CLEVELAND (WJW) -- According to State Rep. Sharon Ray of Wadsworth (R), there is a growing trend of drivers in Northeast Ohio refusing to comply with police orders — identifying instead as so-called "sovereign citizens."

“These are folks who do not believe they have to identify themselves at traffic stops,” Ray explained.

Ray is co-sponsoring House Bill 492, which she says would close a loophole in Ohio law.

Currently, drivers who refuse to provide their name, address, or date of birth during a stop can only be charged with obstruction — a minor offense. The proposed legislation would elevate the penalty, making “failure to identify” a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail.

“That puts the officer at a disadvantage when they are trying to identify if it is a ser

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