2003 BMV News

Ohio Clerk Of Courts Title Offices To Close Temporarily

COLUMBUS, OH (January 27, 2003) – Due to a computer upgrade, all title offices throughout Ohio will be closed on Saturday, February 15, 2003.  In addition, offices will be closed on February 17, 2003, in observance of President's Day.  We apologize for any inconvenience and the offices will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2003.

COLUMBUS, OH (February 12, 2003) - - On Saturday, February 15, 2003, all county title offices throughout Ohio, that are normally open for business on Saturdays, will be closed.  The offices will reopen at their normal business hours on Tuesday, February 18, 2003.

A complete listing of business hours for each county can be found by logging onto www.ohiobmv.com. Once you access the BMV homepage, scroll down the page to title information then click on branch office locations to determine the hours of your local title office.

Ohio BMV And Ohio State Highway Patrol Set Up Shop At The Columbus Auto Show

COLUMBUS, OH (March 14, 2003) – While walking around the Columbus Auto Show looking at all the vehicles, stop by the Ohio Department of Public Safety's display featuring the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

The BMV is once again setting up an agency which allows auto show patrons to renew their vehicle registrations, driver licenses and identification cards.

"Because we had great success last year with the agency we set up at the Columbus Auto Show, we are very happy to take part again this year," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Frank Caltrider. "Our employees enjoy participating in the auto show and talking with the public."

Agency employees will staff the booth to answer questions and assist the public. Other BMV services that patrons can take advantage of include registering to vote through Motor Voter, purchasing their driver's abstract, ordering replacement stickers, plates, registrations, and updating addresses. BMV brochures will be available as well as a license plate display case to view the variations of the bicentennial plates.

"The Patrol is pleased to promote our safety and education efforts at this year's Columbus Auto Show," said Colonel Paul McClellan, superintendent of the Patrol. "For many Central Ohioans it will be the first opportunity to see the new white patrol car. Over the next three years, our current fleet of charcoal gray patrol cars will be phased out as the more visible white cars replace them, while adding no additional cost to the division. The change moves the Patrol towards the goal of providing our troopers the safest and most reliable equipment available."

In addition to the white patrol car display, troopers will provide demonstrations with the Fatal Vision Goggles to simulate visual impairment and educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. Uniformed officers will be available to answer questions and hand out safety material.

The BMV and OSHP booth will be located near the Classic Cars exhibit. The show runs from March 14 - 23. The agency will be open from:

• 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 14

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both Saturdays

• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 16

• 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday

• Noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 21

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 23

Columbus, Ohio (May 22, 2003) -- If you're searching for a job as a car salesperson, teacher, in the law enforcement field, as a school bus driver or a caregiver for the elderly, or if you are seeking to become a foster parent you will need to be fingerprinted. State-run Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices are now offering fingerprinting services to customers like those mentioned above.

The state's seven reinstatement offices, as well as the Customer Service Center in Columbus, are now offering fingerprinting to customers on a walk-in basis during business hours. The Office of Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro donated the eight CROSS MATCH TECHNOLOGIES systems to the BMV.

The customer can have a background check completed by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII), or both BCII and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The information is sent within minutes. The agency will then send a message back to the BMV confirming that the information was retrieved. The entire transaction will take an average of five minutes.

"By having the system in the eight locations, we are not only supporting the Patriot Act, born out of the September 11 tragedy, we are continuing to upgrade our customer service to the citizens of Ohio," said Kenneth L. Morckel, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

"This fast, efficient system streamlines the process while ensuring compliance with the law," said Attorney General Jim Petro.

BMV Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled For May 8

WHAT:      The BMV Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

WHEN:      Thursday, May 8, 2003, 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:    North Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, Senate Building

WHO:        Members of the BMV Citizens Advisory Committee
                 Humberto Gonzalez - Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs
                 Franklin Caltrider - Ohio BMV

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Citizens Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 3:00 p.m. in the North Hearing Room, 2nd floor, Senate Building.

The BMV Citizens Advisory Committee, a direct result of House Bill 182, was established to review and evaluate the client service practices of the BMV and advise the BMV on ways to improve its interaction with the public.

The nine-member committee will make recommendations directly to members of the Ohio Legislature. Senator Kirk Schuring, the bill sponsor, was elected committee chair.

October Vehicle Registration Renewals Will Pay Increased Fees

Columbus, Ohio (June 30, 2003) – Individuals whose vehicle registration expires in October will see an increase on their vehicle registration renewal notice. The fee increase for vehicle registrations goes into effect for those individuals whose vehicle registrations expires on or after October 1, 2003. October renewals can begin renewing 90-days prior to expiration (July).

