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Gervelis Law Firm

Toledo Driving Guide

Feel confident driving in Toledo with this practical guide that will help you avoid traffic hot spots, learn safety tips, and know what to do after a crash. If you’re hurt in a car accident, Gervelis Law Firm is here for you when you need us most.

Skyline view of Toledo

Legally Reviewed by:

Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.

Last Updated:

  • October 27, 2025

With I-75 running through the city, rush-hour congestion, construction, and downtown foot traffic can make Toledo driving hectic—especially as the weather shifts by season. This guide helps you understand the local laws and potential hazards so that you can navigate the city confidently, avoid tickets, and stay safe on Toledo roads.

High-Traffic and Accident-Prone Areas in Toledo

From 2019 to 2021, Lucas County saw a steady increase in fatal car crashes and serious injury accidents—particularly State Route 2, US-24, and US-20, the top three most dangerous routes. The I-75, which travels through central Toledo, is a massive interstate stretching from Florida to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and is often busy with daily traffic, while the I-475, which bypasses downtown, can become congested quickly as Toledo drivers try to avoid the crowded interstate.

According to a 2017-2019 study by the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, some of the city’s most hazardous sections of roads are Hill Avenue from Reynolds to Wenz, with 38 crashes, and Glendale and Charmaine, with 22 crashes. Airport Highway and Byrne Rd is one of the state’s most dangerous intersections due to traffic and speeding, with 232 reported accidents in the two-year study. The city’s higher-risk intersections are Secor Rd & Queenswood Blvd near I-475 and Monroe St & Secor Rd in West Toledo, where 11 crashes have occurred since August 2024.

With the number of potential hazards in the city, it’s important to use caution when navigating the local roads and highways. The Ohio Department of Transportation offers Lucas County construction notices, and using apps like Waze or OHGO can provide real-time traffic updates.

Understanding the more problematic areas can also help limit accidents. For example, when driving downtown near the Franklin Park Mall or the University of Toledo, pedestrian and bike traffic can increase significantly, so you must be aware of any pedestrians or bikers while maneuvering the area.

Parking in Toledo: What Drivers Should Know

Toledo’s downtown parking offers open lots, multi-level parking garages, and over 950 metered street spaces. The parking garages and lots offer over 19,000 parking spots around the city.

ParkSmart maintains street meters. They accept mobile or credit card payments and coins. Most have a two-hour limit, but some are 15 minutes and offer all-day parking. Metered hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You cannot park in front of fire hydrants or too close to intersections or stop signs. During the winter, some streets will be marked as emergency snow routes for plowing, and vehicles cannot be parked on the roads during that time, or will be towed.

Driving Laws in Toledo, Ohio

When driving in Ohio, you cannot use your cellphone while driving and must be hands-free.

In Toledo, many new neighborhoods feature roundabouts, which facilitate traffic flow. Vehicles go through a roundabout counterclockwise, and entering traffic gives the right of way to circulating traffic.

When driving in a school zone with flashing lights, you must stay at 20 mph. Remember that traffic cameras are used to enforce speeding and running red lights, which are allowed in Ohio but come with specific rules.

An intersection is treated like a four-way stop if a traffic signal is not operating. Always yield to the driver on your right and proceed with caution. At red lights, you can turn right if the light is red unless there is a sign specifically saying you cannot, according to Ohio traffic laws.

You must change lanes when you see a vehicle pulled over with its flashers on any Ohio highway. For instance, if you’re on a three-lane freeway with a disabled car on the right side, you and other drivers should move into the left and middle lanes until you’ve passed it. You should also pull over for any emergency vehicles. If it’s unsafe to change lanes, slow down and proceed cautiously.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident in Toledo

After a car accident in Toledo, take these key steps:

  • First, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe spot and call 911 to report the incident.
  • Next, exchange information with other drivers, including their names, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, and insurance details.
  • Document the scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, weather, skid marks, license plates, and any visible injuries.
  • Get prompt medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. You may have delayed injuries that a medical evaluation can help diagnose and document for your case.
  • Keep all relevant records, including medical bills, accident reports, and communication with insurance companies.
  • Finally, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Helpful Resources for Toledo Drivers

In Toledo, three BMV Express kiosks allow customers to renew and print an existing vehicle registration and sticker for one or two years, print an existing registration and sticker, and print duplicates.

Ohio offers online services to renew your driver’s license. You can also visit the Lucas County Clerk of Courts at 700 Adams St. for your vehicle’s title. If you need to take a driver’s test, there is the Toledo Driver Exam Station at 4458 Heatherdowns Blvd.

You can take a course through Toledo Driving Schools, offering adult and teen courses to get your license.

OHGO is helpful during the winter months in Toledo, especially if there’s construction. Use this app for real-time updates on:

  • Road closures
  • Construction zones
  • Live traffic camera feeds
  • Weather-related delays

If you’ve been in a car accident in Toledo, you must call the police to report the accident by calling 911. You can contact their non-emergency line at (419) 245-3246 if it’s not an emergency.

You should get medical attention immediately after an accident. If you’re in Toledo, you have a choice of emergency rooms, including:

Following a car accident, you can locate a reliable auto repair facility through AAA, which maintains a list of approved repair shops in Toledo.

Trusted Legal Help for Toledo Accident Victims

Safe driving is important, and our guide makes it easier! If you’re injured in a crash, Gervelis Law Firm is ready to fight for you. We serve Toledo drivers with integrity, experience, and dedication. From your first call, you’ll get clear answers and honest support. We handle insurance and legal paperwork so that you can focus on recovery.

Recovering from an accident is tough, especially with injuries. Costs add up, and without a law firm, payouts can be slow. Gervelis Law Firm investigates your accident and identifies everyone involved, having done so for hundreds of clients. We aim to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, pain, and damages. We communicate with insurers and help you find medical treatment.

After your injury, you may find it difficult to get out or be in a hospital. Our attorneys are happy to come to you to discuss your case, whether at home, the hospital, or whenever is most convenient for you. We work on contingency, and you won’t pay anything up front until you win.

Trust us to be here when you need help most. Contact Gervelis Law for aggressive, experienced legal representation after your accident.

Injured in a Toledo Car Crash? Get Legal Help from Gervelis Law Firm Today

When driving in Toledo, remember to check your blind spots on the highway and double-check for pedestrians, especially when you’re downtown. Safe driving is key to avoiding accidents, but it’s not always easy or possible, so knowing what to do next can help. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Toledo, contact Gervelis Law Firm today or call (866) 792-2728 for a free consultation.