Special Vehicles in Ohio

Many Ohioans either own or are interested in buying a vehicle other than a car or motorcycle. So, let's take a look at some of these other types of transportation and fun.

Specifically, we'll examine snowmobiles, all-purpose vehicles (APVs), and off-highway motorcycles (OHMs).

Note that if you're interested in information about boats, recreational vehicles, or custom-built vehicles, we have separate sections covering them.

Definitions

It's confusing to determine what these classifications mean, so we'll examine how Ohio lawmakers define the categories.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are categorized as self-propelled vehicles that are steered by skis, caterpillar treads, or runners, and are meant to be used mostly on ice or snow.

All-Purpose Vehicles

An APV is defined as a self-propelled vehicle that is steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, and is designed primarily for cross-country travel on land or water.

While this definition is not meant to include utility vehicles or even things like golf carts, it does include all-terrain vehicles, trail bikes, mini-bikes, all-season vehicles, or vehicles that operate on a cushion of air.

Off-Highway Motorcycles

An OHM is classified as a bike that is meant to be used primarily on land, other than a highway or street.

Licensing

To operate an APV or OHM on the state's public land or waterways, you'll need to have a current operator, probationary, or commercial driver's license.

If you're under 16, you'll also need to have a licensed driver who is 18 or older with you.

To operate a snowmobile, you must also have a license. However, the state allows unlicensed riders between the ages of 12 and 16 to use a snowmobile on state-controlled land, if they are with a currently-licensed parent or guardian who is over 18.

Titling and Registration

All the specialty vehicles we've discussed will need to be registered. However, only APV and OHM owners will need to have a title, too. And, the title must come first.

If you bought an APV or OHM from a dealer, the title must be in your name. The dealer has up to 30 days to give you the title. If you bought the vehicle from a private seller, the seller will need to assign it to you by signing the back of the title. You'll then need to apply for a new title at a title office for a $5 fee.

Once you've received your title, you must register your APV, OHM, or snowmobile at a branch office.

Registration certificates are valid for three years, and will expire on December 31 of the last year. Expect to pay a $5 registration fee and a $3.50 issuance fee. You may renew your registration up to 90 days before its expiration date.

The registration comes with an alphanumerical decal that must be affixed to the vehicle in an easily-visible location.

Operating Rules

Anyone operating any of these specialty vehicles must follow the applicable state motor vehicle driving laws. You can expect to be punished for violating the rules, too. The penalties for disobeying registration, operating, or equipment requirements are similar to those for cars or motorcycles.

Also, for breaking rules specific to APVs, OMVs, or snowmobiles, you may be fined as well as have your registration suspended for up to 60 days.

For more complete information regarding the rules governing these specialty vehicles, consult Chapter 4519 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Out-of-State Permits

If you live outside the state but want to operate an APV, OMV, or snowmobile on Ohio's public land or waterways, you'll have to apply for a temporary permit if your state doesn't have similar registration requirements to ours.

To apply for the permit, you'll need to visit a deputy registrar's office. The permit is valid for 15 days. You'll have to pay a $5 registration fee and a $3.50 issuing fee. Make sure to keep the permit handy.

If you're not sure how your state's registration laws compare to ours, you can call the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 614-752-5000 to find out. Or, you can call or visit a deputy registrar's branch.

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