In recent years, there has been exploding interest in a relatively new vehicle classification known as the under-speed vehicle (USV) and/or low-speed vehicle (LSV).  These vehicles are energy-efficient alternatives to the typical automobile, are usually powered by an electric motor, and are often built upon a golf cart platform.

The bustling activity in this market is exciting, as these alternative vehicles have the potential to offer significantly reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and less maintenance hassles for vehicle owners.  And they also produce less pollution, fewer carbon emissions, and less noise for the surrounding communities.

However, as consumer interest in this segment has grown, lawmakers and regulatory authorities have struggled to keep up.  For authorities, it is often a tricky balance between encouraging and enabling these vehicles to be widely adopted (and capitalizing on the many benefits to society) and meeting their responsibility to ensure safety for all who share the public roadways.  As a result, legislation has been adopted at various levels of government (federal, state, and local) to legalize and regulate the use of under-speed/low-speed vehicles.  And this has sometimes led to confusion among drivers, owners, and sellers.  Unfortunately, some sellers are even advertising false information, and some vehicle owners are struggling to find accurate and reliable sources.

So in an effort to mitigate some confusion, we have prepared this simple explanation that will hopefully clarify a few points of common misunderstanding in this dynamic and changing vehicle market.  The information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of the initial publish date (March 2011), but laws and regulations are changing quickly.  We will attempt to update and maintain this document as time allows (be sure to reference this document’s modified date at www.powerequipmentsolutions.com), but readers should always supplement this document by studying the latest laws and regulations at all levels of government.

“Street-Ready” Versus “Street-Legal”

One of the most basic points of confusion about the legality of USVs and LSVs starts with the vehicle’s safety equipment.  While it is true that regulations at all levels of government (federal, state, and local) require USVs and LSVs to be equipped with a minimum set of safety equipment (such as windshields, headlights, tail lights, etc.), merely being equipped with these features does NOT automatically qualify any vehicle as street-legal.

Similarly, displaying a slow moving vehicle sign (SMV) on the back of a golf cart also does NOT make it street-legal. (Reference http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4513.11.)  Believe it or not, this is commonly misunderstood.

Ultimately, it comes down to this: In order for a vehicle to be considered street-legal, it must be issued license plates. Before it can be issued license plates, it must be issued a Certificate of Title.  In order to be issued a Certificate of Title, a vehicle must pass inspection.  And in order to pass inspection, a vehicle will need to be equipped with the minimum safety equipment (see details below).  Therefore, while being properly equipped is a necessary part of the equation, the license plates and Certificate of Title are the key steps that are often overlooked or ignored.

If a vehicle is properly equipped but does not have license plates or a Certificate of Title, then this vehicle would be considered “street-ready”.  Only when it is properly equipped, has passed inspection, has been issued a Certificate of Title, and has been issued license plates can it be considered “street-legal”.

An additional point of caution for potential buyers who are in the market for a LSV or USV concerns the dealers who are selling them.  In the State of Ohio, in order for any dealer to legally sell used street-legal vehicles, the dealer must have a State of Ohio Used Dealer License.  And in order for any dealer in Ohio to legally sell new street-legal vehicles, the dealer must have a State of Ohio New Dealers License along with a Franchised Dealers Agreement with every new vehicle manufacturer that they are selling.  There are some sellers in Ohio who are claiming to offer street-legal vehicles yet do not possess an Ohio Dealer License.  And in some cases, the vehicles that they are selling have not been inspected nor issued a Certificate of Title.  In order to verify that your seller really is a licensed dealer, you can reference the online Ohio Dealer Licensing System database at https://www.dps.state.oh.us/netsys/netdb/english/firup.asp?s_isp=dlriq.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Title and License Plates?

If you are interested in driving your golf cart, USV, or LSV on public roads in Ohio, then the first thing that you should do is contact the local sheriff or chief of police and find out if they allow USVs or LSVs within their jurisdiction.  While the State of Ohio has issued minimum requirements and standards that must be met in order for a vehicle to be street-legal, the local jurisdictions can also add to the state’s minimum requirements.  And the State of Ohio leaves it up to the local jurisdictions (counties, cities, villages or townships) to decide if they are allowed at all.

