Ohio Code § 4503.211

§ 4503.211.

(A) As used in this section: (1) “ Motor vehicle renting dealer ” means any person engaged in the business of regularly making available, offering

to make available, or arranging for another person to use a motor vehicle pursuant

to a bailment, rental agreement, or other contractual arrangement for a period of

thirty days or less under which a charge is made for the motor vehicle's use at a

specified rate and the title to the motor vehicle is in a person other than the operator,

but does not mean a manufacturer or its affiliate renting to its employees or to dealers. (2) “ Operator ” means a person driving or otherwise in control of a motor vehicle. (3) “ Registered owner ” means any person or entity identified by the bureau of motor vehicles or any other

state motor vehicle registration bureau, department, or office as the owner of a motor

vehicle. (B) No operator shall be charged with or convicted of a violation of division (A)(1)

or (3) of section 4503.21 of the Revised Code when operating a motor vehicle on a

public highway when all of the following apply: (1) The operator has a valid written rental agreement with a motor vehicle renting dealer

and such agreement is in effect at the time of the offense described in division (A)(1)

or (3) of section 4503.21 of the Revised Code. (2) At the time of the offense, the operator provides the valid written agreement to

the peace officer or state highway patrol officer enforcing the prohibition. (3) The operator has not removed, concealed, or modified the license plate or validation

sticker as placed or attached by the motor vehicle renting dealer or its affiliate. (C) If divisions (B)(1) and (3) of this section apply, but the operator is unable to

produce a valid written agreement at the time of the offense, the operator may submit

a copy of the valid written agreement to the court at any time before or during the

operator's court hearing.  If such agreement is presented to the court, the court shall dismiss any ticket,

citation, or summons issued to the operator for the offense. (D) If division (B) or (C) of this section applies, the registered owner of the motor

vehicle that was the subject of a violation of division (A)(1) or (3) of section 4503.21

of the Revised Code is solely liable for any fees, fines, or penalties for the violation.