Auto theft experience in Ohio has generally been better than other states with a similar auto-to-population ratio. Over the past decade, the Ohio auto theft rate has fluctuated, increasing some years and decreasing in others. 43,021 motor vehicles were reported stolen in Ohio in 1998, a decrease of 5.3% from 1997's 45,419 thefts.

Numerous federal standards and acts have been passed to combat the auto theft problem in the US. Insurers and other highway safety advocates continue to support federal legislation that would target auto thieves and strengthen current laws.

Several auto theft programs in Ohio have played an important role in holding the state's theft rate below the national average. During 1998, Ohio's 384 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants remained well below the national average of 459.

One of Ohio's most effective auto theft programs is the Ohio Highway Patrol Blue Max program, started in 1972. Each time a motorist is stopped by a trooper for any reason, the car serial number is checked through a computer to determine its owner. When a stolen vehicle is recovered, the officer is given a lightning bolt decal to place on the patrol car. Five lightning bolts earn the officer the designation "ACE" and a special license plate. Each year the State Highway trooper with the most stolen car arrests and recoveries receives the Blue Max award.

Since its inception, the Blue Max program has accounted for recovery of 39,824 vehicles worth over $147 million and the arrest of 26,100 car thieves. In 1998, nine troopers earned the ACE designation.

Ohio has enacted several laws dealing with specific aspects of the auto theft problem. One law covers the offenses of auto rental fraud, aggravated joy riding and auto theft conspiracy. Two other laws deal with the use of fraudulent or counterfeit auto titles in the sale of late-model stolen cars.

Yet another statute establishes penalties for auto theft insurance fraud; allows the exchange of information on auto theft among law enforcement, insurers and those acting on their behalf; and provides immunity for cooperating parties. It also establishes a record system to trace cars taken out of the country and creates penalties for unlawful destruction or alteration of vehicle identification numbers.

A 1994 Ohio law (SB 75) permits counties and municipalities to establish a voluntary vehicle decal program for identifying potentially stolen vehicles. Similar programs in other states start with a voluntary registration process where vehicle owners sign a form indicating their vehicle will not be driven during specified hours (i.e., between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m.). To distinguish participating vehicles, the owner affixes a decal to the car's window. If law enforcement officials spot a "decaled" car being driven during the restricted hours, they can stop it and ask the driver for identification and registration information. Ohio law provides protection provisions for law enforcement during related activities.

The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation in late 1997 (Am. Sub. HB 248) that strengthens Ohio's insurance fraud laws. Highlights of the law, which was effective on March 17, 1998, click here.