(a) Subject to conditions (1) through (8) below, a person with a disability that impairs the ability to walk and who has obtained a windshield placard under Section 4503.44 of the Ohio Revised Code may make use of a low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle on streets or highways within the Municipality where the speed limit is not greater than twenty-five miles per hour.
(1) The operator of any low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle on streets or highways within the municipality must have a valid driver’s license.
(2) The operator of any low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle on streets or highways within the municipality shall comply with all state and local traffic laws pertaining to the operation of vehicles and motor vehicles.
(3) During operation of the low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle or utility vehicle on streets or highways within the Municipality, the windshield placard obtained under Section 4503.44 of the Ohio Revised Code must be displayed. The person who holds the placard must be the operator or a passenger in the low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle while it is being operated on the streets or highways within the municipality.
(4) A low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle may only be operated on streets or highways within the municipality between sunrise and sunset.
(5) The operator and all passengers must wear lap belts while the low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle is being operated on streets or highways within the municipality. The operator is responsible for ensuring that all child safety restraint laws in effect for vehicles and motor vehicles under the Ohio Revised Code.
(6) Prior to operation on the streets or highways within the municipality, the owner of a low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle must obtain a certificate of inspection from the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee.
(7) The Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee shall issue a certificate of inspection after the owner has presented proof of financial responsibility under Section 4509.101 and the Chief or the Chief’s designee has confirmed that the low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, or utility vehicle is equipped with the following:
A. Two headlights meeting the requirements of Section 4513.014.
B. At least one red rear tail light meeting the requirements of Section 4513.05 of the Ohio Revised Code.
C. Brake lights meeting the requirements of Section 4513.071 of the Ohio Revised Code.
D. Horn meeting the requirements of Section 4513.21 of the Ohio Revised Code.
E. Rearview mirror meeting the requirements of Section 4513.23 of the Ohio Revised Code.
F. Windshield meeting the requirements of Section 4513.24 of the Ohio Revised Code.
G. Directional signals meeting the requirements of Section 4513.261 of the Ohio Revised Code.
H. A lap belt for the operator and all passengers.
(8) A low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle or utility vehicle shall not be operated on any State Route within the municipality except when necessary to cross such State Route.
(b) The Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee may authorize the operation of any low- speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, utility vehicle, or mini-truck upon the streets or highways within the municipality during special events or projects, festivals, or emergencies. The Chief of Police may limit such operation in time, location and manner.
(c) A political subdivision employee or volunteer may operate any low-speed vehicle, under-speed vehicle, utility vehicle or mini-truck upon the streets and highways within the municipality when such operation is related to the maintenance of public facilities or the operations of the municipality. (Ord. 2187. Passed 7-13-15.)