Hamilton, Ohio One owner of a low-speed vehicle brought concerns to the city council after the City of Hamilton stated on Facebook that golf carts are not permitted on city streets. He said that his almost $15,000 purchase was stranded in his garage even though there was no rule or code prohibiting them.
In July, Harold Peetz purchased an EVolution low-speed car to assist in transporting his aging father-in-law and mother-in-law.
“Our biggest reason why we purchased it was to be able to take them out, go down to places like The Hub or Marcum Park where they stay in the vehicle and still enjoy it,” he explained.
Before completing the purchase, Peetz informed us and the city council members that he had examined all applicable state and local statutes and had not seen any explicit prohibition on slow-moving cars within city bounds.
“When there’s no language allowing or disallowing it, it usually falls to the next level, which, in this case, would be the state rules,” Peetz explained.
WATCH: We search for solutions to resolve golf cart misunderstandings
According to Ohio law, low-speed vehicles are permitted on any route with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
At the meeting on Wednesday, Hamilton Law Director Letitia Block stated, “Since we haven’t allowed it, it’s not allowed.”
However, Michael Ryan, a council member, told us on Friday that it’s unclear what Hamilton’s regulations permit.
“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” expressed Ryan.
With his golf cart in the driveway, Peetz told us he hopes to get some clarity soon. He promised to collect signatures and, if needed, put the matter on the next ballot for a vote.
According to Ryan, the council would probably take action before a ballot initiative was required, and the city manager and legal director are working on clarity.
“I would assume there will be a path forward to bring it to a council vote, council discussion, and council debate, so hopefully we can avoid going to the voters and we can just handle it in-house,” Ryan said.
