Ohio Law: Golf Carts on the Roadway
- The Facts. Ohio law provides for the legal use of golf carts on some public roads. ...
- Considerations. For a golf cart to be street-legal under Ohio law, the cart must include seat belts, a windshield, a rear-view mirror, a horn, turn signals and head lights and ...
- Geography. ...
- Prevention. ...
- Warning. ...
- Size. ...
- Features. ...
What do you need to drive a golf cart in Ohio?
Golf carts must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, a windshield, a horn, a rearview mirror, a license plate light, and must not be capable of moving faster than 20 mph in order to be considered street legal. To operate the golf cart in Ohio, you must have a valid operator’s license.
What makes a golf cart street legal in California?
To be street legal, a golf cart must have the following functioning equipment: seat belts, a windshield, a horn, turn signals, rear-view mirror, head lights and brake lights. The LSV must be equipped with the following: a windshield, headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, mirrors, reflectors, parking brakes and seat belts.
Are golf carts allowed on city streets in Cleveland?
The city's ordinance allows for vehicles to be driven on city streets where the speed limit is 25 mph. The carts are also allowed to cross other roads. According to a July 2008 article in "The Cleveland Plain Dealer," driving golf carts on public roads bring increased risk of injury for drivers.
What are the rules for driving a golf cart?
Cart drivers also are required to follow the same rules as other drivers. For example, DUI laws and insurance laws apply to anyone driving a golf cart on public roads. Cart drivers must be licensed drivers.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart on the road in Ohio?
An Ohio operator's license is required to operate the golf cart or USV. There has to be a seat belt for every occupant on the golf cart or USV. Children must utilize child restraint seats as required by the Ohio Revised Code. Proof of Insurance must be presented at time of Inspection.
Do you need insurance on a golf cart in Ohio?
Golf carts, like cars and trucks, should carry insurance coverage. Insurance coverage should be standard liability and should include under insured and uninsured motorists coverage to cover the driver completely. Now, it is legal to drive golf carts in Ohio on any public street with a 35 mph speed limit posted.
How do I get a title for a golf cart in Ohio?
If a golf cart passes inspection, the owner must then go to any local office of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and submit an application to get a certificate of title for the golf cart as well as proof of ownership of the golf cart (for example, a bill of sale, affidavit of ownership or manufacture certificate of ...
How do I register a street legal golf cart in Ohio?
A permitted golf cart may ONLY operate on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less....You must bring the following with you to register the golf cart:A completed inspection from local law enforcement.Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle form (BMV 3774)More items...
Is it legal to drive a golf cart on the street in Ohio?
To be street legal, golf carts must have headlights, brake lights, tail lights, turn signals, windshield, horn, rearview mirror, license plate lights, and not capable of traveling over 20 mph. An Ohio operator's license is required to operate the golf cart.
Do golf carts have titles?
Golf carts do not have titles like cars, so a serial number is the first thing you should check for if you want to buy a golf cart from an individual. "If it doesn't have a serial number on it, that's a good indication or red flag that you really need to do some checking on it or stepping away from it," Miller said.
Who inspects golf carts in Ohio?
The SheriffThe Sheriff or designee will inspect and provide the applicant with a certificate of inspection. To gain a certificate of inspection the USV must meet and comply with all vehicle equipment listed in ORC 4513. After the inspection, the original certificate will be kept on file at the Sheriff's Office.
How old do you need to be to drive a golf cart in Ohio?
16 yearsOhio. Legal age of the driver is 16 years. Here local governments have the authority to allow people to drive golf carts on low-speed roads not owned by the state or federal government. All golf cart drivers need to be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
Are golf carts street legal in Cincinnati?
Golf carts on public roads must be titled and issued license plates by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a driver's license.
Can a golf cart go on the road?
Just because something has four tires and an engine doesn't mean it's a legal vehicle. That goes for golf carts, too. Street laws require golf carts to have certain equipment when driving in the streets. Without them, the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers can be put at risk of injury or even fatality.
Are golf carts allowed in Ohio state parks?