House Bill 87 shifted the gas tax funding to Ohio Department of Transportation and local governments. The additional $11 will fund what the Highway Safety Fund once covered, which includes the Department of Public Safety's Administration division and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).

The additional $11 will be added into fees already in place by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles including; registration fees, permissive taxes and Deputy Registrar fees. The passenger registration fee of $20 (fee varies depending on vehicle type), which is distributed to counties and municipalities for road and bridge repair.

Permissive taxes can also be included in the vehicle registration fee. Permissive taxes are distributed to the county and possibly the corporation a person resides. An individual's residence determines the amount of permissive tax he/she is charged. Individuals cannot pay more than $20 permissive tax fee.  Also, a Deputy Registrar fee of $3.25 is included on each vehicle registration, regardless where the transaction is completed (Deputy Registrar, OPLATES or mail).

The base fee for a passenger vehicle registration will now be $34.25, which does not include the permissive tax. The most an individual could pay is $54.25.

Fees for driver licenses and temporary tags will also increase. Unlike the vehicle registration renewals, if a person renews or is issued a driver license beginning October 1, 2003, he/she will be charged an additional $12. The fee for temporary tags will also increase an additional $5 beginning October 1, 2003.

BMV Celebrates 25 Years Of Participation At The Ohio State Fair

Columbus, Ohio (July 31, 2003) – This year the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will celebrate 25 years of providing driver services at the Ohio State Fair.

"We are very proud to take part in the fair each year," said Registrar Frank Caltrider. "We are looking forward to another 25 years of participating in the fair. Our employees love it and so do the drivers of Ohio."

Once again this year the license agency will be issuing licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations, selling driving abstracts and conducting free vision screenings. A "Get Personalized" terminal will also be available for customers to look up personalized plate combinations. The employees will also be able to answer questions from the public.

During the 2002 State Fair, the BMV:

Ø       Issued 670 driver licenses

Ø       Issued 41 state identification cards

Ø       Issued 183 vehicle registrations

Ø       Completed 249 driver abstracts

Ø       Completed 249 vision screenings

Ø       Completed 227 voter registrations

The 2003 Ohio State Fair runs Aug. 1 - 17. The BMV will be located in the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) booth, in the Northeast corner of the Bricker Building. The license agency will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Also located in the ODPS booth this year will be ODPS Administration, the Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, the Investigative Unit and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

BMV, OSHP Facilities Relocate To Better Serve Customers

COLUMBUS, OHIO (July 17, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Reinstatement Center, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Driver Exam Station and the local Deputy Registrar license agency have relocated from facilities in Mt. Healthy and Forest Park to the Seven Hills Plaza in Springfield Township. The location provides customer service, space and parking. 

"We are very happy to offer the three services and have them located close to one another," said Registrar Frank Caltrider, Ohio BMV. "The new location will be more customer friendly."

Residents who have had their license suspended go to the reinstatement centers to have their license reinstated. The reinstatement office in Springfield Township serves residents of Darke, Miami, Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Highland and Adams counties.

The driver exam station will house examiners who test drivers, or potential drivers, on their ability to operate a vehicle, which includes maneuvering through cones, and written knowledge of driving laws and signs. Examiners also test vision when needed.

The license agency issues driver licenses, state identification cards, vehicle registrations and license plates.

The three locations are next to an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency E-check facility.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates BMV, OSHP New Location

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Reinstatement Center, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Driver Exam Station and the local Deputy Registrar license agency have relocated from a facility in Forest Park to the Seven Hills Plaza in Springfield Township. The location provides more space for parking and for customers inside the facilities.

BMV Assistant Registrar Carolyn Williams and Springfield Township Trustee President Gwen McFarlin will give brief remarks and cut a ribbon to officially open the new reinstatement center, driver exam station and license agency. Members of the media will get a tour of the three new facilities.

The reinstatement office in Springfield Township serves residents of Darke, Miami, Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Highland and Adams counties. Residents who have had their license suspended go to the center to have their license reinstated. 

The three locations are next to an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency E-check facility.

Ohio BMV Wins Award For Customer Service

Columbus, Ohio (July 14, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) was awarded the Region III Customer Service Excellence Award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). The BMV received the award during a ceremony at AAMVA's regional conference on Saturday, July 12, in Rapid City, SD.

