Ohio Rev. Code » Chapter 4511
Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.051 (2026)

Freeways - prohibited acts

✓ laws through the 2026 session (checked Sept. 2026)
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Effective:
October 29, 2018
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 250, House Bill 95 - 132nd General Assembly
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(A) No person, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:

(1) As a pedestrian, occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, except: in a rest area; on a facility that is separated from the roadway and shoulders of the freeway and is designed and appropriately marked for pedestrian use; in the performance of public works or official duties; as a result of an emergency caused by an accident or breakdown of a motor vehicle; or to obtain assistance;

(2) Occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, with: an animal-drawn vehicle; a ridden or led animal; herded animals; a pushcart; a bicycle, except on a facility that is separated from the roadway and shoulders of the freeway and is designed and appropriately marked for bicycle use; an electric bicycle; a bicycle with motor attached; a motor driven cycle with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower; an agricultural tractor; farm machinery; except in the performance of public works or official duties.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

If the offender commits the offense while distracted and the distracting activity is a contributing factor to the commission of the offense, the offender is subject to the additional fine established under section 4511.991 of the Revised Code.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1966–2024 · leading case: Mitchell v. Ross, 470 N.E.2d 245 (Ohio Ct. App. 8th Dist. 1984).
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Mitchell v. Ross, 470 N.E.2d 245 (Ohio Ct. App. 8th Dist. 1984). “) 4 R.C. 4511.051, in pertinent part, provides: “No person, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall: “(A) As a pedestrian, occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, except: in a rest area; in the performance of public works or official…”
Shrieve v. United States, 16 F. Supp. 2d 853 (N.D. Ohio 1998). · cites it 2× “In addition, Ohio Rev.Code § 4511.051 states that no person, except as directed by a police officer, shall: (A) As a pedestrian, occupy any space within the limits of the right-of-way of a freeway, except: in a rest area; on a facility that is separated from the roadway and…”
In re Vacation of Twp. Road 114, 216 N.E.2d 768 (Ohio Ct. App. 3d Dist. 1966). · cites it 2× “The state Legislature has already made it a criminal offense, by Section 4511.051, Revised Code, for any person to , “occupy any space within the limits of the right of way of a •freeway, with: * * * an agricultural tractor; farm machinery; except in the performance of public…”
Kerns v. Hale, 2024-Ohio-2061, 244 N.E.3d 679. “Consequently, “[p]edestrians, except in emergency situations * * * are prohibited within the limits of a freeway (R.C. 4511.051).” Pisel v. ITT Cont'l Baking Co.”
Est. of Eyler v. Dedomenic, 669 N.E.2d 569 (Ohio Ct. App. 12th Dist. 1995). · cites it 5× “In its first assignment of error, appellant states that the trial court erred in granting appellee’s motion for a directed verdict finding that the decedent was negligent per se for violating R.C. 4511.051. Appellant also argues that the trial court erred in instructing the jury…”
Legg v. Ohio State High. Patrol, 643 N.E.2d 606 (Ohio Ct. Cl. 1993). “, R.C. 4511.051. He offered them several options for exiting the highway.”
Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.051(A): 1 case
Est. of Eyler v. Dedomenic, 669 N.E.2d 569 (Ohio Ct. App. 12th Dist. 1995). “In its first assignment of error, appellant states that the trial court erred in granting appellee’s motion for a directed verdict finding that the decedent was negligent per se for violating R.C. 4511.051. Appellant also argues that the trial court erred in instructing the jury…”
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