Montgomery City Council approved an ordinance allowing approved low-speed vehicles, primarily golf carts, on City Streets with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. While the move aims to increase mobility options for residents, it requires drivers to adhere to specific regulations, traffic laws, and other responsibilities, such as valid insurance.
I think my golf cart qualifies. What do I need to do before I can drive it on the roadway?
- 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.
- Take your completed inspection form to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to register your vehicle and obtain license plates.
Who can have a vehicle/golf cart inspected?
- Any City of Montgomery Resident who owns a vehicle that qualifies.
How do I get my golf cart inspected?
- You can call the Montgomery Police at 513-985-1600 to have an officer come and inspect your golf cart. Inspections for residents and businesses of the City of Montgomery can be done any day of the week and typically take 15-20 minutes to complete. These are subject to officer availability.
How much does the inspection cost?
- We do not charge a fee to inspect your vehicle/golf cart.
What streets can I drive my golf cart on?
- Any City of Montgomery street with a speed limit of 35 mph or lower.
Can I only drive during daylight hours?
- The law does not have time restrictions.
Do I need insurance?
- Once licensed, you are required to have insurance.
Can I drink alcohol if I am driving or riding in a golf cart?
- No, open containers of alcohol are prohibited in golf carts on any street, 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).
Can my dog or other pet accompany me in my golf cart?
- Yes, provided you can operate the golf cart safely and without distraction.
- Securing a pet can have additional challenges compared to a traditional motor vehicle, and a harness or transport kennel may be needed to prevent pets from injury or becoming a distraction to the driver. Pet stores and online vendors have products for securing pets in golf carts and motor vehicles.
What laws apply to operating golf carts on the road?
- All laws governing motor vehicles also apply to golf carts.
- Violations could result in fines, driver’s license suspension, or even criminal charges, depending on the seriousness.
Do I need to wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a golf cart?
- Yes, all golf cart occupants must be seated and wear a seatbelt (ORC 4513.263).
Do child safety seat laws apply to golf carts?
- Yes, all the child safety and booster seat laws outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.81 apply to golf carts and motor vehicles.
What can I do to be courteous?
As already stated, all the laws governing motor vehicles apply, but some simple courtesy goes a long way when operating a golf cart on roadways.
- Avoid busy roadways during high traffic times and maximize the use of side streets.
- On multi-lane roads, use the right-most lane.
- Refrain from playing loud music; not everyone shares the same taste in music.