Ohio2026Passed Legislature

HB132

Philip Wigal's Law: Stricter Penalties for Dangerous Driving

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill increases penalties for drivers who cause death or injury by failing to slow down near stopped emergency vehicles, speeding in construction zones, or driving under the influence.

Increases penalties for causing death while operating a vehicle recklessly or negligently in specific situations like construction zones.
Raises punishments for vehicular homicide and assault when drivers fail to slow down or change lanes near stationary emergency vehicles.
Requires mandatory prison terms and license suspensions for offenders with prior traffic crimes, driving without a valid license, or driving under suspension.
Adds fines of up to $25,000 for certain aggravated vehicular homicide cases involving drunk driving.

Drivers who cause death while operating motor vehicles, motorcycles, utility vehicles, mini-trucks, snowmobiles, locomotives, watercraft, or aircraft.
People with prior convictions for OVI (drunk driving), traffic-related homicides, manslaughter, or assaults within the last twenty years.
Offenders who were driving under a suspended license or did not have a valid driver's license at the time of the offense.

The official text provided is truncated and does not list specific prison years for every penalty level.
Details regarding license suspension durations beyond 'class one' or 'class two' are cut off in the source text.
The effective date of this law is not included in the provided document excerpt.

Plain language

Aggravated Vehicular Homicide: A serious crime where a person causes death while driving under the influence, recklessly in a construction zone, or negligently by breaking traffic laws.
OVI Offense: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Stationary Vehicles: Specified emergency vehicles that are stopped on the road, where drivers must slow down or change lanes when approaching them.

Official record

Source attached

Enact Philip Wigal's Law

Official activity