We would like to clarify some information regarding the operation of golf carts on roads within the City of Oregon.
There are two different categories that golf carts can fall within:
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. (This includes golf carts that have an obtainable speed of at least 20 mph, but no more than 25 mph)
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. (This includes golf carts that are ‘limited’ to traveling 20 mph or less)
Ohio law allows for “low speed vehicles” to be driven on roadways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less (excluding divided highways). It is NOT legal for an “under speed vehicle” to travel on the roadway. This means that golf carts that are limited to 20 mph or less, are not legal to be driven within the City of Oregon at this time.
If the golf cart is capable of traveling a minimum of 20 mph and a maximum of 25 mph, it would be legal to drive on the roadway if the following criteria are met:
• To be ‘street legal,’ the golf cart MUST be properly licensed and properly equipped according to rules laid out in the Ohio Revised Code. The Oregon Police Division can inspect golf carts to ensure that they are properly equipped.
• All Low Speed Vehicles being driven on roadways MUST also be properly insured.
• The driver of a Low Speed Vehicle MUST have a valid driver's license.
• The driver of a Low Speed Vehicle MUST adhere to all traffic laws regarding the operation of a motor vehicle.
• All passengers who are required to wear a safety restraint device (seat belt, car seat, booster seat, etc.), MUST be properly restrained while riding in a Low Speed Vehicle. (This is very important as golf carts on roadways can be extremely dangerous especially when occupants are not properly restrained)
If you own a golf cart, do not allow anyone who does not have a valid driver’s license to operate your golf cart on the roadway. If you allow someone to drive your low speed vehicle who does not have a valid driver's license, you yourself CAN be issued a citation.
If you need to schedule a golf cart inspection, please contact Lt. Materni at 419-698-7182.
Original source can be found here.
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