COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recently introduced Ohio bill would empower law enforcement officials to arrest drivers who refuse to provide identifying information during a traffic stop.
Under House Bill 492, declining to provide a name, address or date of birth to police officers during a traffic stop would be classified as a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
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State law already requires drivers to provide identification during a traffic stop at the request of law enforcement. However, refusing to do so is currently an unclassified misdemeanor, which is generally a nonarrestable offense that can only be punished with a fine or community service.
The bill was introduced by Reps. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth) and Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) on Oct. 1. Abrams said the idea for the legislation was brought to Ohio representatives by law enforcement officials…