1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to ask you to consider legislation to amend Ohio law concerning the operation of mini-trucks on public roads. Under current Ohio Revised Code Sections 4511.214 and 4511.215, a mini-truck may generally be operated only on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and only where the local authority has affirmatively authorized its operation by ordinance or resolution. This creates a situation in which the legality of a properly titled and registered vehicle can change simply by crossing a municipal boundary. I believe Ohio should move toward a statewide standard rather than requiring individual municipalities to decide whether these vehicles may be operated. Mini-trucks are small, lightweight vehicles that are particularly well suited to low-speed local transportation. Ohio law already establishes a specific definition for mini-trucks and places significant restrictions on their operation. They are limited to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and they are subject to state requirements concerning equipment, registration, titling, and inspection. (Ohio Laws (https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.214?utm_source=chatgpt.com)⁠) My request would be for the General Assembly to amend the law so that a mini-truck that satisfies Ohio’s requirements for title, registration, equipment, and inspection may be operated statewide on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less without requiring each individual municipality to separately authorize them. I would still support allowing local governments to impose reasonable restrictions where there is a legitimate traffic or safety justification. However, I believe the default should be statewide authorization, with local governments retaining the ability to address specific roads or circumstances when necessary. The current system creates unnecessary uncertainty for Ohio residents. A person could lawfully register and insure a mini-truck, operate it on an eligible road in one community, and then be prohibited from using the same vehicle on an otherwise comparable road after crossing into another community solely because that municipality has not enacted an authorization ordinance. Ohio already uses statewide traffic laws to establish consistent rules for most motor vehicles. I believe mini-trucks should be treated similarly, particularly when their operation is already restricted to low-speed roads and the vehicles must meet applicable state requirements. I respectfully ask that you consider introducing or supporting legislation to remove the requirement for individual municipal authorization while maintaining the existing 35-mph operating limitation and appropriate state safety requirements. I would be happy to discuss this issue further or provide additional information regarding the practical effects of the current law. Thank you for your service to our district and for considering this request