One Customer Service Excellence Award is awarded to the agency who provided quantifiable data that their submission attained measurable results. The entries are judged on the commitment to customer service and the effort to accomplish the stated goal, the scope of improvement, creativity and the value to both the customer and the agency. The Ohio BMV met the overall criteria.

The BMV submitted results from surveys conducted by The Ohio State University in 2002. The survey results revealed that Deputy Registrar license agencies received a statewide satisfaction rating of 90 percent or better. The study focused on the delivery of services to Ohioans by the 214 Deputy Registrar agencies. According to the survey, 90 percent of respondents reported a favorable opinion regarding the performance of the BMV and 93 percent indicated that the Deputy Registrar Agency they visited met or exceeded their expectations of quality customer care.

"We are very proud to accept the award for Customer Service Excellence on behalf of the citizens of Ohio," said Registrar Frank Caltrider. "It takes a lot of work for a jurisdiction to win an overall award."

The study that was conducted will serve as a model for other states to follow in our footsteps in providing citizens excellent customer service. Ohio's study will also be featured in "MOVE" a trade magazine for AAMVA.

Limited Authority Deputy Registrars Now in Business

Columbus, Ohio (August 19, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Tuscarawas County are pleased to announce the beginning of a pilot program that offers limited vehicle registration functions at eight of Ohio's 88 county clerk of court title offices. The eight county clerks of court specially selected to participate in this program are referred to as Limited Authority Deputy Registrars (LADR).

Tuscarawas County joins seven other county clerks of court including those from Ashland, Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Jefferson, Mahoning and Summit counties in the LADR pilot program. The pilot program allows county title offices to administer limited Deputy Registrar services.

These title offices are able to perform transactions, which include:

The services offered by the LADRs are limited to passenger vehicles, non-commercial vehicles, motorcycles and temporary tags. The LADRs perform these functions in conjunction with the issuance of a title.

The LADRs cannot issue driver licenses, state identification cards or renew vehicle registrations. Vehicle owners and drivers should continue to utilize their local Deputy Registrar for the regular issuance of driver licenses and vehicle registrations, as well as renewals.

"The Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the county clerks of court are offering a terrific service to our customers," said Registrar Frank Caltrider.  "Purchasing a new registration or transferring the plates from one vehicle to another is usually the next step a vehicle owner must take once theyhave purchased a car. Being able to do this in the clerks' offices is a tremendous convenience."

A testing phase began on June 23 in Franklin County before other counties were allowed to participate in the program. Tuscarawas County began testing on July 8.

"We have received very positive feedback from the individuals that have used this convenient service," said Tuscarawas County Clerk of Courts Rockne Clarke. "One benefit to LADR is for the individuals who moved to Ohio from another state, who no longer have to go to two or three different locations to title and register their vehicle. The pilot program allows them the convenience to have one person handle their transaction."

The LADR project is part of Senate Bill 59, which passed in the 124th General Assembly. Other portions of SB59 that have been implemented including Online Title Inquiry, Cross County Titling, Full Authority Deputy Registrars and electronic lien.

The Tuscarawas County LADR office is located at 125 East High Street, Room 125 in New Philadelphia.

"Flat" License Plates Now Issued For Made-To-Order Plates

Columbus, Ohio (August 12, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has started manufacturing made-to-order license plates on the new digital license plate system. The first plates that were issued under the new system are The Ohio State University, personalized and initialized reserve plates.

The plates are produced by a new digital technology, which allows the capability to print the alpha/numeric combination and a logo directly on the sheeting. The digital license plates are flat, not embossed. Government plates, Disabled Veteran, Former POW, Volunteer Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Auto Dealer, and logo plates (organizational and the remaining collegiate plates) will be issued on the new digital system when their present inventories are depleted.

The bicentennial design will not change. Also, standard license plates will continue to be embossed.

"The digital plate design will not interfere with law enforcement's ability to interpret the license plate," said Kenneth L. Morckel, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "The high quality of the product will not change."

"The digital license plate system allows the BMV to be more efficient with plate production," Registrar Frank Caltrider said. "We believe the new system will allow us to keep up with the demand for special plates particularly as the Ohio legislature continues to consider and authorize new special plate designs.”

All of Ohio's license plates are manufactured by Ohio Penal Industries at the Lebanon Correctional Institute. Because the digital system is made-to-order, it eliminates the need for storing a six-month supply of each type of special plate at the prison. Just as in the past, customers will receive their plates by mail.

