code shall be distributed under divisions (B)(2) and (3) of this section.

Each county, township, and municipal corporation shall receive an amount such that the ratio that the amount of moneys received by that county, township, or municipal corporation under division (B)(1) of this section from apportionable vehicles registered in Ohio and under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code from apportionable vehicles registered in other international registration plan jurisdictions bears to the total amount of moneys received by all counties, townships, and municipal corporations under division (B)(1) of this section from apportionable vehicles registered in Ohio and under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code from apportionable vehicles registered in other international registration plan jurisdictions equals the ratio that the amount of moneys that the county, township, or municipal corporation would receive from apportionable vehicles registered in Ohio were the moneys from such vehicles distributed under section 4501.04 of the Revised Code, based solely on the weight schedules contained in section 4503.042 of the Revised Code, bears to the total amount of money that all counties, townships, and municipal corporations would receive from apportionable vehicles registered in Ohio were the moneys from such vehicles distributed under section 4501.04 of the Revised Code, based solely on the weight schedules contained in section 4503.042 of the Revised Code.

No county, township, or municipal corporation shall receive under division (B)(2) of this section an amount greater than the amount of money that that county, township, or municipal corporation would receive from apportionable vehicles registered in Ohio were the money from the taxation of such vehicles distributed under section 4501.04 of the Revised Code based solely on the weight schedules contained in section 4503.042 of the Revised Code.

(3) If, at the end of the distribution year, the total of all moneys received under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code exceeds the total moneys subject to distribution under division (B)(2) of this section, the registrar shall distribute to each county, township, and municipal corporation a portion of the excess. The excess shall be distributed to counties, townships, and municipal corporations in the same proportion that the revenues received by each county, township, and municipal corporation from collections under section 4503.02 and from collections under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code during that distribution year bears to the total revenues received by counties, townships, and municipal corporations from taxes levied under section 4503.02 and from collections under section 4503.65 of the Revised Code during that distribution year.

(C) All moneys received from the administrative fee imposed by division (C) of section 4503.042 of the Revised Code shall be deposited to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund established in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code, to offset operating expenses incurred by the bureau of motor vehicles in administering the international registration plan.

(D) All investment earnings of the international registration plan distribution fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 06-30-1995

(A) All moneys received from the tax imposed by section 4503.02 of the Revised Code on commercial cars and buses that are not apportionable and to which the rates provided under divisions (A)(8) to (21) of section 4503.042 of the Revised Code apply, shall be distributed as follows:

(1) First, forty-two and six-tenths per cent shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the highway obligations bond retirement fund created by section 5528.32 of the Revised Code, to be used solely for the purposes set forth in that section;

(2) Second, the balance remaining after distribution under division (A)(1) of this section shall be deposited to the credit of the auto registration distribution fund for distribution in the manner provided in sections 4501.03 and 4501.04 of the Revised Code.

(B) All moneys received from the tax imposed by section 4503.02 of the Revised Code on commercial cars and buses that are not apportionable and to which the rates provided under divisions (A)(1) to (7) and division (B) of section 4503.042 of the Revised Code apply, shall be deposited to the credit of the auto registration distribution fund for distribution in the manner provided in sections 4501.03 and 4501.04 of the Revised Code.

(C) All moneys received from the tax imposed by section 4503.02 of the Revised Code on trailers and semitrailers shall be deposited to the credit of the auto registration distribution fund for distribution in the manner provided in sections 4501.03 and 4501.04 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-17-1990

Keepers of garages, parking lots, or other places where motor vehicles of any kind are stored or left for repair or for any other purpose, or any employee of any such person, who knows or becomes aware of the fact that any motor vehicle so stored or left has upon it, or in it, bullet marks, gunshot marks, blood stains, or marks or evidence of any crime, shall immediately report the facts to the police of a municipal corporation, a sheriff of the county, or a state highway patrol trooper.

Whoever violates this section shall forfeit not more than one hundred dollars, to be recovered on petition as in civil cases, filed by the prosecuting attorney, in the name of the state of Ohio, in the court of common pleas in the county in which such place is located.

