Under-Speed Vehicles

A three- or four-wheeled vehicle, including a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart, that has:

• Maximum attainable speed: 20 MPH
• Surface: paved and level
• Gross vehicle weight rating: under 3,000 pounds

A four-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cabin, operator seat and rear cargo area or bed, resembling a pickup or van:

• Electric motor: 7,500 watts or less; or engine: 660 cc or less
• Dry weight: 900-2,200 pounds
• Not originally built to federal motor-vehicle safety standards

A self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for transporting material or cargo in connection with:

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Grounds maintenance
• Lawn and garden
• Materials handling or similar work activities

A self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land, water or more than one terrain type, steered by wheels, caterpillar treads or a combination. Examples include ATVs, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes and trail bikes.

Excludes utility vehicles and vehicles principally used for golf, otherwise registered or statutorily exempt.

Contact the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.

An inspector can come to your location, or you may bring the vehicle to the Sheriff’s Office.

The inspector will schedule the appointment.

Bring written proof of State Minimum Liability Insurance.

After all requirements are met, you receive an Inspection Certificate for the Title Office.

Take these items to the Title Office:

• Inspection Certificate
• Proof of Insurance
• Proof of Ownership

Once verified, a Certificate of Title will be issued.

Take the completed documents to a Deputy Registrar.

After the prior steps are verified, license plates will be issued for the under-speed or low-speed vehicle.

ORC 4503.21 — Registration plates
Display the distinctive number and registration mark in plain view on the front and rear, including required county-identification and validation stickers.

ORC 4507.02 — Valid driver’s license
The operator must hold a valid driver’s license. Do not permit an unlicensed person to operate the vehicle on property used by the public for travel or parking.

ORC 4509.101 — Financial responsibility
Maintain proof of financial responsibility continuously throughout the vehicle’s registration period. A non-owner driver must have coverage for operating the vehicle.

ORC 4511.214 — Maximum roadway speed
Do not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 MPH. You may cross an intersection where the crossing road exceeds 35 MPH.

ORC 4513.05 — Tail light & plate light
At least one red tail light must be visible from 500 feet.
A white light must illuminate the rear plate so it is legible from 50 feet.

ORC 4513.06 – Red reflectors
Two red rear reflectors must be visible at night from distances between 50 and 300 feet.

ORC 4513.071 – Stop lights
Two or more rear stop lights must activate with the service brake and emit red light visible from 500 feet.

ORC 4513.16 — Headlights
Two lighted front lights must reveal persons and substantial objects at least 75 feet ahead.

ORC 4513.21 — Horn
A working horn must be audible under normal conditions from at least 200 feet.

ORC 4513.23 – Rearview mirror
A mirror must provide the operator a rearward view.

ORC 4513.24 – Windshield
The vehicle must be equipped with a windshield.

ORC 4513.261 — Turn signals
Electrical or mechanical directional signals are required.