(A) Definitions. As used in this section:
GOLF CART. A motor vehicle as that term is defined under R.C. § 4501.01(B). Most golf carts are a type of under speed vehicle (USV). A USV is a four wheeled vehicle other than a truck that is originally designed and constructed with a top attainable speed of 20 mph or less or is not originally designed or constructed for operation on a street or highway. It may not be operated on a public street or highway unless it complies with R.C. Chapter 4513.
INSPECTION. That inspection that is required by O.A.C. §§ 4501:2-1-01 through 4501:2-1-21.
OPERATOR. A person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle (see R.C. § 4501.01(X)).
PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSI-BILITY. Has the same meaning as set forth in R.C. § 4509.01(K).
REGISTRATION. Has the same meaning as set forth in R.C. § 4503.10(A).
(B) Inspection of golf carts.
(1) No person shall operate a golf cart on those streets permitted by this chapter in the village unless the golf cart has been inspected by the Chief of Police or his or her designee for compliance with the state's statutory requirements that are applicable to motor vehicles.
(2) The inspection must be prearranged with the Chief of Police or his or her designee.
(3) The owner of any golf cart shall be required to pay an inspection fee of $50. This inspection fee shall be deposited into the general fund. If the Chief of Police or his or her designee determines that the golf cart complies with the state’s statutory requirements that are applicable to motor vehicles, the Chief of Police or his or her designee shall issue the owner a certificate of compliance entitling the owner to register, apply for a title and purchase license plates for the vehicle. The owner must also show the Chief of Police or his or her designee a valid Ohio operator’s license (driver’s license) and proof of financial responsibility for the golf cart before the certificate of compliance is issued.
(4) If the owner of a golf cart has had the cart inspected, registered and titled, prior to the effective date of this chapter or moves to the village after the effective date of this chapter, but previously having had the golf cart inspected by an authorized inspection program, in order to legally operate the vehicle in the village, the owner/operator must still provide evidence of an inspection in compliance with the state’s statutory requirements.
(C) Golf carts are permitted to operate on all village streets where the posted speed limit is 40 mph or less, except for SR66 south of Short Buehrer Road and SR66 north of Lutz Road within Archbold Corporation limits provided they comply with all state and local laws.
(1) No person shall operate a golf cart on designated streets of the village unless the operator has a valid Ohio operator’s license (driver’s license), a valid registration for the vehicle and proof of financial responsibility.
(2) Occupants of golf carts governed by this section shall be seated at all times, on the seat of the golf cart when the golf cart is in motion. Standing on any portion of the golf cart when it is in motion is prohibited. The number of riders including the driver shall not exceed the number of lawful seats installed on the vehicle.
(3) Vehicles used exclusively for industrial use within an M-1 Restricted Industrial or M-2 General Industrial zone are exempt from this section.
(D) Penalty.
(1) Whoever violates this chapter is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(2) On each subsequent offense after the second offense within one year after the first offense the person is guilty of misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 10-66, passed 11-8-2010; Am. Ord. 11-57, passed 9-19-2011; Am. Ord. 2022-57, passed 10-17-2022)