So even if your vehicle is equipped to meet Ohio’s minimum standards, it is possible that the local authority may require additional equipment.  And it is even possible that the local authority will not allow USVs or LSVs at all, within their jurisdiction.

Assuming that your local authority allows USVs and LSVs within their jurisdiction, then your next step is to schedule a vehicle inspection.  Once the local inspector confirms that your vehicle meets the state minimum and any additional local requirements, they will issue a certificate of inspection.  The certificate of inspection can then be taken to the Clerk of Courts Title Office in any county.  After verifying the certificate of inspection, then the title office will issue a vehicle title.

Once your vehicle has been issued a Certificate of Title, you are almost done.  Now you will also need to get insurance and license plates.  So call your insurance company and open up a liability policy on your vehicle.  Then take your Certificate of Title and your proof of insurance to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office to get license plates.  (Note: A LSV or USV will receive a standard set of full-size automotive license plates, not a motorcycle or APV plate.  Because this is fairly new, you might expect some confusion at the BMV.)

A Few Definitions

Street Ready Golf Cart: A golf cart that is equipped with headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, windshield, rear view mirror, front and rear license plate brackets (with light) but has not been inspected, titled or licensed.

Street Legal Golf Carts and Under Speed Vehicles (USVs): In the State of Ohio, if a golf cart has been equipped with headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, windshield, rear view mirror, front and rear license plate brackets (with light), does not run over 20 MPH, and has been inspected, titled, and licensed, then it can be considered a street-legal under-speed vehicle (USV).  An USV, as defined in Ohio, will not have a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) and does not require seat belts.  (On the title, the “Identification Number” field will refer to the vehicle’s serial number.)

This is a vehicle classification that is only recognized and permitted within the State of Ohio.  The State of Ohio leaves the decision of inspecting, titling, registering, and licensing the golf carts or USVs to the local sheriff or chief of police in each jurisdiction (county, city, village or township).  This is a fairly new code revision, so don’t be surprised if you contact the jurisdictions and they don’t have a clue about licensing golf carts or USVs.

It is also important to remember that street-legal USVs are only recognized in the State of Ohio.  Do not make the mistake of driving your titled and licensed USV on public roads in any other state.  (See LSV below.)

Street Legal Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs): If you are going to use a vehicle outside of the State of Ohio, then you should consider getting a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV).  LSVs are similar to USVs, however LSVs also require seat belts and a top speed between 20mph and 25mph.  (Note: Because of the 20mph minimum speed requirement, most LSVs will require some additional equipment to attain this speed.)  And while a USV designation requires only a Certificate of Title, the LSV designation requires both a Certificate of Title and a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).  (On the title, the “Identification Number” field will refer to the vehicle’s VIN.)  Lastly, whereas USVs are recognized only by the State of Ohio, LSVs are recognized by most states.  (Note: The State of Ohio follows the federal requirements and standards for LSVs.  See below.)

Only licensed vehicle manufacturers may register and assign a vehicle identification number (VIN).  So under most circumstances, buyers who want a LSV will need to purchase a vehicle whose manufacturer has already supplied the vehicle with a VIN.

Ohio Law Concerning Golf Carts and Other Under Speed Vehicles

Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) 4503.10

An applicant who wishes to register a golf cart or other USV must proceed as described below.  A USV is a four-wheeled vehicle other than a truck that either is originally designed and constructed with a top attainable speed of 20 mph or less, or is not originally designed and constructed for operation on a street or highway.  Most golf carts are USVs.

The sheriff or chief of police of the jurisdiction where the vehicle is to be used should  send a letter to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Vehicle Information Services, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6520, certifying that he or she has a program of inspecting golf carts and other USVs.

The sheriff or chief of police in that jurisdiction (city, village, or township) provides the applicant with a certificate of inspection (on their agency letterhead) that includes the inspection requirements of the Ohio Administrative Code (O.A.C.) Chapter 4501:2-1.

Go to the Clerk of Courts Title Office in any county. The clerk will verify the inspection certificate accompanies the title evidence and the vehicle inspection requirements of O.A.C. 4501:2-1.  If verified and everything else is in order, then the clerk will issue the title.

Obtain insurance.

