New Bill
Blocks Release of Driver Personal Information
Effective June 1, 2000, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
(BMV) will no longer release personal information from an individual’s driving record
to bulk mail distributors for surveys, marketing or solicitations.
Under
House Bill 600 and the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), personal
information to be protected includes the person’s name, date of birth and address.
With the new "opt-in" policy, a driver’s personal information will only be
released if the individual whose information is requested completes a form giving express
written consent for disclosure. Under the previous "opt-out" policy, personal
information was permitted for release unless the individual whose information was
requested had signed a form denying access to the data.
"This
new policy is essential in maintaining a degree of privacy for the citizens of Ohio,"
Lt. Governor Maureen O’Connor said. "This will aid in limiting the amount of
information that is released to the public unless it is absolutely necessary."
A
driver’s photograph, social security number, telephone number, and medical or
disability information is never released. Information pertaining to a vehicular accident
or driving violation will, however, be provided if requested. The list of traffic
convictions and points, for example, will not be blocked under the new law.
With the
new "opt-in" policy, personal information will still be available for situations
involving local, state and federal courts or government agencies and insurance-related
activity while investigating claims or preventing fraud.
For more information on Ohio’s safety issues, please be sure to visit the
ODPS on the World Wide Web at: OhioPublicSafety.com.
