What does "Physical Control" mean?

Ohio's Physical Control Statute, O.R.C. 4511.194, became effective on January 1, 2005. Physical Control is similar to an Ohio OVI/Ohio DUI charge in that it deals with being in a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs of abuse with one exception, Physical Control does not require that the vehicle have ever been driven or even started.


The best example of a Physical Control violation is the person who staggers out of the tavern and decides to "sleep it off" in their vehicle. Often times what happens is the person starts the car, either to run the air conditioner or the heater, so the vehicle is actually running, then goes to sleep. However, one need not have the car running or even have the keys in the ignition in order to be in violation of O.R.C. 4511.194 - Physical Control. Under the statute, having the keys within reach will satisfy the definition of having "physical control."

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1. What should I do if I think that there is a house in my neighborhood where drugs are being sold?
2. What do I do if I am involved in a traffic accident?
3. What do I do it I witness a traffic accident?
4. What do I do if I am the victim of, or witness to, a hit and run accident?
5. What should I do if I witness a crime in progress?
6. What should I do if I am the victim of a crime?
7. What should I do if I am stopped by the police for a traffic a violation?
8. I received a traffic citation. What are my options as far as taking care of the citation?
9. A squad car passes me with its lights and siren on as if it is on an emergency run, then they turn their lights and siren off. Was this officer on a legitimate emergency run?
10. What type of calls would an officer use his/her emergency lights and siren?
11. Does the Berea Police Department have a policy that governs vehicle pursuits?
12. What should I do If I have problem with a stray animal in my neighborhood?
13. What should I do if a stray animal bites me?
14. I have an animal that I can no longer keep because it is causing problems in the home. Will the police department pick it up and take it to an animal shelter?
15. What is an OVI?
16. What does "Physical Control" mean?
17. What are the parking regulations in Berea?