331.45  GOLF CARTS AND OTHER LOW SPEED VEHICLES.
   (a)   Definitions as Used in this Section:
      (1)   All-purpose vehicle" means any 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.  "All-purpose vehicle" does not include a utility vehicle as defined in Section 4501.01 of the Revised Code or any vehicle principally used in playing golf, any motor vehicle or aircraft required to be registered under Chapter 4503 or 4561 of the Revised Code, and any vehicle excepted from definition as a motor vehicle by division (B) of section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.
      (2)   "Low-speed vehicle" means a three- or four-wheeled motor vehicle, including a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart, with an attainable speed in one mile on a paved surface of more than twenty miles per hour but not more than twenty-five miles per hour and with a gross vehicle weight rating less than three thousand pounds.
      (3)   "Mini-truck" means a vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of seven thousand five hundred watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of six hundred sixty cubic centimeters or less, has a total dry weight of nine hundred to two thousand two hundred pounds, contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator, resembles a pickup truck or van with a cargo area or bed at the rear of the vehicle, and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
      (4)   "Operate" means to cause or have caused movement of a vehicle.
      (5)   "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 twenty miles per hour and with a gross vehicle weight rating less than three thousand pounds.
      (6)   "Utility vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for the purpose of transporting material or cargo in connection with construction, agricultural, forestry, grounds maintenance, lawn and garden, materials handling, or similar activities.
      (7)   "Vehicle" as used in this Section shall include all-purpose vehicles, low speed vehicles, mini trucks, under speed vehicle commonly known as "golf carts" and utility vehicles.
   (b)   Inspection of Vehicles.
      (1)   No person shall operate a vehicle, as defined in this Section, on the streets within the City of Waterville unless it has been inspected and approved by the Chief of Police or the Chief's designee or by another agent designated and approved by the State of Ohio, for compliance with the applicable safety/equipment requirements of the State of Ohio relative to such vehicles.
      (2)   If the Chief of Police or the Chief's designee or another agent designated and approved by the State of Ohio, determines that the vehicle complies with the State of Ohio statutory requirements that are applicable to such vehicle, the Chief of Police or designee shall issue the owner or operator a certificate of compliance entitling the owner or operator to operate in the City of Waterville boundaries.  The owner or operator shall also show the Chief of Police or designee proof of liability insurance before a certificate of compliance is issued.  The owner or operator of any such vehicle shall be required to pay a fee as determined from time to time by Council before the vehicle may be operated on streets within the City of Waterville.  The Chief of Police or designee will indicate the issuing date on each certificate.  The Chief of Police shall keep a copy of each certificate issued pursuant to this Section.  The owner or operator of any vehicle shall keep a copy of any certificate issued pursuant to this Section inside the vehicle to which it pertains.
      (3)   The owner of a vehicle shall also comply with all requirements of Ohio law regarding proper title, registration, and license plates prior to operating the vehicle on any street within the City of Waterville.  Compliance with this Section shall be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, any applicable provisions of State law relative to the operation of motor vehicles.
   (c)   Usage and Restrictions.
      (1)   Except as provided herein, no person shall operate these vehicles on a street or roadway within the City of Waterville.
         (Ord. 14-17.  Passed 8-28-17.)
      (2)   Vehicles shall not be permitted to travel on any City street where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or higher, except that vehicles shall be permitted to travel on the portions of North and South River Road between the northern City limits and the junction of South River Road and Hillside Drive where the posted speed limit is 35 mph.  These vehicles will be permitted to cross intersecting streets with higher speeds, so long as they remain on a permitted street.  (Ord. 8-18.  Passed 5-14-18.)
      (3)   The operator of a vehicle must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid state of Ohio or non-resident state driver's license.
      (4)   Any child who is more than four (4) years of age and less that forty (40) pounds in weight but less than eight (8) years of age or less than four (4) feet, nine (9) inches in height must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on a booster seat that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.
      (5)   These vehicles must be operated in accordance with all State of Ohio traffic laws in addition to all applicable sections of the City of Waterville Municipal Ordinances.
      (6)   These vehicles, when operated on a street or roadway within the City of Waterville, shall display lighted headlights and tail lights at all times.
   (d)   Penalty.  Whoever violates Section 331.45 is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; and each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 14-17.  Passed 8-28-17.)