Effective Date: 08-08-1991

The taxes, fees, and fines levied, charged, or referred to in division (C)(1) of section 4503.10, division (D) of section 4503.182, division (A) of section 4508.06, and sections 4505.11, 4505.111, 4506.08, 4506.09, 4507.23, 4508.05, 4923.12, and 5502.12 of the Revised Code, unless otherwise designated by law, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the state highway safety fund, which is hereby created, and shall, after receipt of certifications from the commissioners of the sinking fund certifying, as required by sections 5528.15 and 5528.35 of the Revised Code, that there are sufficient moneys to the credit of the highway improvement bond retirement fund created by section 5528.12 of the Revised Code to meet in full all payments of interest, principal, and charges for the retirement of bonds and other obligations issued pursuant to Section 2g of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and sections 5528.10 and 5528.11 of the Revised Code due and payable during the current calendar year, and that there are sufficient moneys to the credit of the highway obligations bond retirement fund created by section 5528.32 of the Revised Code to meet in full all payments of interest, principal, and charges for the retirement of highway obligations issued pursuant to Section 2i of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, and sections 5528.30 and 5528.31 of the Revised Code due and payable during the current calendar year, be used for the purpose of enforcing and paying the expenses of administering the law relative to the registration and operation of motor vehicles on the public roads or highways. Amounts credited to the fund may also be used to pay the expenses of administering and enforcing the laws under which such fees were collected. All investment earnings of the state highway safety fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 06-26-2003; 03-29-2005

Effective Date: 07-01-1987

There is hereby created in the state treasury the highway safety federal reimbursement fund. The fund shall consist of money received by the department of public safety from the federal government pursuant to the federal “Highway Safety Act of 1966,” 80 Stat. 731 and 733, 23 U.S.C.A. 402 and 403, as amended, and money from other federal sources, including federal money passed through other state agencies. The fund shall be used only for projects that are fully reimbursable by the federal government. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 06-30-1993

There is hereby created in the state treasury the traffic safety fund. The fund shall consist of money received by the department of public safety from the federal government under the federal “Highway Safety Act of 1966,” 80 Stat. 731, 23 U.S.C.A. 402, as amended, money from other federal sources, including federal money passed through other state agencies, and state match money made available by the general assembly. The fund shall be used to operate the federal highway safety program. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 06-30-1993

(A) Except as provided in divisions (B) and (C) of this section, money received by the department of public safety from the sale of motor vehicles and related equipment pursuant to section 125.13 of the Revised Code shall be transferred to the highway safety salvage and exchange administration fund or highway safety salvage and exchange highway patrol fund, as appropriate. Such funds are hereby created in the state treasury. The money shall be used only to purchase replacement motor vehicles and related equipment. All investment earnings of these funds shall be credited to the funds, respectively.

(B) Money received by the department of public safety from the sale of motor vehicles and related equipment of the bureau of motor vehicles pursuant to section 125.13 of the Revised Code shall be transferred to the state bureau of motor vehicles fund created by section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

(C) Money received by the department of public safety investigative unit established under section 5502.13 of the Revised Code from the sale of motor vehicles and other equipment pursuant to section 125.13 of the Revised Code shall be deposited into the public safety investigative unit salvage and exchange fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. The money in the fund shall be used only to purchase replacement motor vehicles and other equipment for that unit.

Effective Date: 06-30-2003

(A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the security, investigations, and policing fund. Notwithstanding section 5503.04 of the Revised Code, no fines collected from or money arising from bonds or bail forfeited by persons apprehended or arrested by state highway patrol troopers shall be credited to the general revenue fund until sufficient revenue to fund appropriations for the activities described under division (B) of this section are credited to the security, investigations, and policing fund. All investment earnings of the security, investigations, and policing fund shall be credited to that fund.

This division does not apply to fines for violations of division (B) of section 4513.263 of the Revised Code, or to fines for violations of any municipal ordinance that is substantively comparable to that division, which fines shall be delivered to the treasurer of state as provided in division (E) of section 4513.263 of the Revised Code.

(B) The money credited to the security, investigations, and policing fund shall be used to pay the costs of:

(1) Providing security for the governor, other officials and dignitaries, the capitol square, and other state property pursuant to division (E) of section 5503.02 of the Revised Code;

(2) Undertaking major criminal investigations that involve state property interests;

(3) Providing traffic control and security for the Ohio expositions commission on a full-time, year-round basis;

(4) Performing nonhighway-related duties of the state highway patrol at the Ohio state fair;

(5) Coordinating homeland security activities.

