(a) No person shall stop or operate a vehicle at such an unreasonably slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when stopping or reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or to comply with law.
(b) Whenever, in accordance with R.C. § 4511.22(B), the minimum speed limit of a controlled-access highway, expressway or freeway has been declared and the appropriate signs giving notice have been erected as required, operators of motor vehicles shall be governed by the speed limitations set forth on such signs. No person shall operate a motor vehicle below the speed limits posted upon such signs except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(c) A person may operate an under-speed or utility vehicles or mini-truck provided the person shall do all of the following:
(1) Limit the operation of those vehicles to streets and highways having an established speed limit not greater than thirty-five miles per hour and comply with the provisions of R.C. § 4511.214;
(2) The operator of an under-speed or utility vehicle or a mini-truck on the public streets or highways has submitted the vehicle to an inspection conducted by the City of Eastlake Police Department or its designee, or another local law enforcement agency that complies with inspection requirements established by the Department of Public Safety under R.C. § 4513.02;
(3) Only such under-speed or utility vehicle or mini-truck that successfully pass the required vehicle inspection, are registered in accordance with R.C. Chapter 4503, and are titled in accordance with R.C. Chapter 4505 may operate under this section.
(d) In a case involving a violation of division (a) of this section, the trier of fact, in determining whether the vehicle was being operated at an unreasonably slow speed, shall consider the capabilities of the vehicle and its operator.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(1) If the offender commits the offense while distracted and the distracting activity is a contributing factor to the commission of the offense, the offender is subject to the additional fine established under Section 303.991 of the Traffic Code.
(Ord. 2019-100. Passed 9-24-19.)