Most drivers worry about speeding tickets, but Ohio law also prohibits driving too slowly under certain circumstances. Understanding Ohio Revised Code 4511.22 and how courts interpret slow speed violations is crucial for anyone facing these charges, as the law is more complex than it initially appears and offers several potential defenses.

What Constitutes a Slow Speed Violation in Ohio

Under Ohio Revised Code 4511.22, it's illegal to operate a vehicle "at such an unreasonably slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when stopping or reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or to comply with law."

This statute has two key components that prosecutors must prove: first, that your speed was unreasonably slow, and second, that your slow speed actually impeded or blocked the normal movement of traffic. Simply driving slowly is not enough - there must be an actual impact on traffic flow.

The law specifically includes exceptions for situations where reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or legal compliance. This means you cannot be convicted if you were driving slowly due to weather conditions, vehicle mechanical issues, heavy traffic, construction zones, or other safety concerns.

Minimum Speed Limits on Highways

Ohio law also allows transportation officials to establish minimum speed limits on controlled-access highways, expressways, and freeways when slow speeds consistently impede traffic flow. These minimum speed limits must be between 30 and 50 mph and require proper signage and approval processes.

Violating a posted minimum speed limit provides clearer grounds for prosecution than the general "unreasonably slow" standard, as it establishes a specific numerical threshold.

When Police Can Legally Stop You for Slow Speed

Ohio courts have consistently held that slow speed alone generally does not provide reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop. Multiple appellate districts have ruled that officers need more than just observing a vehicle traveling below the speed limit to justify a stop.

However, if your slow speed actually violates section 4511.22 by impeding traffic, then police may have reasonable suspicion for a stop. The key distinction is whether your driving affected other vehicles, not just how fast you were going.

The "Impeded Traffic" Requirement

Whether a police cruiser itself constitutes "impeded traffic" depends on the specific circumstances. Courts examine factors such as:

Whether other vehicles were present and affected
Whether the officer could safely pass the slow vehicle
Whether the slow speed created a safety hazard
Whether there were other unusual driving behaviors

For example, if an officer is the only vehicle on the road and can safely navigate around a slow driver, courts have found no violation of the slow speed law. Conversely, if a driver suddenly decelerates for no apparent reason, forcing an officer to "slow way down," this can support reasonable suspicion.

Enhanced Suspicion with Other Behaviors

Courts have noted that an officer's suspicion becomes more reasonable when slow speed is combined with other unusual driving behaviors suggesting impairment, such as swerving, driving on the shoulder, straddling lanes, crossing the center line, or weaving.

Community Caretaker Exception

In extreme cases, police may stop slow-moving vehicles under the "community caretaker" exception to normal Fourth Amendment requirements. For instance, driving 35 mph in a 70 mph zone may justify a stop based on safety concerns for the driver and other motorists, even without suspicion of criminal activity.

Penalties for Slow Speed Violations

Ohio's penalty structure for slow speed violations includes escalating consequences based on prior traffic offenses:

First offense: Minor misdemeanor
One prior traffic offense within one year: Fourth-degree misdemeanor
Two or more prior traffic offenses within one year: Third-degree misdemeanor

Additional fines apply if the offense involved distracted driving that contributed to the violation.

Importantly, the law requires that in determining whether speed was unreasonably slow, the trier of fact must consider both the capabilities of the vehicle and its operator. This means factors like an older vehicle's mechanical limitations or a driver's physical limitations should be considered.

Common Defense Strategies

Several defense strategies can be effective in slow speed cases:

Challenge the "impeded traffic" element. If no other vehicles were actually affected by your speed, prosecutors cannot prove a violation. This is particularly relevant when only a police cruiser was behind you and could have safely passed.

Demonstrate safety justification. The statute specifically allows reduced speed when necessary for safe operation. Weather conditions, vehicle problems, unfamiliar roads, or other safety concerns can justify slower speeds.

Question the reasonableness of the speed. The law prohibits "unreasonably" slow speed, which requires examining the specific circumstances, road conditions, and traffic patterns at the time.

Challenge the initial stop. If police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you in the first place, any evidence gathered during the stop may be suppressed.

Practical Considerations

Understanding your rights during a slow speed stop is important. Remember that police need reasonable suspicion that you violated the law, not just that you were driving slowly. The presence of legitimate safety concerns or vehicle limitations can provide strong defenses against these charges.

If you're stopped for slow speed, document the conditions at the time, including weather, traffic levels, road conditions, and any vehicle issues you were experiencing. This information can be crucial for your defense.

The Bigger Picture

Slow speed charges often arise in the context of DUI investigations, where officers use traffic violations as pretexts for stops. Understanding the legal requirements for slow speed violations can help challenge the validity of such stops and any evidence gathered as a result.

The key takeaway is that Ohio's slow speed law requires more than just driving below the speed limit - there must be actual interference with traffic flow, and your reduced speed must be unreasonable under the circumstances.

Ohio DUI Attorneys