Low Speed Vehicles
Hello all and welcome to spring!!! With the changing weather and everyone trying to get back to some normalcy during our challenging times, there are a few things that I would like to educate everyone on. I know that there are under speed vehicles (golf carts) and utility vehicles (gators, rangers, etc.) within the village and we have welcomed these vehicles. There are becoming more and more of them and I want to make sure that everyone is well informed as to the requirements are set forth by the Ohio Revised Code.
The definitions as set forth by the Ohio Revised Code 4501.01 are as follows:
(VV) “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.
(WW) “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 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.
(XX) “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.
(BBB) “Mini-truck” means a vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by (1) an electric motor with a rated power of seven thousand five hundred watts or less, or (2) 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 located at the rear of the vehicle, and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
All these vehicles are accepted within the village limits with the following conditions:
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Vehicles operated on a public thoroughfare must be inspected, titled and issued a valid vehicle registration.
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Vehicles are only permitted on roadways where the speed limit is 35 MPH or less, therefore, vehicles can only be operated in certain areas of the village.
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These vehicles may only transport passengers where there is enough adequate seating.
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All vehicles must follow and abide by all local and state traffic laws as set forth by the local governing body and the Ohio Revised Code.
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All drivers must be a minimum of 16 years of age and currently possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
The Police Department and Village Council are exploring different options that still conform with the Ohio Revised Code rules and regulations on utility, low speed, under-speed and mini truck type vehicles. These options that are being explored will ensure that everyone taking part in traveling on the roadways within the village limits are doing so safely and legally.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us and we will answer questions to the best we can. More information will be forthcoming as we know more.
Chief Charles “Chuck” Wirick
Jackson Center Police Department
