The Lead Off
- A new Ohio law will require drivers and passengers to provide basic identifying information when stopped by police for traffic violations.
- The law creates a new fourth-degree misdemeanor offense for refusing to provide a name, date of birth or address during a traffic stop.
- Supporters say the measure is intended to clarify rules for officers and reduce disputes during roadside encounters.
COLUMBUS, OHIO (WOWO) A new Ohio law will require drivers and passengers to provide identifying information to police during traffic stops after Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 492 into law.
The law creates a new offense making it illegal for people inside a vehicle to refuse to provide their name, date of birth or address when stopped for a traffic violation.
The law takes effect 90 days after it was signed on July 7.
New traffic stop identification requirement
Under House Bill 492, drivers and passengers stopped for a traffic violation must provide basic identifying information requested by law enforcement.
The offense applies when a person refuses to provide:
- Name.
- Date of birth.
- Address.
The violation carries a penalty of a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
The law does not require drivers or passengers to answer additional questions beyond providing the required identifying information.
Law limits information officers can request
The legislation states people in a vehicle do not have to provide information that could reveal their age unless age is relevant to the suspected offense.
Officials said the law is specifically focused on traffic stops and does not require individuals to provide additional details unrelated to identification.
Law addresses previous legal disputes
Similar laws already require people to identify themselves in certain situations when officers have reasonable suspicion that someone has violated the law.
Those offenses include obstructing official business, obstructing justice and failure to disclose personal information.
Supporters of House Bill 492 said previous court decisions created uncertainty over whether officers could require identification during routine traffic stops.
Police groups that supported the legislation said that uncertainty contributed to roadside disputes between officers and drivers.
Supporters say law improves clarity
State Rep. Sharon Ray, a Republican from Wadsworth and sponsor of the bill, said the measure provides clearer expectations during traffic stops.
“House Bill 492 will make the roads safer for both law enforcement and drivers,” Ray said. “I am thankful both chambers moved this bill quickly.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and police unions supported the legislation.
Law passed through Ohio legislature
The Ohio House approved the bill in November with a 59-21 vote. Eight Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting the measure.
The Ohio Senate later approved the bill 24-9 in a party-line vote before sending it to DeWine for his signature.
Next steps
House Bill 492 will become effective 90 days after Gov. DeWine signed the legislation. Law enforcement agencies will begin implementing the new traffic stop identification requirements once the law takes effect.
The Takeaway
- Ohio’s new law requires drivers and passengers to provide their name, date of birth and address when stopped for a traffic violation.
- Refusing to provide that information during a traffic stop will become a fourth-degree misdemeanor once the law takes effect.
- Supporters say the law clarifies expectations during roadside encounters, while limiting required responses to basic identifying information.
