Legal Update – Tracking Company-Owned Vehicles

Last year, Ohio passed a new law regulating the use of tracking devices on company-owned vehicles.  In case you missed it, we are writing to provide you with a brief overview of employers’ rights and responsibilities under this new law, as well as best practices to ensure compliance and protect employee privacy.

Ohio Law (R.C. 2903.216)
Ohio law permits employers to install tracking devices on company-owned or leased vehicles for legitimate business purposes (tracking work-related mileage, workplace safety, etc.). However, employers must:

  • Remove tracking devices before transferring vehicle ownership or at the end of a lease, unless the new owner or lessee provides written consent.
  • Not use tracking devices for unlawful purposes.

Failure to comply may result in potential civil and criminal liability.

Best Practices
To minimize risk and ensure compliance, employers should:

  • Clearly inform employees about vehicle tracking, its business purpose, how data is used, and obtain written, signed employee acknowledgment and consent.
  • Limit tracking and monitoring to work-related activities and business hours.
  • Maintain a written policy defining the scope and limits of tracking.
  • Secure tracking data and limit access to authorized personnel.
  • If personal use of vehicles is permitted, disable tracking during off-hours and/or during personal use.

Key Takeaway
Tracking company-owned vehicles is generally permissible under Ohio law when done transparently, for legitimate business purposes, and in a manner that reasonably respects employee privacy.

Should you have any questions, Attorneys Randall Comer, Shannon Wahl, Benjamin Noll, or any of our other experienced attorneys would be happy to assist you.  Please contact us at (937) 324-5541 or visit www.martinbrowne.com.

The information contained in this legal update is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice and its receipt does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

Martin Browne Attorneys Named to 2026 Super Lawyers

Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper, PLL announces the selection of two attorneys to the 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers list.  Randall M. Comer has received the 2026 Super Lawyer distinction as a top-rated Employment & Labor Attorney in Ohio.  Attorney Comer was previously selected to Super Lawyers in 2011-2013 and 2017-2025.  He was also named a Rising Star in 2005.

Benjamin D. Noll was named as an Ohio Rising Star in 2026 for his work in Civil and General Litigation and Business/Corporate law. Attorney Noll was previously named a Rising Star in 2025.

Super Lawyers is a rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas.  Selected individuals have achieved a high level of peer recognition as well as professional success throughout their practice.

Martin Browne Attorneys Named to 2025 Super Lawyers

Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper, PLL announces the selection of two attorneys to the 2025 Ohio Super Lawyers list.  Randall M. Comer has received the 2025 Super Lawyer distinction as a top-rated Employment & Labor Attorney in Springfield Ohio.  Attorney Comer was previously selected to Super Lawyers in 2011-2013 and 2017-2024.  He was also named a Rising Star in 2005.

Benjamin D. Noll was named as an Ohio Rising Star in 2025 for his work in Civil and General Litigation and Business/Corporate law.

 

Super Lawyers is a rating service that recognizes outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas.  Selected individuals have achieved a high level of peer recognition as well as professional success throughout their practice.

Ohio Bar’s 25 Mile Challenge for Mental Wellness

Team Martin Browne was victorious in the recent OSBA challenge – our team of 12 members (comprised of attorneys, staff & friends of the firm) – had a last-minute surge and overcame our closest challenger, Team Ohio Bar, with 23 team members. Martin Browne ended the month of May with 2,502.3 miles and Ohio Bar finished with 2,055.30 miles. Team Martin Browne was led by Attorney Randall Comer and his biking prowess – he was the top individual participant with 552.9 miles. Attorney Dina Cary was also very competitive and pulled out a 2nd place finish! Rounding out the top ten were 4 more members of Team Martin Browne. All our team members went above and beyond the 25-mile challenge.

Employment Law Update: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

On March 11, 2021, The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) was signed into law and includes key employment provisions of which employers should be aware. 

Please see the attached legal updates regarding the 100% COBRA subsidy that will go into effect on April 1, 2021 and the extended tax credits and benefit expansion applicable to leave under the FFCRA.  

Martin Browne will continue to monitor these situations and provide updates, as appropriate. Our attorneys are on hand to answer your questions and provide guidance on how to navigate these critical issues.  Please contact Shannon WahlRandall ComerSteve McCready, or any attorney in Martin Browne’s Labor & Employment Practice group to discuss how this update may impact your business.

The information contained in this legal update is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice and its receipt does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

Clark County Bar Association Condemns Attack on the Capitol

Randall M. Comer, President of the Clark County Bar Association (2020-2021), and other leaders of the local bar association released the following press release:

The members of the Clark County Bar Association condemn in the strongest terms the attack last week on the United States Capitol.  The Rule of Law, free and fair elections, and the peaceful transfer of power are the cornerstones of our democracy.  The reprehensible acts of those who attacked the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College vote are repugnant to the ideals upon which our nation was founded.  As lawyers, we respect and support the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and protest.  However, those who resort to lawlessness and violence shall never find sympathy nor support from those in the legal profession sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Ohio. 

The Clark County Bar Association is a professional association of local lawyers with more than 130 members.  Held to high ethical standards, lawyers not only have a duty to their clients, but also to the legal system and the public it serves.  As such, lawyers have a responsibility to educate the public regarding the importance of the Rule of Law and promote respect for the legal system.   

In an article published in the Springfield News-Sun, President Comer further stated:  “As lawyers we have a sworn duty to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Ohio.”  Mr. Comer believes it is that duty which compelled the association to issue the release speaking to the higher ideals upon which our nation was founded and against the lawless violence that occurred last Wednesday.