Golf Carts

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office began inspection of street-worthy golf carts on June 1st, 2015. Ohio Law allows the Sheriff to authorize such licensing in each county, as long as equipment standards are met on each vehicle.

To be street legal, golf carts must have headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, windshield, horn, rearview mirror, license plate light, and not capable of traveling over 20 mph. An Ohio operator's license is required to operate the golf cart. There has to be a seat belt for every occupant on the golf cart, children must utilize child restraint seats as required by the Ohio Revised Code, and proof of insurance must be presented at the time of inspection.

Vehicles Covered

This inspection process does not apply to ATV's (All-Terrain vehicles) or UTV's (Utility Terrain Vehicle), only golf carts USV (under speed vehicle less than 20 M.P.H) types.

Operators

Golf Cart drivers also are required to follow the same rules as other drivers. For example, DUI laws and insurance laws apply to anyone driving a golf cart on public roads.

Inspections

Carts must be inspected by qualified personnel at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. This service will be provided for a $10 charge (cash or local check only) to all Hancock County residents who seek to operate their golf cart in unincorporated, residential areas of the county.

Individuals must bring the cart to the Justice Center at 200 West Crawford Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or on Saturday by pre-arrangement by calling the dispatch center at 419-422-2424.

Each golf cart that passes inspection will be authorized to purchase a title and registration from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, along with an Ohio license plate to make their golf cart street legal. This plate must be affixed to the rear of the golf cart.

Golf carts that become licensed will be restricted to roadways that are not divided highways.

Requirements

For a detailed list of legal mandates that are necessary for licensing, safety equipment, and more information, refer to Ohio Revised Code Section 4503.10 and 4501:2-1.

All carts presented for inspection must meet those standards set forth before being considered for inspection.

• Requires a valid drivers license for ANY operation of MOTOR VEHICLES on public or private property
• One seat belt per occupant of the cart
• A child safety seat installed to manufacturer specifications for any occupant under the age of four or under 40 pounds in weight
• A child booster seat installed to manufacturer specifications for any occupant between the ages of four and eight or under 4'9" in height
• Must show proof of insurance on said Golf Cart
• Must be equipped with a rear taillight (Only one is required)
• Must have light to illuminate license plate and make license plate legible from a distance of 50 feet
• Must have at least one working brake light
• Must have two headlights
• Must have horn
• Must have a rear-view mirror
• Must have a windshield (glass or safety glass)
• Must have directional signals
• Must have bracket for mounting license plate on the rear of the cart.