Effective Date: 06-30-1995; 09-16-2004

Effective Date: 06-30-1991; 07-01-2005

Six dollars of each registration fee designated for payment to the registrar of motor vehicles in division (A)(2) of section 4503.04 of the Revised Code shall be deposited in the motorcycle safety and education fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury and, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be used solely to pay part or all of the costs of conducting the motorcycle safety and education program created by section 4508.08 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 06-30-1995

Effective Date: 06-30-1999

(A) The department of public safety shall not provide social security numbers from its driver license and vehicle registration records to any person, except local, state, or federal governmental agencies. This division does not preclude the registrar from reporting a person’s social security number if the number was provided in the request for information.

(B) The department shall not provide to any person credit card account numbers or any other information obtained when a person uses a credit card to pay motor vehicle registration taxes or fees, license fees, or other similar taxes, fees, penalties, or charges imposed or levied by the state and collected by the department, except that such information may be provided to the financial institutions and credit issuing companies directly involved in the credit transaction or to local, state, or federal governmental agencies.

Effective Date: 06-30-1997

There is hereby created in the state treasury the MARCS maintenance fund. The fund shall consist of moneys received by the state highway patrol from users of the multi-agency radio communications system (MARCS). The fund shall be used to provide maintenance for MARCS-related equipment located at both the MARCS facilities and tower sites. All investment earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 03-31-1997

There is hereby created in the state treasury the OVI fines fund. The fund shall consist of fine money received by the state highway patrol pursuant to section 4511.19 of the Revised Code and shall be used by the state highway patrol to enforce that section and to conduct programs to inform the public of the dangers of, and laws governing, the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

There is hereby created in the state treasury the law enforcement automated data system fund, consisting of money from fees collected by the state highway patrol pursuant to section 5503.10 of the Revised Code, and such other amounts as may be credited to the fund. The fund shall be administered by the superintendent of the state highway patrol and shall be used solely for purposes authorized by section 5503.10 of the Revised Code. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 07-01-1995

There is hereby created in the state treasury the law enforcement reimbursement fund. The law enforcement reimbursement fund shall consist of fees collected by the registrar of motor vehicles under division (A)(5) of section 4503.233 of the Revised Code, and shall be used to make payments to law enforcement agencies in accordance with that division. However, the director of budget and management may transfer excess money from the law enforcement reimbursement fund to the bureau of motor vehicles fund created in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code if the registrar determines that the amount of money in the law enforcement reimbursement fund exceeds the amounts required to be paid by division (A)(5) of section 4503.233 of the Revised Code, and the registrar requests the director to make the transfer. All investment earnings of the law enforcement reimbursement fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

(A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the license plate contribution fund. The fund shall consist of all contributions paid by motor vehicle registrants and collected by the registrar of motor vehicles pursuant to sections 4503.491, 4503.493, 4503.50, 4503.501, 4503.502, 4503.51, 4503.522, 4503.545, 4503.55, 4503.551, 4503.552, 4503.561, 4503.562, 4503.591, 4503.67, 4503.68, 4503.69, 4503.71, 4503.711, 4503.72, 4503.73, 4503.74, and 4503.75 of the Revised Code.

(B) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar collects in the fund as follows:

(1) The registrar shall pay the contributions received pursuant to section 4503.491 of the Revised Code to the breast cancer fund of Ohio, which shall use that money only to pay for programs that provide assistance and education to Ohio breast cancer patients and that improve access for such patients to quality health care and clinical trials and shall not use any of the money for abortion information, counseling, services, or other abortion-related activities.

(2) The registrar shall pay the contributions received pursuant to section 4503.493 of the Revised Code to the autism society of Ohio, which shall use the contributions for programs and autism awareness efforts throughout the state.

(3) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.50 of the Revised Code to the future farmers of America foundation, which shall deposit the contributions into its general account to be used for educational and scholarship purposes of the future farmers of America foundation.

(4) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.501 of the Revised Code to the 4-H youth development program of the Ohio state university extension program, which shall use those contributions to pay the expenses it incurs in conducting its educational activities.

(5) The registrar shall pay the contributions received pursuant to section 4503.502 of the Revised Code to the Ohio cattlemen’s foundation, which shall use those contributions for scholarships and other educational activities.

(6) The registrar shall pay each contribution the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.51 of the Revised Code to the university or college whose name or marking or design appears on collegiate license plates that are issued to a person under that section. A university or college that receives contributions from the fund shall deposit the contributions into its general scholarship fund.

