Ohio Regulations Concerning Making Golf Carts Street Legal

How Ohio Law Defines A Street-Legal Golf Cart

To know exactly how to make your golf cart street legal, you first have to know what Ohio law says a street legal golf cart actually is, and what the legal definition of a traditional golf cart is. This is because a street legal golf cart is a modified or custom-built vehicle that does not meet the requirements to be an electric cart, and a golf cart is basically defined as an electric cart not meeting those requirements. To put it another way, but there is an exception in Ohio for golf carts as they are traditionally understood in Ohio law, which means that they don’t have to be registered so long as they are only operated on sites such as a golf course, and even though they’re technically in fact customary off-road vehicles, they aren’t treated as an odometer-protected vehicle. That’s because they’re not built for highway purposes, only for off-roading purposes. It’s the opposite with a street legal golf cart, which would be specifically a modified vehicle that is meant to be driven on the road, but also contains certain attributes that make it similar to a traditional golf cart.
According to Ohio law, these are the specifics that differentiate a golf cart from a street legal golf cart: A golf cart is defined in Ohio Revised Code 4547.01 as a self-propelled vehicle that does not exceed 13 feet in length, 4.5 feet in width, 9 feet in height and is not equipped with a trunk, rear seats or other cargo area, does not exceed 19 miles per hour, and is designed for golf course operations. However , many people don’t necessarily know that the words "golf cart" are actually never used. The law uses the term "golf car" instead. The law also qualifies that a vehicle is a golf cart if it fits the above list and has certain SUV-like attributes like larger tires or off-road capabilities. The key difference that sets a street legal golf cart apart from a traditional golf cart is the scraping and inclusion of certain safety features that are mandatory for street legal vehicles but are not allowed for traditional golf carts.
So for example, it is illegal in Ohio law to have the same kind of windshield that is for golf carts on street legal golf carts. It is required that your street legal cart, according to Revised Code 4513.20 be fitted for reflective tape on either side of the street legal golf cart and that the tape must be at least 1 inch in width and at least 4 inches in height, and must show the number of the license plate, which is to be mounted on the cart to the rear of the passenger compartment and is visible from the road behind the cart. All street legal golf carts must also be equipped with headlights that are functional and those lights must be able to shine a beam that is at least 250 feet long. These lights must be certain colors based on the location that they are used including red, yellow, orange, amber, white, green, blue, blue-green and purple.
All of this is why traditional golf carts are not considered street legal golf carts, but modifying a golf cart for the purpose of street use is possible in Ohio. In the next section, I will discuss how to do that legally and safely.

Necessary Golf Cart Modifications For Street Legal Ohio Golf Carts

To transform your golf cart into an OHV, or "other motorized vehicle," you need to make certain modifications that are required under Ohio state law. The Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4507.50) describes a list of "equipment" that are needed for golf carts to legally travel local roadways. The equipment your golf cart needs includes lighting, mirrors, and seat belts.
According to the ORC, "A motorized golf cart shall be equipped with two headlights on the front of the motorized golf cart and two taillights on the rear of the motorized golf cart," and they "shall be [in] working order." Even if you think you’ll only be driving around your community during the day, these lights are necessary to be street legal. Your lights will let others know that they must yield the right of way. Flashing lights may also be helpful to other drivers, as it augments the classic red and green lights in alerting others to current driving conditions.
Mirrors help you see or update your perspective on others that are driving behind, or in front of, your golf cart. "A motorized golf cart shall be equipped with an outside mirror on the driver’s side of the motorized golf cart’s front windshield and an interior mirror," per the OH laws. Making sure that you keep up with maintenance on your vehicle means that no matter where you’re driving, you can see everything behind your golf cart for your own safety as well as those driving near you. You’ll also need a rearview mirror to manage your perspective on those who are ahead of you. You need to be able to see everything that is going on while you’re on the road, so having mirrors is absolutely essential.
You are required to have "seat safety belts" in your golf cart. The ORC says, "A motorized golf cart shall be equipped with two safety belts for the front seats and two safety belts for the seats in the rear of the motorized golf cart," and all "safety belts shall be in working order." Wearing seat belts while riding around your neighborhood or offroad area may seem unnecessary. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. After all, you’ve made an investment into your vehicle, and you want to protect your investment as much as possible. Seat belts will prevent you from getting launched out of the front or rear of your golf cart while you’re driving. The last thing you want to do is sustain injuries from accidentally being thrown from your vehicle. This is another modification that is absolutely essential to ensuring that your golf cart is street legal to operate on public roadways.

