Ohio Traf. R. 12
The pleas of guilty and no contest shall be received only by personal appearance of the defendant in open court, except that, the plea of guilty may be received in accordance with Rule 13 at a regularly established traffic violations bureau, or by plea in absentia presented in proper written form with leave of court, and in open court with the prosecutor participating. Pleas in absentia may be taken on charges involving operation of a motor vehicle in violation of section 4511.19 of the Revised Code or any substantially similar municipal ordinance with consent of the prosecutor. The plea in absentia shall contain a rights waiver, acknowledgement of penalties, and the defendant's signature.
The receipt of a plea contrary to the provisions of these rules is forbidden.
Ohio. Traf. R. 12