(7) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.522 of the Revised Code to the “friends of Perry’s victory and international peace memorial, incorporated,” a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state, to assist that organization in paying the expenses it incurs in sponsoring or holding charitable, educational, and cultural events at the monument.

(8) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.55 of the Revised Code to the pro football hall of fame, which shall deposit the contributions into a special bank account that it establishes and which shall be separate and distinct from any other account the pro football hall of fame maintains, to be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the pro football hall of fame as a travel destination.

(9) The registrar shall pay the contributions that are paid to the registrar pursuant to section 4503.545 of the Revised Code to the national rifle association foundation, which shall use the money to pay the costs of the educational activities and programs the foundation holds or sponsors in this state.

(10) In accordance with section 955.202 of the Revised Code, the registrar shall pay to the pets program funding board created by that section the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.551 of the Revised Code and any other money from any other source, including donations, gifts, and grants, that is designated by the source to be paid to the pets program funding board. The board shall use the moneys it receives under this section only to support programs for the sterilization of dogs and cats and for educational programs concerning the proper veterinary care of those animals.

(11) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.552 of the Revised Code to the rock and roll hall of fame and museum, incorporated.

(12) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.561 of the Revised Code to the state of Ohio chapter of ducks unlimited, inc., which shall deposit the contributions into a special bank account that it establishes. The special bank account shall be separate and distinct from any other account the state of Ohio chapter of ducks unlimited, inc., maintains and shall be used exclusively for the purpose of protecting, enhancing, restoring, and managing wetlands and conserving wildlife habitat. The state of Ohio chapter of ducks unlimited, inc., annually shall notify the registrar in writing of the name, address, and account to which payments are to be made under division (B)(12) of this section.

(13) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.562 of the Revised Code to the Mahoning river consortium, which shall use the money to pay the expenses it incurs in restoring and maintaining the Mahoning river watershed.

(14)(a) The registrar shall pay to a sports commission created pursuant to section 4503.591 of the Revised Code each contribution the registrar receives under that section that an applicant pays to obtain license plates that bear the logo of a professional sports team located in the county of that sports commission and that is participating in the license plate program pursuant to division (E) of that section, irrespective of the county of residence of an applicant.

(b) The registrar shall pay to a community charity each contribution the registrar receives under section 4503.591 of the Revised Code that an applicant pays to obtain license plates that bear the logo of a professional sports team that is participating in the license plate program pursuant to division (G) of that section.

(15) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.67 of the Revised Code to the Dan Beard council of the boy scouts of America. The council shall distribute all contributions in an equitable manner throughout the state to regional councils of the boy scouts.

(16) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.68 of the Revised Code to the great river council of the girl scouts of the United States of America. The council shall distribute all contributions in an equitable manner throughout the state to regional councils of the girl scouts.

(17) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.69 of the Revised Code to the Dan Beard council of the boy scouts of America. The council shall distribute all contributions in an equitable manner throughout the state to regional councils of the boy scouts.

(18) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.71 of the Revised Code to the fraternal order of police of Ohio, incorporated, which shall deposit the fees into its general account to be used for purposes of the fraternal order of police of Ohio, incorporated.

(19) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.711 of the Revised Code to the fraternal order of police of Ohio, incorporated, which shall deposit the contributions into an account that it creates to be used for the purpose of advancing and protecting the law enforcement profession, promoting improved law enforcement methods, and teaching respect for law and order.

(20) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.72 of the Revised Code to the organization known on March 31, 2003, as the Ohio CASA/GAL association, a private, nonprofit corporation organized under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code. The Ohio CASA/GAL association shall use these contributions to pay the expenses it incurs in administering a program to secure the proper representation in the courts of this state of abused, neglected, and dependent children, and for the training and supervision of persons participating in that program.

(21) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.73 of the Revised Code to Wright B. Flyer, incorporated, which shall deposit the contributions into its general account to be used for purposes of Wright B. Flyer, incorporated.

(22) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.74 of the Revised Code to the Columbus zoological park association, which shall disburse the moneys to Ohio’s major metropolitan zoos, as defined in section 4503.74 of the Revised Code, in accordance with a written agreement entered into by the major metropolitan zoos.

(23) The registrar shall pay the contributions the registrar receives pursuant to section 4503.75 of the Revised Code to the rotary foundation, located on March 31, 2003, in Evanston, Illinois, to be placed in a fund known as the permanent fund and used to endow educational and humanitarian programs of the rotary foundation.

