Golf Cart Laws

• Most golf carts are classified as under-speed vehicles (a three- or four-wheeled vehicle 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) and these are not permitted on the roadway according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4511.214(A)(2)(a)).
• Some golf carts may fall into the category of a low-speed vehicle (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).  These may be driven on any street with an established speed limit of 35 mph or less (ORC 4511.214(A)(1)).

• Obtain Proof of Financial Responsibility in amounts equal to the requirements of Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.01(K)
• Obtain a title through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
• Get your golf cart inspected by a police officer. You can download and print the Ohio BMV inspection form here.
• Take your inspection form to the Ohio BMV to register your vehicle and get license plates.

You can call the Tallmadge Police Department at 330-633-2181 to have an officer come and inspect your golf cart.  Inspections for residents and businesses from the City of Tallmadge can be done any day of the week from 8am-4pm.  These are subject to officer availability.

• The following equipment must be present and in good working order (OAC 4501-30-02):
  • Adequate brakes and braking system.
  • Equipped with properly working brake lights, head lights, tail lights, and warning devices, also known as turn signals.
  • A properly working steering mechanism.
  • A windshield to prohibit injury from any debris from the roadway.
  •  A rear view mirror to reflect the operator a view of the public street or highway to the rear.
  • Appropriate tires that are free of major bumps, bulges, breaks, or any condition that would be cause for unsafe conditions.

No, all drivers must have a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart on the roadway regardless of how far they travel.  Anyone operating a golf cart without a valid driver’s license could receive a citation and the golf cart could be towed (ORC 4510.12).

• No, open containers of alcohol are prohibited in golf carts on any street or highway or public or private property open to the public for vehicular travel or parking (ORC 4301.62).
• Drivers can also be arrested if there is probable cause to believe they are operating the golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs just like a motor vehicle (ORC 4511.19).

All laws that govern motor vehicles apply to golf carts.

Yes, all golf cart occupants have to be in a seat and wear a seat belt (ORC 4513.263).

Yes, all the child safety and booster seat laws outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.81 apply to golf carts and motor vehicles.

• A child safety seat is required for any occupant under the age of 4 or under 40 lbs.
• A child booster seat is required for any occupant under 8 years old and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall and who is not otherwise required to be in a safety seat.

Yes, you can operate a golf cart on private property with the property owner's consent.  The golf cart does not have to be titled or registered with the BMV if it remains on private property.  However, a person who drives a golf cart on another person’s property without consent could be charged with criminal trespassing (ORC 2911.21).