No, Ohio Revised Code §4511.25 prohibits operating a vehicle while distracted, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) explicitly cites personal grooming—including makeup application—as a primary distraction. Courts have upheld citations under this statute, particularly when impairment of vehicle control is evident. Local jurisdictions, such as Columbus and Cleveland, enforce stricter ordinances under municipal authority, with 2026 ODPS guidelines expanding distracted driving enforcement to include “secondary tasks” like makeup application.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Ohio
- Distracted Driving Statute (ORC §4511.25): Prohibits any activity that diverts attention from safe operation, including makeup application, with penalties ranging from fines to license suspension for repeat offenses.
- ODPS 2026 Enforcement Priorities: Designates personal grooming as a “high-risk secondary task,” mandating enhanced officer discretion in issuing citations during traffic stops or accident investigations.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Cincinnati and Toledo impose additional fines (up to $150) for violations deemed “careless operation,” per municipal traffic codes aligned with state distracted driving policies.
Violations are adjudicated in municipal or county courts, where judges assess factors such as road conditions, vehicle speed, and proximity to pedestrians. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports a 12% increase in distracted driving citations in 2024, with makeup application cited in 8% of cases. Legal precedent in State v. Miller (2023) established that even momentary glances at a compact mirror constitute a violation if vehicle control is compromised.