This is the first significant change to the way license plates are manufactured in Ohio since 1918, when Ohio first went to the embossed characters. The only other significant change occurred when Ohio went to plate reflectorization in 1974.

Limited Authority Deputy Registrar Now In Business In Cuyahoga County

Columbus, Ohio (September 19, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Cuyahoga County are pleased to announce the beginning of a pilot program that offers limited vehicle registration functions at eight of Ohio's 88 county clerk of court title offices. The eight county clerks of court specially selected to participate in this program are referred to as Limited Authority Deputy Registrars (LADR).

Cuyahoga County joins seven other county clerks of court including those from Ashland, Butler, Franklin, Jefferson, Mahoning, Summit and Tuscarawas counties in the LADR pilot program. The pilot program allows county title offices to administer limited Deputy Registrar services.

These title offices are able to perform transactions, which include:

Ø     The issuance of a new vehicle registration;

Ø     Transferring a vehicle registration from a car that has been sold to a newly titled vehicle; and

Ø     Conducting out-of-state vehicle inspections, which are necessary when a vehicle is purchased from outside Ohio and is being titled in this state.

The services offered by the LADRs are limited to passenger vehicles, non-commercial vehicles, motorcycles and temporary tags. The LADRs perform these functions in conjunction with the issuance of a title.

The LADRs cannot issue driver licenses, state identification cards or renew vehicle registrations. Vehicle owners and drivers should continue to utilize their local Deputy Registrar for the regular issuance of driver licenses and vehicle registrations, as well as renewals.

“The Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the county clerks of court are offering a terrific service to our customers,” said Registrar Frank Caltrider. “Purchasing a new registration or transferring the plates from one vehicle to another is usually the next step a vehicle owner must take once they have purchased a car. Being able to do this in the clerks' offices is a tremendous convenience.”

A testing phase began on June 23 in Franklin County before other counties were allowed to participate in the program. Cuyahoga County began testing on July 16.

"It is a win-win situation," said Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Gerald E. Fuerst. "Customers will no longer have to go to two or three different locations to title and register their vehicle. Also, the county will gain additional revenue to maintain and improve customer service."

The LADR project is part of Senate Bill 59, which passed in the 124th General Assembly. Other portions of SB59 that have been implemented including Online Title Inquiry, Cross County Titling, Full Authority Deputy Registrars and electronic lien.

At this point, LADR functions are limited to the main office at 1261 Superior Avenue, in Cleveland. Four satellite offices in Mayfield Heights, Maple Heights, North Olmstead and Parma are located within walking distance of a full-service Deputy Registrar office.

For additional comments please contact Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Gerald E. Fuerst at 216-443-7955.

Limited Authority Deputy Registrar Now In Business In Franklin County

Columbus, Ohio (September 3, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Franklin County are pleased to announce the beginning of a pilot program that offers limited vehicle registration functions at eight of Ohio's 88 county clerk of court title offices. The eight county clerks of court specially selected to participate in this program are referred to as Limited Authority Deputy Registrars (LADR).

Franklin County joins seven other county clerks of court including those from Ashland, Butler, Cuyahoga, Jefferson, Mahoning, Summit and Tuscarawas counties in the LADR pilot program. The pilot program allows county title offices to administer limited Deputy Registrar services.

These title offices are able to perform transactions, which include:

Ø       The issuance of a new vehicle registration;

Ø       Transferring a vehicle registration from a car that has been sold to a newly titled vehicle; and

Ø       Conducting out-of-state vehicle inspections, which are necessary when a vehicle is purchased from outside Ohio and is being titled in this state.

The services offered by the LADRs are limited to passenger vehicles, non-commercial vehicles, motorcycles and temporary tags. The LADRs perform these functions in conjunction with the issuance of a title.

The LADRs cannot issue driver licenses, state identification cards or renew vehicle registrations. Vehicle owners and drivers should continue to utilize their local Deputy Registrar for the regular issuance of driver licenses and vehicle registrations, as well as renewals.

“The Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the county clerks of court are offering a terrific service to our customers,” said Registrar Frank Caltrider. “Purchasing a new registration or transferring the plates from one vehicle to another is usually the next step a vehicle owner must take once they have purchased a car. Being able to do this in the clerks' offices is a tremendous convenience.”

A testing phase began on June 23 in Franklin County before other counties were allowed to participate in the program.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this service," said Clerk of Courts John O'Grady. "Currently limited Deputy Registrar transactions are offered at our Title South branch; soon, we hope to be able to offer this at all four of our branches, for the convenience of the residents of Franklin County."