Golf carts will be permitted to remain on the campsite overnight with no additional passes required. After Labor Day and prior to Memorial Day, some camp areas may use a camper self-registration procedure to issue camping permits. Instructions will be posted regarding such procedure near the park entrance gate.
What is Class D license in Ohio?
While the vast majority of Ohio motorists hold a regular driver license — officially called a "driver license class D" — the state also issues a number of other licenses: commercial driver license (CDL); motorcycle license (MC), or endorsement; Scooter license or endorsement and motorized bicycle license (moped).
How old do you need to be to drive a golf cart in Ohio?
16 yearsOhio. Legal age of the driver is 16 years. Here local governments have the authority to allow people to drive golf carts on low-speed roads not owned by the state or federal government. All golf cart drivers need to be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
Are golf carts allowed in Ohio state parks?
Golf carts will be permitted to remain on the campsite overnight with no additional passes required. After Labor Day and prior to Memorial Day, some camp areas may use a camper self-registration procedure to issue camping permits. Instructions will be posted regarding such procedure near the park entrance gate.
Are LSV legal in Ohio?
As of January 1, 2017, the Ohio Revised Code authorizes a "low-speed vehicle" (defined as having a maximum speed of 20-25 miles per hour) ("LSV") to operate on any street having an established speed limit of not more than thirty-five miles per hour subject to local regulations.
Can you add seat belts to a golf cart?
Seat belts in a golf cart make your ride a much safer one and protect you from potential flips and other dangers that may occur. However, seat belts are not typically installed in golf carts and are often either considered a luxury item or something to install on your own.
What does a slow moving vehicle sign mean?
A slow moving vehicle sign alerts faster-moving vehicles that your golf cart is present on the road and may not be moving at the same speed they are, protecting you and your passengers.
What to do after a golf cart is registered?
Contact your insurance company after your golf cart is registered in order to discuss insurance options.
How fast can a golf cart go in Ohio?
Street legal golf carts are allowed to be driven on Ohio roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or slower.
What do you need to buy a golf cart?
You’ll typically need information such as proof of purchase, the weight of the golf cart, and proof that you’ve equipped the vehicle with the necessary items above .
What does knowing what they are ahead of time do?
Knowing what they are ahead of time will help to make sure you are using your vehicle legally and safely.
Is it legal to drive a golf cart in Ohio?
Yes, golf carts are street legal in Ohio. They must be registered and have the proper insurance, and are restricted to a max speed of 20 mph and can be driven on public streets with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. You also need a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart in Ohio.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart in Ohio?
Yes, a driver’s license or permit is required to drive a golf cart on the road in Ohio.
What are the requirements for a low speed vehicle?
Guidelines for LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) 1 Reaches speeds of 20 MPH to 25 MPH. 2 Has a vehicle identification number (VIN) 3 Headlamps 4 Front and rear turn signals 5 Taillamps 6 Stop lamps 7 Reflex reflectors, red – one on each side and one on the rear 8 Exterior mirror on the driver side and an interior mirror or exterior mirror on passenger side 9 Parking brake 10 Windshield 11 Seatbelt for each designated seat 12 Not be operated on any roadway with a speed limit above 35 mph.
How fast can a golf cart go?
General Federal Law for Golf Carts: Under current NHTSA interpretations and regulations, so long as golf cars and other similar vehicles are incapable of exceeding 20 miles per hour, they are subject to only state and local requirements regarding safety equipment.
What is the speed limit for a golf cart?
A permitted golf cart may ONLY operate on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less.
What is MCO in car title?
Proof of ownership e.g. Manufacture Certificate of Origin (MCO), assigned title from this state or another, bill of sale from a retail business or individual, sworn statement of ownership, or other evidence required by law of another state from which the vehicle was brought into this state
What is a windshield?
A windshield to prohibit injury from any debris from the roadway.
What are the risks of driving a golf cart?
According to a July 2008 article in "The Cleveland Plain Dealer," driving golf carts on public roads bring increased risk of injury for drivers. The article reported that cart drivers are at increased risk of concussion and are more likely to be hospitalized. According to the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, one-third of all injuries to golf cart drivers and passengers occur to children. Another study, conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Injury Sciences found that the highest rate of golf cart injuries occur to males 10 to 19 years of age and men over 80 years of age. The study recommended the use of seat belts and helmets for all drivers and passengers of carts operated on public roads.
