Ohio BMV 2942 Seat Belt Exemption Form Guide – Ohio drivers and passengers must wear seat belts under state law. However, individuals with qualifying physical impairments can request an exemption using Ohio Form BMV 2942, the Occupant Restraining Device Exemption Request. This official form from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), allows eligible people to legally ride or drive without an occupant restraining device when a licensed physician or chiropractor certifies that using one is impossible or impractical.
This guide covers everything U.S. residents need to know about Form BMV 2942, including eligibility under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4513.263, how to complete the form, permanent versus temporary exemptions, and how to register permanent exemptions in the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).
What Is Ohio Form BMV 2942?
Form BMV 2942 is the official document used to request an exemption from Ohio’s seat belt (occupant restraining device) requirements. An “occupant restraining device” includes a seat safety belt, shoulder belt, harness, or similar safety device that meets federal standards.
According to the form and Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-03, a qualifying applicant may seek exemption if they have a physical impairment that makes use of such a device impossible or impractical. The form also allows permanent exemptions to be entered into LEADS so law enforcement can verify the exemption without the person carrying paperwork.
The current version of the form is BMV 2942 (10/19). It is available as a free PDF from the Ohio BMV.
Who Qualifies for the Occupant Restraining Device Exemption?
To qualify under ORC 4513.263, you must meet these requirements:
- You have a physical impairment that makes wearing a seat belt impossible or impractical.
- A physician licensed under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4731 or a chiropractor licensed under Chapter 4734 must certify the condition.
- The physician or chiropractor must state whether the impairment is temporary, permanent, or reasonably expected to be permanent.
- If temporary, the expected duration must be listed.
The exemption applies to both the driver and front-seat passengers. It does not replace other legal requirements, such as child restraint laws under ORC 4511.81.
Other limited exemptions exist under Ohio law (for example, certain postal or newspaper delivery workers while actively delivering), but those do not use Form BMV 2942.
How to Complete Form BMV 2942?
The form has two main sections:
Section A – Completed by the Applicant or Parent/Guardian
This section is filled out by the person with the physical impairment (if age 18 or older and able) or by a parent or guardian. Required information includes:
- Full name of the person with the physical impairment
- Driver license or ID number
- Street address, city, state, ZIP code, and county
- Telephone number
- Name and relationship of the person completing the application (if different from the applicant)
- Signature and date
Print or type all information legibly.
Section B – Completed by a Licensed Physician or Chiropractor
A licensed physician or chiropractor must complete this section. All fields are required if the exemption is to be entered into the LEADS database. Information needed includes:
- Name of the licensed physician or chiropractor
- Medical license number and issuing state
- Business address and daytime telephone number
- Whether the impairment is permanent/expected to be permanent or temporary (with expiration date)
- Confirmation that the impairment makes use of an occupant restraining device impossible or impractical (Yes/No)
- Certification statement, signature, and date
Knowingly making a false statement on the form constitutes falsification under ORC 2921.13 and can result in criminal penalties.
Permanent vs. Temporary Exemptions
Ohio treats permanent and temporary impairments differently:
- Permanent or Expected to Be Permanent — Submit the completed Form BMV 2942 to the Ohio BMV. Once processed, the exemption is noted in LEADS. You no longer need to carry the physical form while driving or riding.
- Temporary — Do not send the form to the BMV. Keep the completed Form BMV 2942 with you at all times while operating or riding in a motor vehicle. The exemption expires on the date listed by the physician or chiropractor.
These rules are set out in Ohio Administrative Code 4501:1-1-03 (effective November 1, 2022).
How and Where to Submit Form BMV 2942?
For permanent or expected-permanent exemptions, mail the completed form to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The general mailing address is:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520
Physical address (for reference): 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. Confirm current submission instructions on the official BMV website before mailing, as processing details can change.
Temporary exemptions are not submitted to the BMV. Simply keep the signed form in your possession while traveling in a vehicle.
Download the Official Ohio Form BMV 2942
Download the current official PDF directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:
Download Ohio Form BMV 2942 (PDF)
You can also find the form listed under “BMV Forms” on the Ohio BMV Documents & Fees page.
Ohio Seat Belt Law Overview and Penalties
Under ORC 4513.263, drivers and front-seat passengers in most automobiles must wear a properly adjusted occupant restraining device. Ohio uses secondary enforcement for adult seat-belt violations, meaning officers generally cannot stop a vehicle solely for a seat-belt violation.
Penalties for violations (when the exemption does not apply) are:
- $30 fine for the driver
- $20 fine for a front-seat passenger
No points are assessed against a driving record for a standard seat-belt violation. Physicians and chiropractors who issue a proper affidavit are generally immune from civil liability related to the exemption, unless they acted with willful, wanton, or reckless misconduct.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Only a physician or chiropractor licensed to practice in Ohio can complete Section B.
- Ensure the form is fully completed and legible before submission or use.
- Keep a copy of any permanent exemption form you submit to the BMV for your records.
- The LEADS notation is not a public record.
- This exemption does not affect child passenger safety requirements. Separate rules apply for children under ORC 4511.81.
- Always verify the latest form version and mailing instructions on official Ohio government websites, as rules and contact details can be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form BMV 2942 the only way to get a medical seat-belt exemption in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio Administrative Code specifically requires completion of BMV Form 2942 for physical-impairment exemptions under ORC 4513.263.
Do I need to renew a permanent exemption?
The form and statute do not require automatic renewal for permanent or expected-permanent impairments once entered into LEADS. Contact the BMV if your condition or documentation changes.
Can out-of-state licensed doctors sign the form?
No. The statute requires a physician licensed under Ohio Chapter 4731 or a chiropractor licensed under Ohio Chapter 4734.
Where can I find more official information?
Visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or review the full text of ORC 4513.263.
Conclusion
Ohio Form BMV 2942 provides a clear, legal pathway for individuals with qualifying physical impairments to obtain an exemption from seat-belt requirements. Whether you need a temporary exemption to carry with you or a permanent exemption registered in LEADS, following the official process protects both your health and your compliance with Ohio law.
Download the form, have a qualified Ohio-licensed physician or chiropractor complete Section B, and submit permanent requests to the BMV as directed. Always rely on official state sources for the most current instructions and form versions.