Ohio Rev. Code » Chapter 4511
Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.661 (2026)

Unattended motor vehicles

✓ laws through the 2026 session (checked Sept. 2026)
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Effective:
June 30, 2017
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 26 - 132nd General Assembly
PDF:
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(A) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

The requirements of this section relating to the stopping of the engine, locking of the ignition, and removing the key from the ignition of a motor vehicle do not apply to any of the following:

(1) A motor vehicle that is parked on residential property;

(2) A motor vehicle that is locked, regardless of where it is parked;

(3) An emergency vehicle;

(4) A public safety vehicle.

(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.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1985–2022 · leading case: State v. Brantley, 2022-Ohio-597.
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State v. Brantley, 2022-Ohio-597. “The car was running and unattended in violation of R.C. 4511.661. Because the car was parked in violation of the law, the officer was privileged to enter the vehicle and remove the key pursuant to R.”
State v. Jones, 88 Ohio St. 3d 430 (2000). “39), failing to stop the engine, remove the key, and engage the parking brake when parking and leaving the vehicle unattended (R.C. 4511.661), and parking the vehicle with its right side wheels further than twelve inches from the curb (R.”
State v. Howard, 766 N.E.2d 179 (Ohio Ct. App. 5th Dist. 2001). “R.C. 4511.661 provides that a person driving a motor vehicle shall not permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine.”
Pendrey v. Barnes, 479 N.E.2d 283 (Ohio 1985). “) Appellant argues that subsequent to the Ross decision, Ohio’s Legislature adopted R.C. 4511.661 which, like the municipal ordinance in Ross , prohibits leaving an automobile unattended with the keys in the ignition.”
Johnson v. BP Expl. & Oil, Inc., 685 N.E.2d 275 (Ohio Ct. App. 3d Dist. 1996). · cites it 4× “” The trial court found that Johnson violated R.C. 4511.661 by leaving his truck unattended without locking the ignition, removing his key, and setting the parking brake.”
State v. Jones, 88 Ohio St. 3d 430 (2000). “39), failing to stop the engine, remove the key, and engage the parking brake when parking and leaving the vehicle unattended (R.C. 4511.661), and parking the vehicle with its right side wheels further than twelve inches from the curb (R.”
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