What counties in Ohio allow golf carts?
The ordinances outline the specific usage that is allowed. For example, Canal Winchester, one Ohio village, allows golf carts after passing an August 2006 ordinance. Eight Ohio jurisdictions allow golf carts on public roads. They are Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie, Chippawa-on-the-Lake in Medina County, Yellow Springs in Greene County, Millersport and Canal Winchester in Fairfield County, Lakeview in Logan County and Wakeman in Huron County.
Why is there an ordinance allowing golf carts?
The ordinance was designed to monitor use and enforce proper driving of golf carts.
What are the requirements for a golf cart in Ohio?
For a golf cart to be street-legal under Ohio law, the cart must include seat belts, a windshield, a rear-view mirror, a horn, turn signals and head lights and brake lights. Cart drivers also are required to follow the same rules as other drivers.
How many golf carts were there in 2006?
According to "The Columbus Dispatch" newspaper, there were 2,513 golf carts registered and licensed for street use in Ohio in June 2006. The majority were registered in resort communities in Lake Erie. Communities included Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island and Lakeview.
What happens if you drive a cart in Put-in-Bay?
Then, if they continue to drive a cart, they are arrested and charged with driving without a license.
Can you use a golf cart in Ohio?
Before an ordinance can take effect to allow golf carts on roads in Ohio communities, the police chief or county sheriff of the particular community must designate the area of jurisdiction and provide the information to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which is in charge or registering and licensing carts for those communities. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles also sends a letter authorizing the outlined use to the county's court clerk.
Why do you need a shatter resistant windshield?
Because you’ll be driving on the street along with full-size vehicles, you’ll want to opt for a durable, shatter resistant windshield that will provide a buffer between you and anything that may get kicked up (stones, dust, etc.) by a passing car, truck or SUV.
What do you need for a street legal light kit?
Once you’ve selected a street legal light kit with the proper lighting/indicators and a windshield, the next thing you’ll need is mirrors. You'll want to make sure you have clear view of your surroundings while driving on the street. The most popular and required mirrors for on-street driving are: Rear View Mirror.
Can you drive a golf cart on the street?
For example, in some cities in Florida, Georgia, Texas and California there are entire communities that drive their golf carts on the street. ALWAYS check with your local municipality to make sure it’s okay to drive a golf cart on the street.
Do you need seat belts for all drivers?
Seat Belts For ALL Drivers And Passengers: This is a given. You definitely need to make sure that everyone is buckled up! Check out Golf Cart Seat Belts.
Is it legal to put lights on a golf cart?
Installing golf cart lights is one of the key components in making a golf cart street legal, if not the most important. There are so many different lighting options for golf carts out there. Generally, you’ll see “Basic” and “Street Legal” or "Deluxe" options.
Do you have to have a slow moving vehicle sign?
Slow Moving Vehicle Sign: Many local ordinances require you to to have a “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign while out on the road. While it’s not ALWAYS required, we always recommend it.
How fast can a golf cart go in Ohio?
Under the Ohio revised code, a golf cart cannot exceed 20 miles per hour. And ... "the vehicle has to be street legal, which means headlights, tail lights, turn signals, a horn, a windshield street safe tires. In addition to that, a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance on the golf cart because you are traveling on a roadway ...
When did golf cart laws go into effect in Ohio?
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Since new golf cart laws went into effect at the start of 2017 across Ohio, and they’ve become a source of confusion for some.
Does the state patrol do golf cart inspections?
The state patrol is not handling any golf cart inspections, as those are reserved for police departments within the municipalities that allow them.
Can you get an OVI while driving a golf cart?
And don't plan on taking your cart for a spin after a few drinks. "You can get an OVI while operating a golf cart, you can be charged with driving under suspension,” Faunda said. “If you’re involved in a crash and you don’t have insurance, you'll lose your license just like if you were operating a motor vehicle.