Licensing & Registration Requirements in Ohio

For golf carts in Ohio, there is a lot to take care of before you even consider hitting the streets legally. It all starts with title, registration and licensing of your golf cart. Who thought it would be such a headache! It is a headache but it is needed to make sure you stay out of trouble.
To register your golf car in Ohio a couple things will need to be done before you head over to the BMV. 1. You will have to have proof that the cart complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards as set out by Fmvss 500. The easiest way of knowing if your cart is compliant is to pull up the manufacturers specifications and see if your cart meets the specs. You can also google ‘legal golf cart’ and see if theres a sticker available for your model of cart that proves it was in fact manufactured as a compliant vehicle. 2. Next get an out of state inspection. You will need to head over to your local law enforcement office and bring some documentation that proves you made the vehicle street legal. This will be such things as headlights, taillights, rearview mirrors, etc. You may also be required to get a VIN number and attach it to the vehicle, this will be either on the frame or under the seat. Once everything has been checked off the officer will sign a sheet confirming your vehicle’s compliance with Ohio law. 3. Finally head to your local BMV with the inspection sheet and all the other documentation showing that your complied with Ohio law and get ready to pay a few fees. The fees will be a transfer fee, registration fee and plates. All will range from 40$-$100 depending on the county you are in.

Insurance Requirements For Ohio Street Legal Golf Carts

In Ohio, a street-legal golf cart is considered a motor vehicle. Therefore, in order to operate the street legal golf cart on any public road in Ohio, the driver must maintain liability insurance. The types of insurance available include auto insurance, standard golf cart insurance, and limited coverage options. The requirements for each are as follows:
Auto Insurance: Golf carts that qualify as motor vehicles are required to be insured through a standard auto insurance policy or through a separate policy covering primarily motor vehicles. In order to have a street legal golf cart insured under an auto insurance policy, it must first have an active and valid title with the state. In these situations, the insurance company will require that the insured provide either a copy of the certificate of title or the actual certificate.
Golf Cart Insurance: Golf carts may also be insured under a standard golf cart insurance policy. These policies will cover no more than $10,000.00 in damage to your golf cart, and will only cover the actual value of your golf cart, or $10,000.00, whichever is less. It must be noted that golf cart insurance is not selected or received by accident. When purchasing a golf cart insurance policy, the owner accepts to be insured in the manner intended by the agreement. Most golf cart insurers and insurance brokers advise owners to obtain a golf cart policy when only a single golf cart is owned. This coverage is generally much lower in payments than an auto insurance policy. Almost all of the insurance brokers and agents we have spoken to concerning insurance for golf carts have told us that if a person has golf cart title issued by the state, that person should be insured under an auto policy rather than a golf cart policy. Also, most golf carts cannot be purchased new from the manufacturer with golf cart insurance as the only choice of coverage, some must come with automobile insurance as the only choice of coverage.
Limited Coverage: Limited coverage is another option that is available to golf cart owners. Limited coverage is generally available through your current auto insurance. In these situations, the golf cart driver must provide the insurance company with pictures of the golf cart, and a description of the golf cart. The insurance company may also require information on the purchase price of the golf cart, and the weight of the vehicle. Many companies will provide a waiver for the stated dollar limit of coverage, so long as the driver provides the insurance company with a written estimate of the cost of the golf cart replacement. Limited coverage generally costs less than standard auto insurance rates, with many companies offering it for as low as $35 annually.

