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Bellbrook council adopts ordinance allowing inspected low‑speed vehicles on most streets
Summary
Bellbrook City Council on Sept. 8 adopted Ordinance 2025‑O‑14 to permit properly inspected and registered low‑speed, under‑speed and utility vehicles (commonly golf carts and mini‑trucks) on city streets except designated higher‑speed segments; council vote was unanimous.
Bellbrook City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt Ordinance 2025‑O‑14, creating rules that will allow inspected, registered low‑speed, under‑speed and utility vehicles — commonly referred to as golf carts and mini‑trucks — to operate on most city streets.
Councilman Hoke introduced the ordinance at a public hearing, saying state law permits municipalities to authorize such vehicles provided local inspection and equipment requirements are established. “State law allows for under speed, low speed, utility, and mini trucks to be operated on public thoroughfares so long as the local jurisdiction passes legislation allowing such,” Hoke said. The ordinance text and an exhibit with equipment and inspection requirements were included in the meeting packet.
The ordinance excludes Wilmington Pike south of Chester (a segment described by staff as not conducive to cart traffic) and limits operation to streets with posted speeds of 35 mph or below in line with state requirements. Council discussed seat belt requirements after a recent news report of a fatality involving a golf cart occupant ejected during a crash; Deputy Mayor Havens said that fact made her “good with the seat belt requirement.”
A member of the public, Michael Wall of Clearie Drive, asked whether an inspected, licensed and insured vehicle would be legal on city streets; staff confirmed that is what the ordinance authorizes. After the public hearing closed, the council moved to adopt the ordinance. The vote recorded all seven members as voting yes.
City staff said the permit and inspection process will be handled through the Bellbrook Police Department and that the ordinance has a 30‑day enactment period before it takes effect. Staff said they will advertise the ordinance and provide information at City Hall about how residents can apply for the required inspection and registration.
The ordinance text establishes the chapter in the Bellbrook Municipal Code and references the Ohio Revised Code for titling and registration procedures; exhibit A attached to the ordinance enumerates required equipment and inspection steps. Staff noted the local ordinance was drafted after reviewing similar ordinances in other jurisdictions and is intended to “not reinvent the wheel” but to set a clear local process.
Council members and staff emphasized public education and a transition period before enforcement begins so residents know how to obtain permits and ensure vehicles meet inspection standards.
