(a) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) "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 pounds. "Low-speed vehicle" includes a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart when the golf cart is capable of attaining a speed in one mile on a paved level surface of more than 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour.
(2) "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 900 to 2,200 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.
(3) "Multi-use vehicle" means under-speed vehicles (including vehicles commonly known as golf carts when the golf cart does not attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour), utility vehicles, and mini-trucks.
(4) "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 but does not include a golf cart modified to attain a speed of more than 20 miles per hour.
(5) "Utility vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, solely for the purpose of transporting material or cargo in connection with construction, agriculture, forestry, grounds maintenance, lawn and garden, materials handling, or similar activities. Examples of utility vehicles include Rangers, Razors, and Gators.
(b) Low-speed Vehicles and Multi-use Vehicles Permitted on Village Streets. Subject to the requirements of this section, the use of low-speed and multi-use vehicles shall be permitted on Village streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. Operators of low-speed and multi-use vehicles may cross state highways and/or streets where the speed limit exceeds 35 miles per hour provided they comply with all other applicable state and local laws.
(c) Title and Registration Required.
(1) Prior to the operation of a low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicle on the Village streets, the vehicle must be titled in accordance with Village of Sunbury
(2) Out of state low-speed vehicles or multi-use vehicles are not permitted on Village streets.
(d) Vehicle Inspection.
(1) Before the owner of the low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicle may obtain a new or transferred title for the multi-use vehicle, the low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicle must pass an inspection conducted by the Village of Sunbury Police Department.
(2) At the time of the inspection, the owner of the low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicle must present all of the following:
A. A valid driver's license. If the owner of the low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicle is a business, the business must require that all persons operating its low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicles have a valid driver's license;
B. Proof of insurance;
C. Proof of ownership;
D. If the multi-use vehicle is an under-speed vehicle, or for a low-speed vehicle the owner/operator also must provide proof of the gross vehicle weight. If the multi-use vehicle is a mini-truck, the owner/operator must provide proof of the unladen weight;
E. Payment for the inspection fee of twenty dollars ($20.00).
(e) Compliance with Traffic Laws. All low-speed vehicles or multi-use 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 plate.
(3) A vehicle must have at least minimum liability insurance coverage as required by the State of Ohio.
(f) Required Equipment. A low-speed vehicle or multi-use vehicle, at a minimum, must have all of the following in working order:
(1) Head lights (two lights);
(2) Two brake/stop lights which shall be located at the rear of the vehicle, actuated upon the application of the service brake, and when actuated emit a red light visible for a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the vehicle;
(3) Two tail lights when lighted emit a red light visible for a distance of 500 feet (two lights);
(4) Working electrical or mechanical left and right turn signals mounted to and facing the front and rear of the vehicle with the same candlepower requirements for all lights as are set forth in R.C. Chapter 4513;
(5) A working horn capable of emitting audible sounds, under normal conditions, from a distance of not less than 200 feet;
(6) A rearview mirror;
(7) A front windshield;
(8) Brakes and a parking brake system;
(9) A steering mechanism;
(10) Appropriate tires that are free of major bumps, bulges, breaks, or any other unsafe conditions;
(11) Seat belts sufficient for the maximum occupancy of the vehicle; and
(12) A properly placed inspection sticker issued by the Sunbury Police Department.
(g) Unsecured Loads. Objects, such as luggage, freight, coolers, wheel chairs, car seats, strollers 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. Whoever violates a provision of this section shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the first offense the offender commits a second violation of the same provision of this section the offender shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Each day of noncompliance shall constitute a separate violation. Individuals, corporations, companies so named on the title of said vehicle shall be responsible for all safety equipment and shall also be responsible for all penalties set forth in this section.
(Ord. 2020-34. Passed 11-4-20.)