Bill
SB 419
The bill lowers temp permit age to 15 and doubles the permit duration before a probationary license to 12 months, tightening supervised driving requirements.
Title: Revise temporary instruction permit eligibility, requirements
Sponsor: Senator Gavarone (co-sponsor: Theresa Gavarone)
Status: Introduced in 2025-2026 Regular Session; Referred to committee on 2026-04-15
Jurisdiction: Ohio
Purpose
- To revise the eligibility age and duration requirements for temporary instruction permits and probationary licenses for drivers in Ohio.
- Specifically, the bill lowers the age to obtain a temporary instruction permit from 15 years 6 months to 15 years old, and increases the minimum duration holding a temporary permit before eligibility for a probationary license from 6 months to 12 months (one year).
Key Provisions
1) Temporary Instruction Permit eligibility (Section 4507.05)
- Eligibility age for a standard temporary instruction permit is reduced:
- New threshold: 15 years 0 months (instead of 15 years 6 months).
- The permit allows operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle on public highways under specified conditions.
- For applicants aged 15 to under 16:
- Permit must be in immediate possession.
- Must be accompanied by an eligible adult occupying the seat beside the permit holder, with no prohibited alcohol concentration.
- Vehicle occupants must be within the vehicle’s original occupant restraining devices and all occupants must wear restraints.
- For applicants 16 or older:
- Permit must be in immediate possession.
- Must be accompanied by a licensed operator who is at least 21, occupying the seat beside the driver, with no prohibited alcohol concentration.
- Vehicle occupants must be restrained as required.
- Motorcycle/motor-driven cycle/motor scooter and motorized bicycle allowances:
- The registrar may issue temporary permits for these vehicles with appropriate restrictions under section 4511.53, including a provision that motorized bicycles may be issued to 14- or 15-year-olds.
- Permit duration:
- A temporary instruction permit for a motor vehicle (non-commercial) remains valid for 1 year and 6 months.
2) Issuance and exemptions (Sections 4507.05, 4507.071)
- Persons with a valid license from another jurisdiction may be exempt from temporary permit issuance and exams if they meet specified conditions (vision screening, surrender of the other license, and compliance with other Ohio requirements). If not compliant, they must complete Ohio’s regular exams.
3) Probationary license eligibility and restrictions (Section 4507.071)
- To receive a probationary license, a person must be at least 16 and have held a temporary instruction permit for at least 12 months (currently 6 months in law; proposed change doubles that to 12 months).
4) Probationary license operating restrictions (Section 4507.071)
- Night driving restrictions:
- With under 12 months of holding a probationary license: no operation between midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- With 12 months or more: no operation between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied.
- Exceptions for work, school events, religious events, with written documentation.
- Restrictions also limit the number of non-family occupants and require restraints.
- An affirmative defense exists for emergencies or emancipated minors.
- Court-ordered restrictions may apply if a moving violation occurs during the initial six-month period after licensing.
5) General provisions and enforcement (Sections 4507.05, 4507.071)
- Provision for forms and documentation for written consent when needed.
- Provisions regarding occupant restraints and enforcement carve-outs for law enforcement and minor violations.
Potential Impact
Notes
- The bill repeals and replaces current sections 4507.05 and 4507.071 with the proposed changes.
- As introduced, it adds explicit timelines and age thresholds, and aligns supervision and safety constraints with the amended framework.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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