avon-lake
Avon Lake Creates Rules for Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles on City Streets
Avon Lake City Council created a new chapter in its city code specifically governing low-speed vehicles, citing the growing number of golf carts and similar vehicles appearing on public roads and the need to address speed limits, safety requirements, and roadway restrictions.
Avon Lake City Council introduced Ordinance 26-13 to establish a new chapter in the city's traffic code governing low-speed vehicles — a category that includes golf carts and other street-legal vehicles typically limited to 25 mph or less.
The ordinance cites the 'increasing popularity and availability' of low-speed vehicles in residential communities and the 'growing number of such vehicles operating on public streets.' Council noted that these vehicles present unique safety considerations due to differences in speed, size, and visibility compared with standard automobiles.
The new chapter is being added within Title Ten of the Code of Ordinances, alongside existing sections covering bicycles, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. The ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Kos.
The move reflects a broader trend across suburban Ohio communities, where golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles have become increasingly common on local roads, particularly in lakefront and planned residential areas.