The Lead Off
- An Ohio bill requiring drivers and passengers to provide identifying information during certain traffic stops is awaiting the governor’s signature
- House Bill 492 would make refusal to provide a name, address, or date of birth a fourth-degree misdemeanor in specified situations
- Supporters say the measure improves officer safety, while opponents raise concerns about increased criminal penalties for non-violent conduct
COLUMBUS, OHIO (WOWO) A bill that would explicitly require drivers and passengers to provide basic identifying information during certain traffic stops is awaiting action from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine after receiving approval from the Ohio General Assembly.
House Bill 492 passed the Ohio Senate on June 10 after previously passing the Ohio House in November. The legislation is sponsored by Sharon Ray and Cindy Abrams.
If signed into law, the measure would establish criminal penalties for individuals who refuse to provide identifying information during qualifying traffic stops according to NBC-4.
Bill would establish new misdemeanor offense
Under House Bill 492, a person who refuses to provide a name, address, or date of birth during a traffic stop could be charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
The proposed penalty carries:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- A maximum fine of $250
The bill applies to drivers and passengers when a law enforcement officer reasonably suspects they have committed a violation of Ohio motor vehicle laws and requests identifying information.
Supporters cite officer safety concerns
Supporters of the legislation say the measure would clarify existing law and provide law enforcement officers with a clearer legal framework during traffic stops.
“Our law enforcement face risk each day they put their uniform on and start their shift,” Abrams said. “Traffic stops, gun runs and domestic violence calls are some of the most dangerous calls for our police. House Bill 492 provides our law enforcement with an extra tool in the toolbox as they work to keep our communities safe.”
Law enforcement officials testified during committee hearings that uncertainty in current law can complicate routine traffic stops.
Medina Police Chief Edward Kinney told lawmakers that minor traffic offenses fall into what he described as a legal gray area regarding identification requirements.
“Under current Ohio law, the duty of a driver to identify themselves during a traffic stop for a minor misdemeanor exists in a gray area, as no statute expressly requires disclosure,” Kinney said during a 2025 legislative hearing. “As a result, when a motorist refuses to provide their name, address or date of birth, officers are left without clear statutory authority to compel compliance.”
Current law and proposed changes
Ohio law already requires drivers to provide a driver’s license or satisfactory proof of licensure when requested by law enforcement during a traffic stop.
Refusing to do so currently constitutes an unclassified misdemeanor that generally carries penalties such as fines or community service rather than arrest.
State law also requires individuals to provide their name, address, and date of birth when an officer reasonably suspects they have committed or are about to commit a jailable criminal offense. Failure to comply under those circumstances is typically a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Supporters of House Bill 492 argue the legislation closes a gap involving routine traffic violations that are not considered jailable offenses.
Opposition raises concerns about penalties
Opposition testimony during legislative hearings came from the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.
Legislative officer Zach Miller expressed concern about increasing criminal penalties for conduct that does not involve violence.
“The escalation of these penalties for minor, non-violent conduct at traffic stops is coercive and disproportionate to the conduct,” Miller said in written testimony submitted to lawmakers.
Governor’s decision pending
Under Ohio law, the governor has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto legislation after it is formally presented to him. If no action is taken within that timeframe, the bill automatically becomes law.
While House Bill 492 passed the legislature on June 10, it is not publicly known exactly when the measure was formally delivered to the governor’s office.
If signed, the law would take effect 90 days after it is filed with the Ohio Secretary of State.
The Takeaway
Clarifying identification requirements
House Bill 492 would create a specific criminal offense for refusing to provide identifying information during certain traffic stops, addressing what supporters describe as uncertainty in existing Ohio law.
Supporters focus on officer safety
Law enforcement organizations and legislative supporters argue the measure would help officers conduct traffic stops more safely and efficiently by ensuring access to basic identifying information.
Governor’s action will determine next steps
The legislation now awaits a decision from Gov. Mike DeWine. If signed or allowed to become law without a signature, the measure would take effect 90 days after filing with the Ohio Secretary of State.
