DMVZoneBlogSince October 7, 2026, House Bill 492 requires drivers and passengers in Ohio to give their name, address and date of birth when an officer suspects a traffic violation. Refusing is a misdemeanor with up to 30 days in jail.
Under House Bill 492, in effect since October 7, 2026, everyone in a vehicle stopped for a suspected traffic violation in Ohio must give their name, address and date of birth if an officer asks. Police may not demand anything beyond those three items under this law. Refusing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
Before HB 492, Ohio passengers did not have to identify themselves during a traffic stop. Lawmakers who backed the bill said officers face real danger at traffic stops and need to know who is in the car.
| Before Oct 7, 2026 | Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Show license on request | Show license, and give name, address and birth date |
| Passengers | No duty to identify | Must give name, address and birth date |
| Passenger who refuses | No penalty under this rule | 4th-degree misdemeanor |
Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and answer the three questions clearly. If you think a stop was unfair, raise it later with a lawyer or in court, not at the roadside.
Under HB 492, what must an Ohio passenger give an officer at a traffic stop?
Answer: C. Passengers must give name, address and date of birth.
What is the penalty for refusing?
Answer: B. Refusal is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail and $250.
When did the law take effect?
Answer: C. HB 492 took effect October 7, 2026.
It applies when an officer reasonably suspects a traffic violation.
The law requires giving the information, not carrying a card. Carrying ID can make the stop faster.
Traffic stop behavior is part of Ohio's driver education. Knowing your duties helps on the test and on the road.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Ohio DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
Ohio now requires driver education for new drivers under 21, not just under 18. Passengers must identify themselves at traffic stops since October 2026, SR-22 filings were cut to one year, and a school bus bill passed.
Most Ohio moving violations are 2 points, speeding 30 mph or more over is 4, and OVI or fleeing police is 6. At 6 points the BMV sends a warning; at 12 in two years you lose your license for six months.
Finish an approved remedial driving course while you have 2 to 11 points and Ohio gives you a 2-point credit. You can use it once every three years and five times in your life. It is also required to reinstate after a 12-point suspension.