The evolution of legislation governing under speed vehicles, particularly golf cars, takes center stage as City Council approves crucial amendments for enhanced public safety.
In a bid to prioritize public safety, the City Council revisits and amends legislation related to under speed vehicles, with a particular focus on golf cars.
Originally passed in 2019, the legislation mandated compliance with various Ohio Department of Public Safety standards for these vehicles, ensuring features such as working lights, seatbelts, brakes, windshields, and rear-view mirrors.
The vehicles, including golf cars, were required to be titled and registered in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Additionally, they needed inspection and approval from authorized law enforcement agencies for use on public streets. Notably, they were restricted to streets with speed limits of 25 mph or lower.
An exemption period of five days was initially included to facilitate golf car rentals during the Fourth of July holiday. During this exemption, certain requirements were temporarily waived, emphasizing responsible vehicle operation.
Fast forward to 2023, and the City Administration, after monitoring the legislation’s implementation for several years, deemed it necessary to reassess the exemption. Based on data and anecdotal evidence, it became evident that allowing rented golf cars on public streets posed an increased safety risk.
Consequently, City Attorney-recommended amendments to Ordinance 41-2019 were presented in the form of Ordinance 49-2023, which was successfully passed by the Council on October 9.
As this change comes into effect, the Police Division outlines its planned approach to golf car enforcement:
1. Licensed and inspected golf cars are always legal on UA streets, aligning with City Code.
2. Golf cars and other under speed vehicles are prohibited on paths in public parks and park fields.
3. Families and organizations renting non-street legal golf cars during the Fourth of July holiday should be aware that any such car is subject to being stopped, impounded, and the driver ticketed if operated on open public roads. Exceptions include the use of golf cars in the Fourth of July Parade and on streets closed for block parties.
This strategic shift in legislation underscores the City’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike, creating a more secure environment on Upper Arlington streets.
