Ohio § 2921.331
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 2921.331, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2921.331.
(A) No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer
invested with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. (B) No person shall operate a motor vehicle so as willfully to elude or flee a police
officer after receiving a visible or audible signal from a police officer to bring
the person's motor vehicle to a stop. (C)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of failure to comply with an order or signal
of a police officer. (2) A violation of division (A) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. (3) Except as provided in divisions (C)(4) and (5) of this section, a violation of division
(B) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree. (4) A violation of division (B) of this section is a felony of the third degree if the
jury or judge as trier of fact finds by proof beyond a reasonable doubt that, in committing
the offense, the offender was fleeing immediately after the commission of a felony. (5)(a) A violation of division (B) of this section is a felony of the third degree if the
jury or judge as trier of fact finds any of the following by proof beyond a reasonable
doubt: (i) The operation of the motor vehicle by the offender was a proximate cause of serious
physical harm to persons or property. (ii) The operation of the motor vehicle by the offender caused a substantial risk of serious
physical harm to persons or property. (b) If a police officer pursues an offender who is violating division (B) of this section
and division (C)(5)(a) of this section applies, the sentencing court, in determining
the seriousness of an offender's conduct for purposes of sentencing the offender for
a violation of division (B) of this section, shall consider, along with the factors
set forth in sections 2929.12 and 2929.13 of the Revised Code that are required to be considered, all of the following: (i) The duration of the pursuit; (ii) The distance of the pursuit; (iii) The rate of speed at which the offender operated the motor vehicle during the pursuit; (iv) Whether the offender failed to stop for traffic lights or stop signs during the pursuit; (v) The number of traffic lights or stop signs for which the offender failed to stop
during the pursuit; (vi) Whether the offender operated the motor vehicle during the pursuit without lighted
lights during a time when lighted lights are required; (vii) Whether the offender committed a moving violation during the pursuit; (viii) The number of moving violations the offender committed during the pursuit; (ix) Any other relevant factors indicating that the offender's conduct is more serious
than conduct normally constituting the offense. (D) If an offender is sentenced to a prison term for a violation of division (B) of this
section, the offender shall serve the prison term consecutively to any other prison
term or mandatory prison term imposed upon the offender. (E) In addition to any other sanction imposed for a violation of division (B) of this
section, the court shall impose a class two suspension from the range specified in division (A)(2) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code . In addition to any other sanction imposed for a violation of division (A) of this
section, the court shall impose a class five suspension from the range specified in division (A)(5) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code . If the offender previously has been found guilty of an offense under this section,
in addition to any other sanction imposed for the offense, the court shall impose
a class one suspension as described in division (A)(1) of that section. The court shall not grant limited driving privileges to the offender on a suspension
imposed for a felony violation of this section. The court may grant limited driving privileges to the offender on a suspension imposed
for a misdemeanor violation of this section as set forth in section 4510.021 of the Revised Code . No judge shall suspend the first three years of suspension under a class two suspension
of an offender's license, permit, or privilege required by this division or any portion
of the suspension under a class one suspension of an offender's license, permit, or
privilege required by this division. (F) As used in this section: (1) “Moving violation” has the same meaning as in section 2743.70 of the Revised Code . (2) “Police officer” has the same meaning as in section 4511.01 of the Revised Code .
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 2921.331
What does Ohio Revised Code § 2921.331 cover?
Section 2921.331 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 2921.331?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 2921.331" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 2921.331 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.