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Bellbrook introduces ordinance to permit low‑speed and utility vehicles on city streets; debate centers on seat‑belt and inspection rules
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2025‑O‑14 to allow operation of under‑speed/low‑speed vehicles, utility vehicles and mini trucks on city streets with an inspection process. Council members debated whether local rules should require occupant‑restraint devices (seat belts); the ordinance was introduced as written and will return for public hearing.
The Bellbrook City Council on Aug. 25, 2025 introduced Ordinance 2025‑O‑14, a proposed chapter to permit operation of under‑speed, low‑speed, utility vehicles and mini trucks on City streets subject to inspection and local restrictions.
Council members and staff discussed the scope of the ordinance at length, focusing chiefly on inspection requirements and whether the city should require occupant‑restraint devices (seat belts) as a condition of local inspection and operation. The ordinance was introduced as drafted and will go to a public hearing at a later meeting.
Councilman Oak read the ordinance’s title: it would add Chapter 4.41 (Operation of Low‑Speed, Under‑Speed or Utility Vehicle or Mini Truck) to Title 6 (traffic code) and adopt Exhibit A specifying inspection and operational rules. City Manager Rob said state law permits municipalities to authorize operation of these vehicles on local streets but requires a municipal ordinance and an inspection process if local operation is to continue.
Staff explained the local proposal largely aligns the city with current practice and that most city speed limits are 35 mph or lower, which would allow operation on most streets; the proposed draft would prohibit operation south of Lychester on Wilmington because of safety concerns in that area. The city would generally accept inspections conducted by local law enforcement on the state form (DPS 13‑73) but can require additional features as part of a municipal inspection.
Discussion focused on occupant‑restraint devices. Several council members suggested requiring seat belts as a safety measure; others raised concerns about consistency with the state inspection form (DPS 13‑73) and the Ohio Revised Code and about practical enforcement. Councilmember Brady Hardy noted that adding the requirement could force owners who move into Bellbrook to retrofit vehicles; other members said most “street‑ready” packages include seat belts. The council also discussed vehicle equipment (lights, brakes, windshields, mirrors) and whether inspections performed in other jurisdictions should be accepted by Bellbrook.
After debate, a motion to introduce Ordinance 2025‑O‑14 as drafted passed on a roll call vote with one councilmember recorded as opposed. Roll call: Logan Ashley — yes; Catherine Cyphers — no; Forrest Greenwood — yes; Brady Hardy — yes; Deputy Mayor Ernie Havens — yes; Councilman Oak — yes; Mayor Michael Schweller — yes. The mayor declared the motion carried and scheduled further process including a public hearing.
City staff said next steps include publishing the draft ordinance and establishing an inspection procedure for the police department to use; staff also said it may accept out‑of‑jurisdiction inspections in certain cases and will return with detailed administrative procedures. Council members signaled differing preferences on a seat‑belt requirement; some favored adding an occupant‑restraint clause now, while a majority preferred to move the ordinance forward and consider amendments after public input and staff recommendations.
The ordinance introduction does not change existing law; it begins the formal process that includes public notice and a subsequent hearing before final adoption.
