Patrol: Most golf carts, UTVs and low-speed vehicles illegal on local roads

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, together with the Wayne County and Holmes County sheriff’s offices, reminds residents the use of low-speed, under-speed or utility-type vehicles — including golf carts, side-by-sides, mini-trucks and similar vehicles — is strictly limited under Ohio Revised Code 4511.214.

Unless authorized by a local jurisdiction or municipality, these vehicles are not permitted on public roads. Even where local ordinances allow limited use, strict rules apply.

Key points to remember

—Most county and township roads are off limits. These vehicles may be driven only on roads posted 35 mph or below and only if that specific jurisdiction or municipality has passed an ordinance allowing them.

—Roads such as U.S. 30 and U.S. 250; state Routes 3, 83 and 39; and most county highways are not authorized for these vehicles.

—Crossing a higher-speed road at an intersection is permitted, but traveling along it is not.

—A valid driver's license is required to operate any of these vehicles on a public roadway. Unlicensed operation is a traffic offense and will result in a mandatory court appearance. Your vehicle also may be towed at the operator's expense.

—Vehicles must meet inspection and equipment standards before being operated legally. This means they need to be equipped with lights, mirrors, turn signals, seat belts and a slow-moving vehicle emblem. They also must be registered and insured.

Why does this matter?

Improper use of low-speed or utility vehicles on public roads poses serious traffic risks. These vehicles are not built for highway speeds or heavy traffic, and crashes can result in severe injury or death.

Unless a township or municipality has officially approved it and someone holds a valid driver's license, they cannot legally drive a golf cart, UTV or mini-truck on most roads in Wayne and Holmes counties. Contact the Wooster Highway Patrol Post, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office or the Holmes County Sheriff's Office with questions regarding the rules and regulations for these vehicles.