Designated Areas & Restrictions Regarding Golf Cart Use In Ohio

While obtaining the required license plates and permits for your golf cart is one thing, you also need to know where you are allowed to drive it. Ohio has specific rules about what types of areas you can use your street legal golf cart in.
Speed. Motor vehicles and golf carts are not allowed on roads with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour (MPH) in Ohio. You cannot drive your golf cart along Interstate 75, for example, as the speed limit is typically 55 MPH. Another downside to this restriction is that your cart can not be used along some roadways that have low speed limits due to having many stop signs, traffic lights, or other restrictions, as it would take too long for a golf cart to get through them.
Roads. You can use your golf cart on other types of roads in addition to the streets in residential neighborhoods and cities . Generally, you can use it on roads that have a posted speed limit of no more than 35 MPH unless otherwise stated by local laws. In Clarion, for example, the code established that the speed limit for golf carts would be 15 MPH or the speed limit on the road where the cart is being driven, whichever is less.
Cities. Golf carts are permitted to be driven in residential neighborhoods in a city. In general, you can only drive your golf cart on roads in cities, but exceptions do apply. In Shaker Heights, golf carts are permitted to be driven on Cleveland Road, although the maximum speed of 15 MPH still applies. Little Miami Village restricts golf cart use to the roadway in front of the residence of the operator unless otherwise noted. In Stow, golf carts must stay on public streets unless otherwise specified or needed to cross over public highways.

Pros Of Street Legal Golf Carts In Ohio

The benefits of having a street legal golf cart in Ohio are extensive. First off, they are cheaper to operate. They get better miles per gallon than a car or a truck. The downside is the purchase price. If a golf cart is street legal, that means it often has upgraded or custom options that can up the purchase price significantly. A street legal golf cart will typically be heavier and have more horsepower (if gas powered) or have a second battery installed (for electric vehicles). All things considered, if you pick a good street legal golf cart dealer in Ohio they are going to give you a better warranty than you would usually get with other off road vehicles. Overall the brand name and the workmanship on the upgraded parts will cost you more money.
When you drive a street legal golf cart in Ohio it rarely breaks down. Like any vehicle, issues will arise. Also like with any vehicle there will be after-purchase maintenance that needs to be done. When you account for those issues it is apparent that street legal golf carts save their owners money in the long run. The goal is to have a safe vehicle that takes you from point A to point B, and you will be happy with the advantages of owning a street legal golf cart.
By owning a street legal Ohio golf cart you will be able to go where you could never go before. Sure, you could drive your regular vehicle over 100 yards, but in the cold winter months that would be less than ideal. On a rainy day the ride in the delivery vehicle may be less than pleasant. In the hot summer sun the alrger vehicle is going to suck all the air out of the ranch style home. Most importantly, most people are not going to put the effort into a non-motorized 100 yard round trip. But when you use a motor on that trip, you will be able to reach your destination and feel good about the ride.
Even if you drive the vehicle for utility purposes, using one is convenient. It is easy to store the golf cart in the garage. Typically they have a really tight turning radius and can navigate tight spaces easily. They can park in almost any space and make 3-point turns on a dime.
An added benefit to driving a golf cart that is street legal is that you can drive to the local shop without worrying about tickets, accidents, or similar concerns. You can have your errands done quickly because the vehicle in street legal, and the golf cart return to storage so the components remain in good working condition. Plus, you never know when someone will need a ride somewhere, and it becomes that much easier to lend someone else a ride or have them give you a ride in return. Shopping local is great, and with a street legal golf cart in Ohio you are way ahead of the game.

Precautions For Operating Street Legal Golf Carts In Ohio

Operating a street legal golf cart on public roads is not without its pitfalls. By being prepared for the unique nature of these vehicles, you can avoid potentially dangerous situations and minimize liability concerns. Here are a few tips to help you operate a street legal golf cart safely.
Training and Education
Education is key when it comes to safe operation of a street legal golf cart. Before you take your golf cart out on the road, make sure you fully understand how the vehicle operates, and have a basic understanding of traffic laws. Study the operation of headlights, taillights, turn signals, wipers, and other key systems. Ensure that you can easily access all of the controls without taking your eyes off the road. Wearing sunglasses while driving will also help safeguard against the sun’s glare.
Staying Safe on the Road
When driving your golf cart, always adhere to posted speed limits , and drive the same speed as surrounding traffic when possible. Never try to pass another vehicle that is making a left turn. Follow the lead of neighboring motorists when approaching an intersection; in general, vehicles in the same lane that you are in will be traveling at the same speed that you plan to. This will help reduce the likelihood of sudden stops.
If you encounter any of the following conditions, stop and wait until it has cleared before proceeding:
· Fog
· Rain
· Snow
· Ice
· Dust
In addition to poor weather conditions, you should not operate a golf cart when wind speeds are high enough to toss debris or dust onto the road. Finally, if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation where you need to make a quick decision, try to pull your vehicle off the road to a safe spot. This way, you can focus on getting to safety without putting yourself or others in danger.