Ohio’s approach to vehicle restrictions has been in the spotlight recently, with new laws and regulations shaping what drivers can-and cannot-do on the road. From emission standards to oversize trucking and impaired driving laws, here’s a comprehensive look at the latest changes, what they mean for Ohioans, and the latest statistics on enforcement and vehicle trends.
Gas-Powered Vehicles: No Ban in Sight
Contrary to trends in states like California, Ohio has moved decisively to protect the sale and use of gasoline and diesel vehicles. In December 2024, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 201, which prohibits state and local agencies from adopting California-style emissions rules or restricting the sale of vehicles based on their energy source. This law ensures that:
- No Ohio city or county can ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.
- Ohio cannot enact emissions standards stricter than federal requirements.
- The state explicitly rejects California’s mandate for all new vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035.
This legislation was supported by business and manufacturing groups, who argued it preserves consumer choice and protects jobs in traditional automotive sectors.
Electric Vehicles: Incentives and Growth, Not Mandates
While Ohio is not banning gas vehicles, it is investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The state is deploying $140 million in federal funds to build EV charging stations, with the first pilot center already open on I-70. EV sales are climbing nationwide, with over one million sold in the U.S. in 2024-a record high.
A new analysis found that Ohioans can save up to $22,300 over ten years by choosing an EV over a comparable gas-powered vehicle, thanks to lower fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs, as well as federal rebates. There are now 37 EV models available in Ohio for less than $48,000, and 10 models under $35,000, making EVs increasingly accessible.
Additionally, since 2021, EV manufacturing has brought 5,800 new jobs and $9.9 billion in investment to Ohio, signaling a robust future for the state’s automotive industry.
Oversize Trucking: Stricter Rules in 2025
Significant updates to Ohio’s oversize trucking laws took effect in 2025, impacting carriers and logistics companies. Key changes include:
- More stringent safety requirements for oversize loads.
- Revised travel restriction periods, affecting delivery schedules.
- Updated width and height restrictions to balance industry needs with road safety.
These changes are designed to harmonize Ohio’s rules with neighboring states, streamlining compliance for interstate carriers and enhancing overall safety on Ohio’s highways.
Impaired Driving: New OVI Laws and Enforcement
Ohio’s Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) laws were updated in 2025 to include new oral fluid testing for suspected impaired drivers. If a driver refuses this test, they face administrative license suspensions. The new law allows courts to waive certain suspension periods and introduces harsher penalties for repeat offenders or those with prior convictions.
Enforcement and Vehicle Statistics
Enforcement Stops: In 2025 so far, Ohio State Highway Patrol has conducted 146,789 enforcement stops, compared to 151,951 in the same period in 2024.
EV Sales: More than one million electric vehicles were sold in the U.S. in 2024, with Ohio seeing a significant share of this growth.
Economic Impact: $9.9 billion in EV-related investments and 5,800 new jobs have been announced in Ohio since 2021.
Conclusion
Ohio’s latest vehicle regulations underscore a commitment to consumer choice, economic growth, and road safety. Gas-powered vehicles are not banned, and local governments cannot impose stricter emissions standards than the federal government.
At the same time, the state is fostering the growth of electric vehicles through infrastructure investment and highlighting their cost-saving benefits. For commercial operators, new oversize trucking laws demand careful compliance. With updated OVI laws and strong enforcement, Ohio continues to prioritize safety on its roads.
For Ohio drivers, the message is clear: your car is not banned-whether gas, diesel, or electric-but staying informed about the latest rules is essential for safe and legal driving in 2025 and beyond.
Source:
[1] https://www.hartwiglaw.com/blog/2025/april/ohio-s-new-ovi-laws-in-2025/
[2] https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2023/12/28/electric-car-ban
[3] https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/statistics/statewide-and-county-statistics?county=Statewide
[4] https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ohio-law-california-emissions
[5] https://www.edf.org/media/new-analysis-reveals-electric-vehicles-can-save-ohioans-22300-compared-gas-powered-cars-over
[6] https://freedomheavyhaul.com/oversize-trucking-laws-in-ohio-whata%C2%80%C2%99s-changed-in-2025/
[7] https://www.rittgers.com/blog/2025/01/changes-to-ohios-ovi-laws-in-2025-what-you-need-to-know/
[8] https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/states-banning-new-gas-powered-cars/
[9] https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/YellowBook
[10] https://www.cmtelematics.com/distracted-driving/ohio-handheld-ban-has-reduced-distracted-driving-by-over-8/
[11] https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/about-us/traffic-advisories
[12] https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/6636d3fe-3cb7-4f82-97ec-aacea8ecbe6c/SHP-Holiday-Notice-2025.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_JQGCH4S04P41206HNUKVF31000-6636d3fe-3cb7-4f82-97ec-aacea8ecbe6c-pdXz4NP
[13] https://www.ohioturnpike.org/docs/default-source/truckers/holiday-construction-restrictions-2025-(2025-11-25).pdf
[14] https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odot/working/permits/special-hauling-permits/operate/holiday-restrictions
[15] https://bmv.ohio.gov/government.aspx
[16] https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/distracted-driving-dashboard
[17] https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-item/ohio/
[18] https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/monthly-state-retail-sales-motor-vehicle-and-parts-dealers-in-ohio-fed-data.html
[19] https://www.ohsb.uscourts.gov/news/april-1-2025-ohio-exemption-increases