(C) All investment earnings of the license plate contribution fund shall be credited to the fund. Not later than the first day of May of every year, the registrar shall distribute to each entity described in divisions (B)(1) to (23) of this section the investment income the fund earned the previous calendar year. The amount of such a distribution paid to an entity shall be proportionate to the amount of money the entity received from the fund during the previous calendar year.

Effective Date: 03-31-2003; 03-23-2005; 03-29-2005; 10-12-2006

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

Effective Date: 03-31-1997

There is hereby created in the state treasury the scenic rivers protection fund. The fund shall consist of the contributions not to exceed forty dollars that are paid to the registrar of motor vehicles by applicants who voluntarily choose to obtain scenic rivers license plates pursuant to section 4503.56 of the Revised Code.

The contributions deposited in the fund shall be used by the department of natural resources to help finance scenic river conservation education, scenic river corridor protection and restoration, scenic river habitat enhancement, and clean-up projects along scenic rivers. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 03-08-1995

There is hereby created in the state treasury the state bureau of motor vehicles fund. The fund shall consist of all money collected by the registrar of motor vehicles, including taxes, fees, and fines levied, charged, or referred to in Chapters 4501., 4503., 4505., 4506., 4507., 4509., 4510., 4511., 4517., 4519., and 4521., and sections 3123.59, 2935.27, 2937.221, 4738.06, 4738.13, and 4738.18 of the Revised Code unless otherwise designated by law. The fund shall be used to pay the expenses of administering the law relative to the powers and duties of the registrar of motor vehicles. All investment earnings of the fund shall be retained by the fund.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

The unidentified public safety receipts fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of money received by the department of public safety that is provisional in nature or for which proper identification or disposition cannot immediately be determined. Refunds and other disbursements from the fund shall be made once proper identification and disposition is determined. All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 06-30-1995; 07-01-2005

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, on and after September 13, 1997, the registrar of motor vehicles, and any employee or contractor of the bureau of motor vehicles, shall not knowingly disclose or otherwise make available to any person or entity any personal information about an individual that the bureau obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record.

(B)(1) On and after September 13, 1997, the registrar, or an employee or contractor of the bureau of motor vehicles, shall disclose personal information, other than sensitive personal information, about an individual that the bureau obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record, for use in connection with any of the following matters to carry out the purposes of any specified federal automobile-related act:

(a) Motor vehicle or driver safety and theft;

(b) Motor vehicle emissions;

(c) Motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories;

(d) Performance monitoring of motor vehicles and dealers by motor vehicle manufacturers;

(e) Removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers.

(2) In addition to the disclosure required under division (B)(1) of this section, on and after September 13, 1997, the registrar, or an employee or contractor of the bureau of motor vehicles, may disclose personal information, other than sensitive personal information, about an individual that the bureau obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record, as follows:

(a) For the use of a government agency, including, but not limited to, a court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or for the use of a private person or entity acting on behalf of an agency of this state, another state, the United States, or a political subdivision of this state or another state in carrying out its functions;

(b) For use in connection with matters regarding motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, and dealers; motor vehicle market research activities, including, but not limited to, survey research; and removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers;

(c) For use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or an agent, employee, or contractor of a legitimate business, but only for one of the following purposes:

(i) To verify the accuracy of personal information submitted to the business, agent, employee, or contractor by an individual;

(ii) If personal information submitted to the business, agent, employee, or contractor by an individual is incorrect or no longer is correct, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purpose of preventing fraud, by pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against, the individual.

(d) For use in connection with a civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in a court or agency of this state, another state, the United States, or a political subdivision of this state or another state or before a self-regulatory body, including, but not limited to, use in connection with the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, or the execution or enforcement of a judgment or order;

(e) Pursuant to an order of a court of this state, another state, the United States, or a political subdivision of this state or another state;

(f) For use in research activities or in producing statistical reports, provided the personal information is not published, redisclosed, or used to contact an individual;

(g) For use by an insurer, insurance support organization, or self-insured entity, or by an agent, employee, or contractor of that type of entity, in connection with any claims investigation activity, anti-fraud activity, rating, or underwriting;

(h) For use in providing notice to the owner of a towed, impounded, immobilized, or forfeited vehicle;

(i) For use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for any purpose permitted under division (B)(2) of this section;

(j) For use by an employer or by the agent or insurer of an employer to obtain or verify information relating to the holder of a commercial driver’s license or permit that is required under the “Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986,” 100 Stat. 3207-170, 49 U.S.C. 2701, et seq., as now or hereafter amended;

(k) For use in connection with the operation of a private toll transportation facility;

(l) For any use not otherwise identified in division (B)(2) of this section that is in response to a request for individual motor vehicle records, if the individual whose personal information is requested completes and submits to the registrar or deputy registrar a form prescribed by the registrar by rule giving express consent to such disclosures.

