Columbus Over Width and Over Length Charges (ORC 5577.05)

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COLUMBUS & OHIO OVER WIDTH AND OVER LENGTH VEHICLES

Over width and over length vehicles are prohibited under both the Ohio and Columbus City codes.

Sections 5577.05 of the Ohio Revised Code, and Section 2139.05 of the Columbus City Code, explain the dimensions of an “over width” or “over length” vehicle in Ohio.

For purposes of the over width law, the vehicle is measured from one side of the vehicle to the other. For the over length law, the measurement is taken from the front of the vehicle to the back.

The statutes commonly charged in these cases are:

ORC 5577.05(A) – General prohibition against over width and over length vehicles
ORC 5577.05(B) – Prohibiting over width vehicles
ORC 55.77.05(C) – Prohibiting over length vehicles
ORC 4513.34 – Permits for Oversize Vehicles (failure to obtain)

OVER WIDTH VEHICLES

According to Ohio Revised Code Section 5577.05 and Columbus City Code Section 2139.05, vehicles will be considered over width depending on the type of vehicle being cited. The following vehicle widths are considered over width in either Columbus or the State of Ohio:

VEHICLE OVER WIDTH DIMENSIONS UNDER OHIO LAW

OVER LENGTH VEHICLES

VEHICLE OVER LENGTH DIMENSIONS UNDER OHIO LAW

PENALTIES FOR OVER WIDTH & OVER LENGTH IN COLUMBUS

Violation of 5577.05 or 2139.05 of the Ohio Revised Code or Columbus City Code is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense.

On a second or subsequent offense, it will be charged as a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

In Columbus, on any additional offenses within 1 year after the first offense, the person shall be fined not less than $500.00 dollars nor more than $1,000.00 dollars, or imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days or both.

Officers in Central Ohio and the City of Columbus have started to aggressively enforce over width and over length violations. It is important to contact an attorney who is knowledgeable about all possible defenses available to you. If you have questions about your Columbus traffic related criminal charges, talk to our defense attorneys at 614-361-2804.