Low-Speed & Under-speed Vehicles

Low-speed/Under-speed Vehicles in Troy

Ohio Revised Code 4511.215 prohibits any low-speed or under-speed vehicles on public roadways or public property unless a local jurisdiction authorizes it. Troy City Council approved Ordinance No. O-14-18 to permit these vehicles to operate on public roadways or on public property within Troy’s city limits under certain conditions. Registered low-speed and under-speed vehicles will be permitted on any public roadway or public property with a speed limit of 25 mph or less within Troy‘s city limits beginning April 4, 2018. 

What qualifies as a low-speed or under-speed vehicle? 

Ohio Revised Code 4501.01 defines low-speed and under-speed vehicles as:

“(WW)" ‘Low-speed vehicle’ means 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.”

“(XX)" ‘Under-speed vehicle’ means a three- or four-wheeled vehicle, including a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart, 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.”

I own a low-speed or under-speed vehicle. Does this mean I have to register it now? 

Registration is required only if you plan to drive your vehicle on a public roadway or on public property. If you are planning to drive your vehicle only on private property, no registration is necessary. However, please keep in mind that any unregistered vehicles being driven on a public roadway or public property will be subject to a citation or fine.

My vehicle has already been inspected by another jurisdiction. Am I required to have it re-inspected? 

Yes. The City of Troy requires every vehicle to be inspected by the Chief of Police or his designee before receiving a registration sticker.

My vehicle qualifies. How can I register it? 

1. Contact the Police Department at (937) 339-7525 to schedule an inspection (one-time $20 fee, payable by check to “City of Troy”).

2. Pass inspection and receive a sticker to be placed on the vehicle’s bumper. (Inspection Checklist)

3. Take your completed inspection form to obtain a title from the Miami County Clerk of Courts, located at Third Floor Safety Building, 201 W. Main Street.

4. Take the title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles located at 1275 Experiment Farm Road to obtain a license plate.

5. Attach the license plate to the vehicle.

6. Ensure that the vehicle complies with all requirements while being operated on any public roadway or public property within Troy’s city limits.

Where can I drive? 

Any public roadway or public property within Troy’s city limits with a speed limit of 25 mph or less. You may cross any public roadway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Click here for a map of speed limits around the city. Please note that it may be illegal to drive these vehicles on roads outside of Troy.

Am I subject to the same laws as when driving a motor vehicle? 

Yes. Drivers must obey the same laws that apply to driving other motor vehicles. All vehicle operators must be licensed drivers 16 years of age or older.

Questions? 

Contact the Troy Police Department at (937) 339-7525.

You may download/view the Low-Speed/Under-speed Vehicle Inspection Checklist here.