Take the title to a deputy registrar in that county.  If all is in order, the deputy registrar will issue license plates.

Operate the golf cart or other USV in accordance with O.R.C. Chapter 4511 and with the equipment required by O.R.C. Chapter 4513.

• Requires valid driver's license for any operation of a motor vehicle on public or private property - ORC 4507.02A(1)-4510.12A(1)
• Must show proof of insurance - ORC 4509.101A(1)
• Must be equipped with rear tail lights (only 1 required). ORC 4513.05
• Must have a light to illuminate license plate and make license plate legible from a distance of 50 feet. ORC 4513.05
• Must have at least one working brake light. ORC 4513.071
• Must have two headlights. ORC4513.04
• Must have a horn. ORC 4513.21
• Must have a rear mirror. ORC 4513.23
• Must have a windshield (glass or safety glass). ORC 4513.24
• Must have directional signals. ORC 4513.261
• Must have brackets for mounting two license plates (front & rear). ORC 4503.21
• Once licensed, golf carts and other under speed vehicles (USVs) may only be operated on public streets in unincorporated areas.  They may not be operated in incorporated areas unless the incorporated areas have an ordinance allowing their use on public streets.  They also may not be operated on any public street or highway where the posted speed limit is higher that 35MPH. ORC 4519.40.

Links to a Few Ohio County/City Requirements:

http://www.co.logan.oh.us/sheriff/golf.htm

http://www.newconcord-oh.gov/696890216171520/lib/696890216171520/_files/Ordinance_No__B-11-08-1__as_amended.doc

http://www.canalwinchesterohio.gov/ql/MiscDocs/USVInformationPacket.pdf

http://www.cityofpowell.us/documents/Powell_PD/UnderspeedVehicleInfoPacket.pdf

http://www.guernseysheriff.com/geninfo/golfcart.html

Federal Law Concerning Low Speed Vehicles (LSV)

In 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established a limited set of safety standards for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) intended to apply to vehicles used "to make short trips for shopping, social, and recreational purposes primarily within retirement or other planned communities with golf courses”.  Since then, LSVs have become very popular and are allowed in most states.  It is recommended that you always check with the local jurisdictions (counties, cities, villages or townships) to verify that they are allowed in those areas.

States, not NHTSA, are responsible for regulating the operation of motor vehicles on public roads and for handling LSV titling and registration. Most states allow LSVs to attain speeds no greater than 25 mph on roadways with speed limits of no more than 35 mph.  LSVs are exempt from most federal safety standards that apply to motor vehicles, and they are not required to meet any criteria for vehicle crashworthiness. The requirements and standards are as follows:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Subpart B—Motor Carrier Vehicle Safety Standards

§571.500 Standard No. 500; Low-speed vehicles.

S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for low-speed vehicles.

S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that low-speed vehicles operated on the public streets, roads, and highways are equipped with the minimum motor vehicle equipment appropriate for motor vehicle safety.

S3. Applicability. This standard applies to low-speed vehicles.

S4. [Reserved.]

S5. Requirements.

(S5)(a) When tested in accordance with test conditions in S6 and test procedures in S7, the maximum speed attainable in 1.6 km (1 mile) by each low-speed vehicle shall not travel more than 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour).

(S5)(b) Each low-speed vehicle shall be equipped with:

(1) Headlamps,

(2) Front and rear turn signal lamps,

(S5)(b)(3) Taillamps,

(S5)(b)(4) Stop lamps,

(S5)(b)(5) Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one red on the rear,

(S5)(b)(6) An exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or an interior mirror,

(S5)(b)(7) A parking brake,

(S5)(b)(8) A windshield that conforms to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on glazing materials (49 CFR 571.205).

(S5)(b)(9) A VIN that conforms to the requirements of part 565 Vehicle Identification Number of this chapter, and

(S5)(b)(10) A Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to Sec. 571.209 of this part, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, Seat belt assemblies, installed at each designated seating position.

Links to State Low Speed Vehicle Requirements:

http://www.iihs.org/laws/lowspeedvehicles.aspx

Reproducing This Article

This article may be shared and reproduced provided that credit is attributed to the original author, Keith Hunter, and a link maintained to the original source at http://www.powerequipmentsolutions.com.