Chapter 4519 of the Ohio Revised Code defines and provides for the registration of snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles, establishes standards and operating regulations of such vehicles, and provides for the development of trails and special areas for the operation of snowmobiles and APV's on state-controlled land and waters. The law regarding APV's applies equally to off-highway motorcycles.

Regulations require the registration of snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles every three years, and the annual registration of dealers who sell or furnish these vehicles for hire.

This reflects regulations for the operation of snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles.

DEFINITIONS
Ohio law defines "snowmobile" as a self-propelled vehicle steered by skis, runners or caterpillar treads and designed to be used principally on snow or ice.

An "all purpose vehicle" is any self-propelled vehicle steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or a combination of both designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water or on more than one type of terrain. The definition of an APV includes vehicles known as all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes, trail bikes and vehicles that operate on a cushion of air. The definition excludes those vehicles not principally used for the purpose of personal transportation, any motor vehicle used primarily in playing golf, and any vehicle excepted from the existing definition of a motor vehicle.

REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
Snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles must be properly registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A five dollar ($5.00) registration fee and a two dollar and twenty-five cent ($2.25) issuing fee is collected for the issuance of a three-year registration. Effective July 1, 1999, an Ohio Certificate of Title must be presented to register for the first time or the transfer of registration for an APV. Proof of ownership for a renewal or transfer registration for a snowmobile may be verified with a dealer's bill of sale or a snowmobile/moped affidavit from (BMV5706). Any deputy registrar is able to issue registration certificates, transfer certificates and changes of owner's address certificates.

Registration certificates for snowmobiles, all purpose vehicles, mini-bikes, and trail bikes are accompanied by an alphanumeric decal to be applied to the vehicle. The registration is valid for three years. The original registration number for all vehicles is permanent and must remain with the vehicle.

All registrations expire on December 31, in the third year after the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a registration may be made no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to expiration.

This number must be displayed so as to be plainly visible.

TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS

Every owner or operator of a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle who is a resident of a state not having registration law similar to Ohio's and who expects to use the snowmobile or all purpose vehicle in Ohio, shall apply to a deputy registrar for a temporary operating permit. The temporary operating permit shall be issued for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) days from the date of issuance, and shall include the name and address of the owner and operator of the snowmobile or all purpose vehicle, and such other information as the registrar considers necessary. There is a registration fee of five dollars ($5.00), and a two dollars and twenty-five cent ($2.25) issuing fee. Every owner or operator receiving a temporary operating permit shall display the same upon the reasonable request of any law enforcement officer or other authorized person.

OPERATOR LICENSING

In Ohio, only a person who holds a current valid motor vehicle operator license, probationary license or a motorcycle endorsement may operate a snowmobile or APV on any street or highway, on any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or on any public land or waters, as provided for under the laws of Ohio. The law prohibits the operation of such vehicles by persons less than sixteen (16) years of age, on land that is not private property owned by or leased to their parents or guardian, unless accompanied by a licensed motor vehicle operator who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. The law permits the Department of Natural Resources to allow minors between the ages of twelve (12) and sixteen (16) to operate snowmobiles and APV's without a license on state controlled land under its jurisdiction if accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a licensed motor vehicle operator, eighteen (18) years of age or older.

Section 4519.46 requires the operator of any snowmobile or APV involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or death, or property damage in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to make a report within forty-eight (48) hours to the State Highway Patrol or to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the area in which the accident occurred, and to forward a written report within (30) days to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

OPERATING REGULATIONS

Ohio law requires that all pertinent provision of the motor vehicle traffic laws and of the laws prohibiting specified offenses relating to motor vehicles, applying to the operation of snowmobiles, and APV's. Authorization is given to utilize snowmobiles and all APV's to be used;

1. To cross a highway other than a limited access highway or freeway;

2. On county and township highways whenever approved by those having jurisdictional authority over them;

3. Off and alongside streets or highways from the place of unloading the vehicle to the place at which it is intended and authorized to be used;

4. On the berm or shoulder of any highway, other than a limited access highway, or freeway when the terrain is such that the vehicle can be used safely;

5. On the berm or shoulder of a county or township road when traveling from one area of operation to another.

The operation of such vehicles is prohibited under the following conditions:

1. On any limited access highway or freeway or the right of way thereof;

2. On any private property without special permission of owner or in any nursery or planting area;

3. On any state-controlled land or waters except those which have been posted as permitting snowmobiles or APV's;

4. On tracks or right-of-way of any operating railroad

5. When carrying a loaded or uncased firearm, bow or other hunting implement

6. To chase, pursue, capture or kill any animal or wildlife;

7. From one-half hour after sunset to one-half before sunrise, unless displaying a lighted headlight and taillight as required under equipment regulations.

Section 4519.48 preserves the right of local authorities to regulate the operation of snowmobiles and APV's on streets and highways and other public property under their jurisdiction, but prohibits them from requiring the registration of such vehicles on a local basis.

The law provides penalties similar to those imposed for the related offenses involving motor vehicles, for violations of registration, equipment or operating requirements.

Persons who are found guilty of violating the rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles as contained therein are subject to a fine and/ or the loss of their vehicles registration for a period of sixty (60) days. In such cases, the court is required to forward the certificate of registration to the Registrar who is to retain it until the expiration of the impoundment.

DEALERS

Snowmobile and APV dealers are required by law to register each place of business with the BMV, Dealer Licensing Division. A $25.25 new master registration fee is collected for the issuance of a three year registration. Certified copies may be obtained as a fee of $1.25 each. License plate(s) are issued for dealer snowmobile and APV vehicles and must be temporarily affixed to these vehicles while being used prior to the sale or transfer of the vehicle.

After 7-1-99, all off-highway, motorcycle, and APV dealers must be licensed by the dealer licensing section of the Ohio BMV in order to sell these types of vehicles.