(m) For bulk distribution for surveys, marketing, or solicitations, if the individual whose personal information is requested complete and submits to the registrar or a deputy registrar a form prescribed by the registrar by rule giving express consent to such disclosures.

(n) For use by a person, state, or state agency that requests the information, if the person, state, or state agency demonstrates that it has obtained the written consent of the individual to whom the information pertains;

(o) For any other use specifically authorized by law that is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or to public safety.

(3)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(3)(b) of this section, the registrar, or an employee or contractor of the bureau of motor vehicles, may disclose sensitive personal information about an individual that the bureau obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record, only if either of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) The individual whose personal information is requested completes and submits to the registrar or deputy registrar a form prescribed by the registrar by rule giving express consent to such disclosure;

(ii) The disclosure is for one or more of the purposes described in division (B)(2)(a), (d), (g), or (j) of this section.

(b) Division (B)(3)(a) of this section does not apply to the disclosure of sensitive personal information that is subject to section 4501.15 or 4507.53 of the Revised Code.

(C) On and after September 13, 1997, an authorized recipient of personal information about an individual that the bureau of motor vehicles obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record, other than a recipient under division (B)(2)(l) or (m) of this section, may resell or redisclose the personal information only for a use permitted under division (B)(1), (B)(2)(a) to (k), (B)(2)(n), or (B)(2)(o) of this section. On and after September 13, 1997, an authorized recipient of personal information about an individual under division (B)(2)(l) of this section may resell or redisclose the information for any purpose. On and after September 13, 1997, an authorized recipient of personal information under division (B)(2)(m) of this section may resell or redisclose the information as specified pursuant to that division. On and after September 13, 1997, an authorized recipient of personal information about an individual under division (B) of this section, other than a recipient under division (B)(2)(l) of this section, that resells or rediscloses any personal information covered by this section must keep for a period of five years a record that identifies each person or entity that receives any of the personal information and the permitted purpose for which the information is to be used, and must make all such records available to the registrar of motor vehicles upon the registrar’s request.

(D) The registrar may establish and carry out procedures under which the registrar or the registrar’s agents, upon receipt of a request for personal information on or after September 13, 1997, that does not satisfy any of the criteria for disclosure of the information that are set forth in division (B)(1) or (2) of this section, may notify the individual about whom the information was requested, by regular mail, that the request was made. Any procedures so adopted shall provide that, if the registrar or an agent of the registrar mails the notice to the individual, the registrar or agent shall include with the notice a copy of the request and conspicuously shall include in the notice a statement that the information will not be released unless the individual waives the individual’s right to privacy regarding the information that is granted under this section.

(E) The registrar of motor vehicles may adopt any forms and rules, consistent with but no more restrictive than the requirements of Public Law No. 130-322, Title XXX, 18 U.S.C. 2721-2725, that are necessary to carry out the registrar’s duties under this section on and after September 13, 1997.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) “Motor vehicle record” means a record that pertains to a motor vehicle driver’s or commercial driver’s license or permit, a motor vehicle certificate of title, a motor vehicle registration or motor vehicle identification license plates, or an identification card issued by the bureau of motor vehicles.

(2) “Person” has the same meaning as in section 1.59 of the Revised Code and does not include this state, another state, or an agency of this state or another state.

(3) “Personal information” means information that identifies an individual, including, but not limited to, an individual’s photograph or digital image, social security number, driver or driver’s license identification number, name, telephone number, or medical or disability information, or an individual’s address other than the five-digit zip code number. “Personal information” does not include information pertaining to a vehicular accident, driving or traffic violation, or driver’s status.

