Ohio laws by category

Since July 1, 2022, Ohioans may set off 1.4G consumer fireworks bought in Ohio from a licensed seller, but only on private property with the owner's permission and only on the statutory days (R.C. 3743.45(A), (B)). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

No license is needed in Ohio at 21 or older. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Ohio is a control state for spirits: high-proof spirituous liquor over 21% alcohol by volume is sold only through state-contracted agency stores, which are often inside grocery and other private stores, while beer, wine and low-proof spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores.

Radar detectors are legal in private passenger vehicles in Ohio — Ohio's traffic-law and vehicle-equipment chapters (R.C. chapters 4511 and 4513) have no ban on them. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Ohio, burning yard or household waste is banned inside cities and villages and the zone around them (1,000 ft; 1 mile around places of 10,000+) (OAC 3745-19-03). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Ohio, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Div. of Wildlife (ODNR DOW).

Ohio's state sales tax is 5.75% of each retail sale made in the state (R.C. 5739.02(A)(1)), and a matching use tax applies to items bought for use in Ohio. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Recreational cannabis is legal in Ohio for adults 21 and older (an "adult-use consumer" is anyone at least 21, Ohio Rev. Code 3796.01) who obtain it from an Ohio licensed dispensary or grow it legally at home, within the possession limits (3796.221). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Ohio sports betting is legal, retail and online/mobile, and you must be 21+. Live since Jan 1, 2023. Regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Ohio requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who operates a boat powered by more than 10 hp, or who supervises a young operator, to have completed a NASBLA-approved boating course or an ODNR proficiency exam. Children under 12 may not operate a PWC; ages 12 to 15 need an adult 18 or older on board.

SB 140 (eff. 4/12/2021) repealed Ohio's switchblade/gravity-knife ban; only 'ballistic knives' remain restricted, so automatic knives are legal to own and carry (ORC 2923.11).

Ohio has no statute that makes it a crime for a private person to fly a drone to watch or record people or property; the general drone law, ORC 4561.51, covers flights that federal rules prohibit, interference with on-duty police, fire or EMS personnel, and critical-facility flights with criminal intent. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.