People who get pulled over and refuse to identify themselves to police could now face a fine.
House Bill 492, which went into effect Oct. 6, requires drivers and passengers to provide their name, address or date of birth upon an officer's request. The rule applies whenever someone is suspected of a traffic violation, such as broken taillights or not wearing a seatbelt.
Drivers and passengers who refuse to disclose that information could face up to 30 days in jail or a $250 fine. The new law doesn't force them to answer questions beyond that.
Gov. Mike DeWine signed the legislation into law July 7.
"This bill addresses the increasing problem of individuals just refusing to give any information to police officers with a lawful stop," Sen. Nathan Manning,
R-North Ridgeville, told The Dispatch at the time. "Whether it's because they're claiming sovereign citizenship or just trying to get clicks on social media, it is becoming a problem as a dangerous situation for police."
How does the law work?
The law makes it illegal to resist, hinder, obstruct, or abuse any officer attempting to arrest someone for a violation.
It also makes it illegal for anyone inside a vehicle to refuse to disclose their name, address and date of birth.
What are the penalties?
The law also increases the penalties for interfering with an arrest.
Anyone who hinders an officer will face a second-degree misdemeanor. Anyone who fails to identify themselves faces a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Ohioans who refuse to disclose that information could face up to 30 days in jail or a $250 fine. The law doesn't force people to answer questions beyond that.
Who supports and who opposes?
Before it was signed, support for the measure was not universal.
Critics said the law goes too far and could open police departments up to lawsuits.
"The escalation of these penalties for minor, nonviolent conduct at traffic stops is coercive and disproportionate to the conduct," said Zach Miller, a legislative officer for the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.
Does any other state have similar laws?
Several states have similar stop-and-identify laws, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
For example, in Arizona, it is illegal to refuse to provide your "truthful name" when detained and face a second-degree misdemeanor if you do not comply. Nearby in Indiana, it is also a misdemeanor to not provide your name, address, date of birth or ID to an officer.
Canton Repository reporter Nancy Molnar contributed to this report.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Refuse to identify yourself at an Ohio traffic stop? You face a fine