(4) “Specified federal automobile-related act” means the “automobile information disclosure act,” 72 Stat. 325, 15 U.S.C. 1231-1233, the “Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Saving Act,” 86 Stat. 947, 15 U.S.C. 1901, et seq., the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966,” 80 Stat. 718, 15 U.S.C. 1381, et seq., the “Anti-car Theft Act of 1992,” 106 Stat. 3384, 15 U.S.C. 2021, et seq., and the “Clean Air Act,” 69 Stat. 322, 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq., all as now or hereafter amended.

(5) “Sensitive personal information” means an individual’s photograph or digital image, social security number, or medical or disability information.

Effective Date: 06-01-2000

(A)(1) A peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee may file a written request with the bureau of motor vehicles to do either or both of the following:

(a) Prohibit disclosure of the officer’s or employee’s residence address as contained in motor vehicle records of the bureau;

(b) Provide a business address to be displayed on the officer’s or employee’s driver’s license or certificate of registration, or both.

(2) The officer or employee shall file the request described in division (A)(1) of this section on a form provided by the registrar of motor vehicles and shall provide any documentary evidence verifying the person’s status as a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee and the officer’s or employee’s business address that the registrar requires pursuant to division (G) of this section.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, if a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee has filed a request under division (A) of this section, neither the registrar nor an employee or contractor of the bureau of motor vehicles shall knowingly disclose the residence address of the officer or employee that the bureau obtained in connection with a motor vehicle record.

(2) In accordance with section 149.43 of the Revised Code, the registrar or an employee or contractor of the bureau shall make available for inspection or copying a motor vehicle record of a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee who has filed a request under division (A) of this section if the record is a public record under that section, but shall obliterate the residence address of the officer or employee from the record before making the record available for inspection or copying. The business address of the officer or employee may be made available in response to a valid request under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(C) Notwithstanding division (B)(2) of section 4501.27 of the Revised Code, the registrar or an employee or contractor of the bureau may disclose the residence address of a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee who files a request under division (A) of this section only in accordance with division (B)(1) of section 4501.27 of the Revised Code or pursuant to a court order.

(D) If a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee files a request under division (A)(1)(b) of this section, the officer shall still provide a residence address in any application for a driver’s license or license renewal and in any application for a motor vehicle registration or registration renewal. In accordance with sections 4503.101 and 4507.09 of the Revised Code, an officer or employee shall notify the registrar of any change in the officer’s or employee’s residence within ten days after the change occurs.

(E) A certificate of registration issued to a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee who files a request under division (A)(1)(b) of this section shall display the business address of the officer. Notwithstanding section 4507.13 of the Revised Code, a driver’s license issued to an officer or employee who files a request under division (A)(1)(b) of this section shall display the business address of the officer or employee.

(F) The registrar may utilize the residence address of a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee who files a request under division (A)(1)(b) of this section in carrying out the functions of the bureau of motor vehicles, including determining the district of registration for any applicable motor vehicle tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, determining whether tailpipe emissions inspections are required, and financial responsibility verification.

(G) The registrar shall adopt rules governing a request for confidentiality of a peace officer’s, correctional employee’s, or youth services employee’s residence address or use of a business address, including the documentary evidence required to verify the person’s status as a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee, the length of time that the request will be valid, procedures for ensuring that the bureau of motor vehicles receives notice of any change in a person’s status as a peace officer, correctional employee, or youth services employee, and any other procedures the registrar considers necessary. The rules of the registrar may require an officer or employee to surrender any certificate of registration and any driver’s license bearing the business address of the officer or employee and, upon payment of any applicable fees, to receive a certificate of registration and license bearing the officer’s or employee’s residence address, whenever the officer or employee no longer is associated with that business address.

(H) As used in this section:

(1) “Motor vehicle record” has the same meaning as in section 4501.27 of the Revised Code.

(2) “Peace officer” means those persons described in division (A)(1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (9), (10), (12), or (13) of section 109.71 of the Revised Code, the house sergeant at arms appointed under division (B)(1) of section 101.311 of the Revised Code, and any assistant sergeant at arms appointed under division (C)(1) of section 101.311 of the Revised Code. “Peace officer” includes state highway patrol troopers but does not include the sheriff of a county or a supervisory employee who, in the absence of the sheriff, is authorized to stand in for, exercise the authority of, and perform the duties of the sheriff.

(3) “Correctional employee” and “youth services employee” have the same meanings as in section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 03-22-2001; 03-30-2007

There is hereby created in the state treasury the MARCS operations fund. The fund shall consist of moneys received by the emergency management agency established under section 5502.22 of the Revised Code from users of the multi-agency radio communications system (MARCS). The fund shall be used to provide for the systems operations of MARCS. All investment earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.

