You can't control other drivers or the weather, but you can control your car's condition. Ohio law spells out the equipment a vehicle must have — and the test loves the visibility distances for lights, reflectors and the horn.
Know the rule
Ohio law: no person shall drive or move, or knowingly permit to be driven, any vehicle in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
No vehicle may have protruding objects, broken sharp edges, or parts that would be dangerous to a person who contacts them.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Basic equipment the average vehicle should have:
- Steering that operates normally, with no excessive play in the wheel
- Tires with at least 1/16-inch tread and no major bumps, bulges or damage
- At least two seat belts in the front seat
- Service brake adequate to slow, stop and control the vehicle
- Parking brake adequate to hold the vehicle on a grade
- Windshield wipers able to clear precipitation
- Rear-view mirror with an unobstructed view to the rear
- Exhaust system in good working order and constant operation
Lights, signals and horn: how far they must reach
| Equipment | Requirement | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | Two, one on each side, working | — |
| Rear reflectors | Two, red | Visible 300 ft |
| Taillight | One, emits red light | Visible 500 ft |
| Stop (brake) lights | Two, red, when brakes applied | Visible 500 ft |
| License plate light | White light on rear plate | Visible 50 ft |
| Turn signals | Two front and two rear | Visible 300 ft |
| Horn | Identifiable as a motor vehicle horn | Audible 200 ft |
Minimum windshield light transmission (standard for most new cars)
Handbook p. 7 ↗Light transmission for front-seat side windows
Handbook p. 7 ↗Minimum tire tread depth
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
Check your vehicle for safety recalls by searching its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Put it into practice
Your friend's car has a single working brake light and a taillight that's hard to see past a few car lengths. It fails Ohio's standard: you need two red stop lights and a taillight, each visible from 500 feet.