Ohio Rev. Code » Chapter 4511
Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.70 (2026)

Obstructing view and control of driver - opening door into moving traffic

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Effective:
January 1, 2004
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 123 - 124th General Assembly
PDF:
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(A) No person shall drive a vehicle or trackless trolley when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(B) No passenger in a vehicle or trackless trolley shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver's view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(C) No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

(D) 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 4 cases, 2006–2015 · leading case: State v. Wallace, 853 N.E.2d 704 (Ohio Ct. App. 1st Dist. 2006).
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State v. Wallace, 853 N.E.2d 704 (Ohio Ct. App. 1st Dist. 2006). “Wallace was also cited for interfering with the operation of a vehicle in violation of R.C. 4511.70. {¶ 4} The trial court accepted the undisputed facts and concluded, as a matter of law, that the police officer did not have probable cause to arrest Wallace for the offenses of…”
State v. Frum, 2013-Ohio-1096. “08 mirrors R.C. 4511.70(C). {¶7} Mr. Stark and Officer Ryan Pitchure testified for the State, and Mr.”
In re G.L.L., 2015-Ohio-3539. “had committed obstruction and interference affecting view and control of driver, a minor misdemeanor if committed by an adult, in violation of R.C. 4511.70(B), by grabbing the hoodie. {¶7} On November 22, 2013, The Knox County court transferred the matter to Geauga County, which…”
Cleveland v. Gaston, 2011-Ohio-3981. “R.C. 4511.70(B). Gaston started the chain of events that led to Burton’s striking him.”
Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.70(B): 2 cases
In re G.L.L., 2015-Ohio-3539. “had committed obstruction and interference affecting view and control of driver, a minor misdemeanor if committed by an adult, in violation of R.C. 4511.70(B), by grabbing the hoodie. {¶7} On November 22, 2013, The Knox County court transferred the matter to Geauga County, which…”
Cleveland v. Gaston, 2011-Ohio-3981. “R.C. 4511.70(B). Gaston started the chain of events that led to Burton’s striking him.”
Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.70(C): 1 case
State v. Frum, 2013-Ohio-1096. “08 mirrors R.C. 4511.70(C). {¶7} Mr. Stark and Officer Ryan Pitchure testified for the State, and Mr.”
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