Effective Date: 03-31-1997

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

(A) No driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, and identification card issued by the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar on or after the effective date of this amendment shall display the social security number of the person to whom the license, permit, or card is issued unless the person to whom the license, permit, or card is to be issued specifically requests that the person’s social security number be displayed on the license, permit, or card. If federal law requires the person’s social security number to be displayed on the license, permit, or card, the social security number shall be displayed on the license, permit, or card notwithstanding this division.

(B) For purposes of compliance with subparagraph (b)(1)(B) of section 656 of Public Law No. 104-208, as statutorily noted under 5 U.S.C.A. 301, the registrar shall do both of the following:

(1) Require every applicant for a driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, commercial driver’s license, or identification card to submit the applicant’s social security number, if one has been assigned;

(2) Verify that the number is valid.

Effective Date: 02-01-2002

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

(A) The registrar of motor vehicles may adopt and publish rules to govern the registrar’s proceedings. All proceedings of the registrar shall be open to the public, and all documents in the registrar’s possession are public records. The registrar shall adopt a seal bearing the inscription: “Motor Vehicle Registrar of Ohio.” The seal shall be affixed to all writs and authenticated copies of records, and, when it has been so attached, the copies shall be received in evidence with the same effect as other public records. All courts shall take judicial notice of the seal.

(B) Upon the request of any person accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of two dollars per name, the registrar may furnish lists of names and addresses as they appear upon the applications for driver’s licenses, provided that any further information contained in the applications shall not be disclosed. The registrar shall pay all the fees collected into the state treasury to the credit of the state bureau of motor vehicles fund established in section 4501.25 of the Revised Code.

This division does not apply to the list of qualified driver licensees required to be compiled and filed pursuant to section 2313.06 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Effective Date: 03-30-2001; 07-01-2005

An order, except an order relating to a license as defined in section 119.01 of the Revised Code, made by the registrar of motor vehicles may be reversed, vacated, or modified by the court of common pleas of Franklin county, or by the court of common pleas in the county in which the party affected is a resident, or in which the matter complained of arose.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

A proceeding to obtain the reversal, vacation, or modification of an order of the registrar of motor vehicles shall be by appeal. Any party to the proceedings before the registrar shall file notice of the appeal in the court of common pleas on or before the expiration of thirty days from date of entry of the order. The court shall set the appeal for hearing and take any testimony as is necessary to decide the matter. The court shall give the registrar at least ten days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing .

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

(A) No court may reverse, suspend, or delay any order made by the registrar of motor vehicles, or enjoin, restrain, or interfere with the registrar or a deputy registrar in the performance of official duties, except as provided in this chapter and Chapter 4507. or 4510. of the Revised Code.

(B) A court shall not order the bureau of motor vehicles to delete a record of conviction unless the court finds that deletion of the record of conviction is necessary to correct an error. The bureau shall not comply with a court order that directs the deletion of a record of conviction unless the order states that the record of conviction is being deleted in order to correct an error.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004; 09-29-2005

Upon the request of the registrar of motor vehicles, the prosecuting attorney of the county in which any proceedings are pending shall aid in any investigation, prosecution, hearing, or trial held under this chapter or Chapter 4506., 4507., 4510., or 4511. of the Revised Code and shall institute and prosecute any actions or proceedings for the enforcement of the sections contained in those chapters, and for the punishment of all violations of those sections, as the registrar directs.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

Effective Date: 03-31-2003

(A) Every law enforcement agency whose law enforcement officers investigate motor vehicle accidents shall develop and adopt a written policy establishing reasonable procedures for determining and notifying the next of kin of any person who is found dead or is pronounced dead at the scene of a motor vehicle accident or who suffers a serious, life-threatening injury in a motor vehicle accident and who the investigating law enforcement officer reasonably determines in all probability will not be able to notify the person’s next of kin within a reasonable time after the motor vehicle accident.

After a law enforcement agency adopts a written policy as required by this division, the law enforcement officers employed by that agency shall make a good faith effort to follow the procedures contained in the policy.

(B) The notification under this section of the next of kin of persons who are killed or injured in motor vehicle accidents is hereby deemed to be a governmental function for purposes of Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 10-05-2000