Lucas County Sheriff’s Office Golf Cart & UTV Inspections
Low-Speed Vehicle Inspections
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office provides low-speed vehicle inspections at no cost to Lucas County residents. Golf carts and UTVs that meet Ohio requirements may be eligible for operation on public streets where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less.
Before operating your vehicle on public roadways, owners must complete the required inspection and ensure the vehicle meets all applicable Ohio title, registration, equipment, insurance, and driver requirements.
Requirements for Street Use
To legally operate an inspected golf cart or UTV on qualifying public roads:
- The vehicle must be properly titled and registered in the State of Ohio. Standard Ohio BMV title and registration fees still apply.
- The completed inspection documentation must be provided to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as part of the registration and license-plate process.
- The operator must be 16 years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license.
- Any applicable child passenger safety-seat requirements must be followed.
- Drivers and vehicles must comply with all applicable Ohio traffic laws.
Vehicle Inspection
During the inspection, the golf cart or UTV will be evaluated to ensure it is properly equipped and safe for roadway operation.
Items that may be checked include:
- Braking system
- Two brake lights
- Two headlights
- Two rear tail lights
- Turn signals
- License-plate illumination
- Horn
- Rear license-plate mounting bracket
- Steering system
- Windshield
- Windshield wipers
- Rearview mirror
- Tires in safe operating condition, including required tread depth
- Seatbelts for the front seating positions
- Proof of current insurance
Lucas County Residents
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office offers these inspections free of charge to eligible Lucas County residents. Successful completion of an inspection does not by itself complete the vehicle registration process. Owners must still satisfy all applicable Ohio BMV requirements before the vehicle can be legally registered and operated on public streets.
Inspections are done at our Field Operations Post located at 10391 Airport Highway. For questions about scheduling an inspection or the inspection process, please contact the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office for current information and availability. Please call: 419-213-4836