Section
476.01 Definitions
476.02 Equipment
476.03 Code application; prohibited operation
476.04 Permitted operation
476.05 Licensing requirements of operator
476.06 Accident reports
476.07 Local control within police power
476.08 Registration of vehicles
476.09 Operation of off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle without certificate of title; failure to surrender
476.99 Penalty
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(a) “All-purpose vehicle.” Any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or on more than one type of terrain, and steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or any combination thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all season vehicles, mini-bikes and trail bikes. The term does not include a utility vehicle as defined in R.C. § 4501.01 or any vehicle principally used in playing golf, any motor vehicle or aircraft required to be registered under R.C. Chapter 4503 or R.C. Chapter 4561, and any vehicle excepted from definition as a motor vehicle by R.C. § 4501.01(B).
(b) “Dealer.” Any person or firm engaged in the business of manufacturing or selling snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles or all-purpose vehicles at wholesale or retail, or who rents, leases or otherwise furnishes snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles or all-purpose vehicles for hire.
(c) “Electronic” and “electronic record.” Have the same meanings as in R.C. § 4501.01.
(d) “Electronic dealer.” A dealer whom the Registrar of Motor Vehicles designates under R.C. § 4519.511.
(e) “Interstate highway.” Any part of the interstate system of highways as defined in division (e), 90 Stat. 431 (1976), 23 U.S.C. 103, as amended.
(f) “Limited-access highway” or “freeway.” Have the same meanings as in R.C. § 5511.02.
(g) “Mini-truck.” A vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of 7,500 watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 660 cubic centimeters or less, has a total dry weight of 900 to 2,200 pounds, contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator, resembles a pickup truck or van with a cargo area or bed located at the rear of the vehicle, and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(h) “Off-highway motorcycle.” Every motorcycle, as defined in R.C. § 4511.01, that is designed to be operated primarily on lands other than a street or highway.
(i) “Operator.” Any person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile, off- highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle.
(j) “Owner.” Any person or firm, other than a lienholder or dealer, having title to a snowmobile, off- highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle, or other right to the possession thereof.
(k) “Proof of financial responsibility.” Has the same meaning as in R.C. § 4509.01.
(l) “Snowmobile.” Any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for use on snow or ice, and steered by skis, runners or caterpillar treads.
(m) “State highway” and “state route.” Have the same meanings as in R.C. § 4511.01.
(n) “Street” or “highway.” Have the same meaning as in R.C. § 4511.01.
(R.C. § 4519.01)
(a) In addition to any rules or regulations promulgated by the Ohio Director of Public Safety pursuant to R.C. § 4519.20 and R.C. Chapter 119, equipment of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and all- purpose vehicles shall include but not necessarily be limited to requirements for the following items of equipment:
(1) At least one headlight having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and objects at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness;
(2) At least one red tail light having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to be plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness;
(3) Every snowmobile, while traveling on packed snow, shall be capable of carrying a driver who weighs 175 pounds or more, and, while carrying the driver, be capable of stopping in no more than 40 feet from an initial steady speed of 20 miles per hour, or locking its traction belt; and
(4) A muffler system capable of precluding the emission of excessive smoke or exhaust fumes, and of limiting the engine noise of vehicles. On snowmobiles manufactured after January 1, 1973, the requirement shall include sound dampening equipment such that noise does not exceed 82 decibels on the “A” scale at 50 feet as measured according to SAE J192 (September 1970).
(b) No person shall operate any snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle in violation of this section, except that equipment specified in division (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section shall not be required on snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles or all-purpose vehicles operated during the daylight hours.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (b) of this section shall be fined not more than $50. If the offender within the preceding year previously has committed a violation of division (b) of this section or of R.C. § 4519.20(B), whoever violates division (b) of this section shall be fined not less than $15 nor more than $100, imprisoned not more than three days, or both.
(R.C. § 4519.20)
Except as otherwise provided by R.C. § 4519.40, as amended from time to time.
(a) The applicable provisions of this Traffic Code apply to the operation of snowmobiles, off- highway motorcycles and all-purpose vehicles, except that no person shall operate a snowmobile, off- highway motorcycle or all-purpose vehicle as follows:
(1) On any state highway, including a limited access highway or freeway or the right-of-way thereof, except for emergency travel during such time and in such manner as the Ohio Director of Public Safety designates or except as authorized by R.C. § 4519.41(F);
(2) On any private property, or in any nursery or planting area, without the permission of the owner or other person having the right to possession of the property;
(3) On any land or waters controlled by the state, except at those locations where a sign has been posted permitting such operation;
(4) On the tracks or right-of-way of any operating railroad;
(5) While transporting any firearm, bow or other implement for hunting that is not unloaded and securely encased in violation of R.C. § 4519.40 as the same may be amended;
(6) For the purpose of chasing, pursuing, capturing or killing any animal or wild fowl;
(7) During the time from sunset to sunrise, unless displaying lighted lights as required by R.C. § 4519.20 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance; or
(8) On any street or other public way in the city, except as otherwise provided in § 476.04.
(b) Whoever violates this section shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500, or imprisoned not less than three nor more than 30 days, or both.
(Ord. 54-2020, passed 4-27-2020)
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