(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
LOW-SPEED VEHICLE means a three- or four-wheeled motor vehicle with an attainable speed in one mile on a paved level surface of more than 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour and with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 3,000.
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 20 miles per hour and with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 3,000 pounds.
(B) Permitted use on village streets and sidewalks. Subject to the requirements of this section, the use of low-speed and under-speed vehicles shall be permitted on village streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. In the event the operator's destination is only accessible from a village street where the speed limit is greater than 35 miles per hour, then the operator may use a village sidewalk provided the operator can operate at a speed no greater than five miles per hour and pedestrians shall have the right-of-way at all times.
(C) Title and registration required.
(1) Prior to the operation of a low-speed or under-speed vehicle on the village streets, the vehicle must be titled in accordance with R.C. Chapter 4505 and registered in accordance with R.C. Chapter 4503.
(2) Out of state low-speed and under-speed vehicles are not permitted on village streets.
(D) Vehicle inspection.
(1) Before the owner of the low-speed or under-speed vehicle may obtain a new or transferred title for the vehicle, the vehicle must pass an inspection conducted by the Village of Plymouth Police Department. The inspection fee shall be $10.
(2) At the time of the inspection, the owner of the vehicle must present all of the following:
(a) A valid driver's license. If the owner of the vehicle is a business, the business must require that all persons operating its vehicles have a valid driver's license;
(b) Proof of insurance;
(c) Proof of ownership;
(d) Proof of the gross vehicle weight;
(e) Payment for the inspection fee.
(E) Compliance with traffic laws. All low-speed and under-speed vehicles must be operated on village streets in accordance with all applicable state and local traffic laws, including but not limited to the following:
(1) Anyone who operates a vehicle on the village streets must have a valid driver's license.
(2) A vehicle must have the required license plates.
(3) A vehicle must have at least minimum liability insurance coverage as required by the State of Ohio.
(F) Required equipment. A low-speed or under-speed vehicle, at a minimum, must have all of the following:
(1) Brake lights (two lights);
(2) Head lights (two lights);
(3) Tail lights (two lights);
(4) Turn signals (two front, two rear);
(5) A horn;
(6) A rearview mirror;
(7) A windshield;
(8) Brakes and a brake system;
(9) A steering mechanism;
(10) A properly placed inspection sticker issued by the Plymouth Police Department;
(11) Seat belts.
(G) Unsecured loads. Objects, such as coolers, grocery and hardware purchases, and other similar objects, shall not be transported on a low-speed vehicle or under-speed vehicle unless the objects are properly secured within a flat bed or cargo area with the tailgate closed and/or with cords, straps, ties, netting, or other appropriate restraints to secure the objects and prevent them from falling onto the roadway.
(H) Penalty. A violation of this section shall be a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. 13-2020, passed 10-27-20)