(a) For purposes of this section “snowmobile” has the same meaning as given that term in R.C § 4519.01.
(b) No person operating a bicycle or mobility device shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such bicycle or mobility device other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, and no person shall ride upon a bicycle or mobility device other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat.
(c) No person operating a motorcycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat or saddle attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle thereon, and no person shall ride upon a motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle.
(d) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a saddle other than while sitting astride the saddle, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(e) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a seat other than while sitting upon the seat.
(f) No person operating a bicycle or mobility device shall carry any package, bundle or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
(g) No bicycle, mobility device, or motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped. No motorcycle shall be operated on a highway when the handlebars rise higher than the shoulders of the operator when the operator is seated in the operator's seat or saddle.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (i)(3) of this section, no person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. Except as provided in subsection (i)(3) of this section, no person who is under the age of eighteen years, or who holds a motorcycle operator's endorsement or license bearing “novice” designation that is currently in effect as provided in R.C. § 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a protective helmet on the person's head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses or other protective eye device shall conform with rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this subsection or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.
(i) (1) Except as provided in subsection (i)(3) of this section, no person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to R.C. § 4507.05 unless the person, at the time of such operation, is wearing on the person's head a protective helmet that conforms with rules adopted by the Director.
(2) No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar pursuant to R.C. § 4507.05 in any of the following circumstances:
A. At any time when lighted lights are required by Section 337.02(a)(1);
B. While carrying a passenger;
C. On any limited access highway.
(3) Subsections (h) and (i)(1) of this section do not apply to a person who operates or is a passenger in a cab-enclosed motorcycle when the occupant compartment top is in place enclosing the occupants.
(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the carrying of a child in a seat or trailer that is designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle.
(k) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, 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.
(Ord. 47-19. Passed 12-16-2019.)