(a) Subject to the requirements set forth herein, the use of "under-speed vehicles," "utility vehicles," and "mini-trucks" (collectively referred to as "multi-use vehicles") shall be permitted on Village streets where the speed limit is thirty-five miles per hour or less. For purposes of this section, these terms are defined as follows:
(1) "Under-speed vehicle" means a three or four-wheeled vehicle, including a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart, with an attainable speed on a paved level surface of not more than twenty miles per hour and with a gross weight rating less than 3,000 pounds.
(2) "Utility vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for the purpose of transporting material or cargo in connection with construction, agriculture, forestry, grounds maintenance, lawn and garden, materials handling, or similar activities.
(3) "Mini-truck" means 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 9,200 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.
(b) Any driver of a multi-use vehicle on or across public streets, roadways, and/or other public property shall have a valid operator's license.
(c) If the multi-use vehicle is operated on or across the public streets, roadways and/or other public property, the owner of the multi-use vehicle must carry liability insurance comparable to that required for motor vehicles.
(d) When driving a multi-use vehicle on or across public streets, roadways and/or other public property, the operator of the multi-use vehicle must carry proof of insurance while operating the multi-use vehicle.
(e) Prior to operation of the multi-use vehicle on Village streets, the vehicle must be registered in accordance with R.C. Chapter 4503, and titled in accordance with R.C. Chapter 4505. Out-of-state multi-use vehicles are not permitted on Village streets.
(f) If the multi-use vehicle is to be driven on or across public streets, roadways and/or public property, the multi-use vehicle must have the following equipment:
(1) Operational rear tail lights;
(2) Operational brake lights;
(3) Two operational headlights;
(4) A functional rear view mirror;
(5) Operational directional signals;
(6) Operational horn;
(7) Two license plates, one placed upon the front of the vehicle, and one placed upon the back of the vehicle, which must be displayed so that the license plate can be read as intended;
(8) The rear license plate must be illuminated so as to make the license plate visible and legible from a distance of at least fifty feet;
(9) Operational seat belts.
(g) All multi-use vehicles must be operated in accordance with all applicable state and local traffic laws.
(h) Prior to operating a multi-use vehicle on or across the public streets, roadways, and/or other public property, the owner of the multi-use vehicle must present the multi-use vehicle to the Police Department for inspection. The Chief of Police, or an officer designated by the Chief of Police, shall inspect the multi-use vehicle to ensure its compliance with this section. For the purpose of the inspection, the Police Department shall utilize the multi-use vehicle inspection sheet, a copy of which is attached to Ordinance 2019-19.
(i) After completing the inspection of the multi-use vehicle, the Police Department shall provide to the owner of the golf cart that passes inspection, a certificate of inspection regarding the inspection requirements that the owner may present to the Clerk of Courts, along with other title evidence, in order to obtain a certificate of title. The Police Department shall keep and maintain a record of all multi-use vehicles inspected.
(j) A violation of this section shall be a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00). Each day of non-compliance shall constitute a separate violation.
(Ord. 2007-05. Passed 5-7-07; Ord. 2019-19. Passed 12-16-19.)