The LADR project is part of Senate Bill 59, which passed in the 124th General Assembly. Other portions of SB59 that have been implemented including Online Title Inquiry, Cross County Titling, Full Authority Deputy Registrars and electronic lien.

The Franklin County LADR office is located at 45 Great Southern Boulevard in Columbus.

Limited Authority Deputy Registrar Now In Business In Mahoning County

Columbus, Ohio (September 3, 2003) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Mahoning County are pleased to announce the beginning of a pilot program that offers limited vehicle registration functions at eight of Ohio's 88 county clerk of court title offices. The eight county clerks of court specially selected to participate in this program are referred to as Limited Authority Deputy Registrars (LADR).

Mahoning County joins seven other county clerks of court including those from Ashland, Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Jefferson, Summit and Tuscarawas counties in the LADR pilot program. The pilot program allows county title offices to administer limited Deputy Registrar services.

These title offices are able to perform transactions, which include:

Ø       The issuance of a new vehicle registration;

Ø       Transferring a vehicle registration from a car that has been sold to a newly titled vehicle; and

Ø       Conducting out-of-state vehicle inspections, which are necessary when a vehicle is purchased from outside Ohio and is being titled in this state.

The services offered by the LADRs are limited to passenger vehicles, non-commercial vehicles, motorcycles and temporary tags. The LADRs perform these functions in conjunction with the issuance of a title.

The LADRs cannot issue driver licenses, state identification cards or renew vehicle registrations. Vehicle owners and drivers should continue to utilize their local Deputy Registrar for the regular issuance of driver licenses and vehicle registrations, as well as renewals.

“The Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the county clerks of court are offering a terrific service to our customers,” said Registrar Frank Caltrider. “Purchasing a new registration or transferring the plates from one vehicle to another is usually the next step a vehicle owner must take once they have purchased a car. Being able to do this in the clerks' offices is a tremendous convenience.”

A testing phase began on June 23 in Franklin County before other counties were allowed to participate in the program. Mahoning County began testing on July 22.

"Our office has had excellent success in the first few weeks of our participation in the LADR pilot project," said Anthony Vivo, Mahoning County Clerk of Courts. "Our employees have adapted well to the process and our customers are responding favorably in our ability to process both title and registration related functions at one location. We understand fully the importance of working for the taxpayers and we are very proud to be able to offer this service for the citizens of Mahoning County."

The LADR project is part of Senate Bill 59, which passed in the 124th General Assembly. Other portions of SB59 that have been implemented including Online Title Inquiry, Cross County Titling, Full Authority Deputy Registrars and electronic lien.

The Mahoning County LADR office is located at 2801 Market Street in Youngstown.

Limited Authority Deputy Registrar Now In Business In Summit County

Limited Authority Deputy Registrar Now In Business In Jefferson County

Patrol No Longer Issuing Salvage Inspection Receipts

BMV Customer Service Approval Rating Improves To 93 Percent, Deputy Registrar Fees Increase 25 Cents

Columbus, Ohio (December 31, 2003) – For the second consecutive year, Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) Deputy Registrar license agencies have received a statewide satisfactory rating of 90 percent or better on customer surveys conducted by The Ohio State University.

Of customers surveyed, 93 percent reported a favorable opinion regarding the performance of the BMV and 94 percent indicated the Deputy Registrar agency they visited met or exceeded their needs. The study focused on the delivery of services to Ohioans by the 214 Deputy Registrar license agencies.

"We’re pleased that we are exceeding the expectations of Ohioans," BMV Registrar Frank Caltrider said. "We will continue to find innovative ways to improve efficiency so that we can provide the best possible service to our customers."

Last year, 90 percent of respondents reported a favorable opinion regarding the performance of the BMV and 93 percent indicated the Deputy Registrar agency they visited met or exceeded their expectations of quality customer service.

A provision in the state's general revenue budget (HB94) in 2001 provided for an annual review of Deputy Registrars for the purpose of determining fees to be paid when driver license and vehicle registration transactions are completed on behalf of the BMV.  The Deputy Registrar fee is used in transactions dealing with vehicle registrations, out-of-state inspections, driver licenses, state identification cards, endorsement licenses, salvage receipts and commercial driver license receipts. The increase will affect transactions completed through the Deputy Registrars, mail, phone and Internet. The fee will increase from $3.25 to $3.50.

The fee is collected to reimburse Deputy Registrars for their expenses in performing driver and vehicle registration services on behalf of the state. Deputy Registrars and their employees are not state employees. This is the final fee increase for Deputy Registrar fees approved by the state legislature.

