(A) Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to regulate the use of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, utility vehicles and all-purpose vehicles on public roadways in the village.
(B) Definitions. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words, combinations of words, terms, and phrases used in this section have the meanings set forth below:
(1) ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES or ATV and ALL-PURPOSE VEHICLE or APV. A 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, including but not limited to that which is operated by way of flotation-tired vehicle of not less than three or more than eight low pressure tires.
(2) MOTORIZED DIRT BIKE. A vehicle traveling on two wheels and capable of cross-country travel on natural terrain without the benefit of a road or trail.
(3) SNOWMOBILE. Any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for use on snow or ice, and steered by skis, runners or caterpillar treads.
(4) UTILITY VEHICLE. 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, material handling, or similar activities. UTILITY VEHICLES includes a vehicle with a maximum attainable speed of 20 miles per hour or less.
(C) Permitted operation. Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, all-purpose vehicles, motorized dirt bikes and utility vehicles may be operated only as follows:
(1) To make a crossing of a highway, other than a freeway or limited access highway, whenever the crossing can be made in safety and will not interfere with the movement of vehicular traffic approaching from any direction on the highway, and provided that the operator yields the right-of-way to any approaching traffic that presents an immediate hazard;
(2) Off and alongside a street or highway for limited distances from the point of unloading from a conveyance to the point at which the vehicle is intended and authorized to be operated;
(3) Unless operation of such vehicle falls within the permitted operations outlined herein, at no time, shall any of the vehicles defined within this section be operated on any village streets or sidewalks.
(D) Registration of vehicles.
(1) Except as provided in division (D)(2), (D)(3) and (D)(4) of this section, no person shall operate any of the vehicles described within this section unless the vehicle is registered and numbered in accordance with R.C. § 4519.02.
(2) No registration is required for vehicles described within this section if the operation is exclusively upon lands owned by the owner of the vehicle, or on lands to which the owner has a contractual right.
(3) Any vehicle described within this section that is operated by a person who is not a resident of this state shall comply with R.C. § 4519.09.
(4) No registration is required for a vehicle described within this section that is owned and used by the United States, another state or a political subdivision thereof, but the vehicle shall display the name of the owner thereon.
(5) No person who is less than 16 years of age shall operate any vehicle described within this section on any land or waters other than private property or waters owned by or leased to such person's
parent or guardian, unless accompanied by another person who is 18 years of age, or older, and who holds a valid license.
(E) Exemptions. Properly registered vehicles defined within this section may travel upon village streets only under the following circumstances.
(1) The use of any vehicles defined under this section by an officer, employee, or agent of the village or any other governmental unit in the course of official governmental business.
(2) During such time that a natural disaster is declared by the Director of Public Safety or the Chief of Police, and as a result, traditional methods of transportation are unavailable.
(3) During such times that the vehicle is being utilized for the purpose of plowing snow, and the vehicle must have the snow plow attached at all times.
(4) During village-approved parades, when the operator of the vehicle is participating in the parade and has permission from the Director of Public Safety or Chief of Police.
(F) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 2011-31, passed 7-20-11)