Traffic Code Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties
Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 403.99
in effect§ 403.99 Traffic Code Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties
(a) General Traffic Code Penalty. Whoever violates any provision of this traffic code for which no penalty otherwise is provided in the section violated is guilty of one (1) of the following:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this section, a minor misdemeanor;
(2) If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;
(3) If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(RC 4511.99)
(b) Misdemeanor Penalties. Whoever is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this traffic code shall be imprisoned for a definite term or fined, or both, which term of imprisonment and fine shall be fixed by the court as provided in this section.
Misdemeanor Classification | Maximum Imprisonment Term | Maximum Fine
1st degree | 180 days | $1,000.00
2nd degree | 90 days | $750.00
3rd degree | 60 days | $500.00
4th degree | 30 days | $250.00
Minor | None | $150.00
(Ord. No. 1275-15. Passed 5-16-16, eff. 5-18-16)
Source: City of Cleveland, Ohio, Codified Ordinances and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-22048Fetched: 11/1/2026