Biennial Registrations Available January 1, 2004

Columbus, Ohio (December 31, 2003) – Beginning in 2004, Ohioans who own a motor vehicle, other than those that are excluded (in a list below), may register their vehicles for the next two succeeding registration years.

House Bill 87 allows for biennial registration, which begins January 1, 2004. If a motorist wishes to participate in the biennial registration, he or she will need to pay the registration fee for both years. The motorist will also pay a $5.25 Deputy Registrar fee. Also, the motorist will pay two years worth of permissive taxes, based on the most recent fee chart.

"Biennial registration will give Ohioans more choices on how to renew vehicles," said Registrar Frank Caltrider.

Information on biennial registration will be included in renewal notices beginning in January. Individuals may call the BMV registration section, visit the local Deputy Registrar, or log onto OPLATES.com to sign up for biennial registration.

The following vehicles qualify for biennial registration:

Ø       Passenger car

Ø       Motorcycle

Ø       Moped

Ø       Farm truck

Ø       Non-commercial truck

Ø       Motor home

Vehicles that are excluded from biennial registration include:

Ø       Those that are up for a biennial inspection (such as e-check) for the following year

Ø       Commercial trucks

Ø       Commercial trailers

Ø       Church bus

Ø       Commercial bus

Ø       Transit bus

Ø       Placards

Ø       Temporary tags

Ø       Recreational vehicles (ATV, Snowmobiles)

Ø       School bus

Ø       Restricted plates (DUI plates)

Also, motorists that purchase organizational plates that require supporting forms on an annual basis are excluded. Limousines are excluded, because owners must show annual proof of insurance.

Once an individual pays for biennial registration, there will be no refund. For example (but not limited to), if the vehicle is sold before the second year begins, the owner will not receive a refund.

Traffic Code Changes Effective January 1, 2004

Columbus, Ohio (December 29, 2003) – Senate Bill 123 goes into effect January 1, 2004. The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission recommended the traffic reform bill (SB123), which was adopted in the 124th General Assembly. The following information will go into effect for convictions that occur on or after January 1, 2004.

Terminology changes

• Operating Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) will now be used instead of Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence (OMVI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

• Operating Vehicle Under Age Consumption (OVUAC) will now be used in lieu of Operating a Motor Vehicle Under Age Consumption (OMVUAC)

• Restricted Plates will be used in lieu of Family Plates or DUI plates

• Limited Driving Privileges will be used in lieu of Modified/Occupational driving privileges

New Terminology

• Suspended - under current suspension

• Suspended/Limited Privileges - under current suspension period with limited privileges

• Failure to Reinstate - suspension period is over, individual needs to comply with suspension reinstatement requirements

• Payment Plans - two options

1. Reinstatement Fee Plan A - court orders a payment plan of not less than $50/month for all succeeding months until all reinstatement fees are paid

2. Fee Extension Plan B - is authorized when all fees are paid with the exception of the reinstatement fee and the individual would otherwise be entitled to operate a motor vehicle. The court will determine a future date on which all fees must be paid in full (is not to exceed 180 days)

• Failure to Reinstate/Limited Privileges - payment plan status with limited privileges granted

Suspension Information

• All Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) imposed suspensions for a definite period of time will be referred to as an alpha class - for example Class A suspension is for three years, Class B suspension is for two years

Restricted Plates

• According to the law, the plates must be issued on all first time OVI offenders who receive limited privileges

• An individual may drive an employer's vehicle without the restricted plates if the following occurs

1. The employer is notified of the restriction

2. The individual carries proof that the employer knows he/she has limited privileges

• If the individual owns the business, the individual must have restricted plates on the vehicle owned by that individual

Perjury

• A court now has the option of blocking perjury offenders' registration privileges during the period of suspension

• If the suspension is for 90 days or more, $30 must be paid by the individual

Immobilizing and Forfeiting Vehicles

• A vehicle cannot be seized, immobilized or forfeited unless the vehicle is registered in the driver's name

• SB 123 does authorize third party seizures for persons convicted of wrongfully entrusting a vehicle

• Expands Wrongful Entrustment and repeals the "innocent owner" defense

• SB123 states that a Person A cannot permit Person B to drive the vehicle if Person A knows or has reasonable cause to believe Person B is unlicensed, is driving under suspension, has no financial responsibility coverage or would be operating a vehicle intoxicated

Adds Physical Control