There has been an increase in the amount of golf carts on Ohio roadways over the past several years. That’s because in 2017 an Ohio law went into effect making unconventional vehicles, including specially outfitted golf carts, street legal across the state on roadways with a posted speed limit of up to 35 miles per hour.
But buyers should beware. Because even though “street-legal” golf carts are available for purchase, the use of these vehicles is still not permitted on public roads in most Ohio communities, including right here in Mentor.
State lawmakers left the authorization to operate these vehicles on public roads to the discretion of local authorities. Due to the significant amount of traffic on Mentor roadways, the city is concerned about the risk to public safety that these vehicles present. Along with city streets, these vehicles are also prohibited from operating on sidewalks and bike paths throughout the city. Driving a golf cart on a public street in Mentor can result in a traffic citation.
For the foreseeable future, golf carts will remain on the golf course and on private property in the city of Mentor.
For additional information, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.