Posted on Fri, Aug 20, 2010 @ 09:58 AM
If you own any type of all purpose vehicle (APV) such as a 4-wheeler, dirt bike, golf cart, etc… you are most likely affected by this change to Ohio law.
On February 11, 2010 we informed you that a registration exemption for all-purpose vehicles being used on private property was removed from Ohio law. As a result, APVs used on private property or on land to which there is a contractual right are now required to be registered with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Fines for failing to comply with this requirement have been increased from a maximum of $25 to a minimum of $50. There was no change to the farm exemption.
In addition to this change, a new license plate requirement took effect July 1, 2010. Operators of APVs are required to display a license plate and validation sticker rather than a registration number after this date. After an owner obtains a license plate, the BMV will issue a new validation sticker to display on the license plate for each three-year registration period.
These changes were buried in the transportation budget bill passed last year at the request of farm owners who want to be able to identify operators of these vehicles when they are trespassing. Unfortunately, the registration change creates a negative impact on how these vehicles are covered under standard homeowners’ insurance policies. It appears that because these vehicles are now required to be registered, they are excluded from the liability portion of a standard homeowners’ policy. If you own any type of off-road vehicle, please contact us to discuss this issue and how we can provide adequate coverage.
The BMV has indicated that financial responsibility requirements do not apply to APVs as long as they are not being operated on any public roads.
Posted on Thu, Feb 11, 2010 @ 02:46 PM
Back in 2009, the State of Ohio began mandating any type of off-road vehicle to be registered with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before operating these vehicles on an Ohio roadway. These off-road type vehicles are now required to display a license plate and validation sticker like other vehicles. Examples of these off-road vehicles include:
- Golf Carts
- ATV's
- Snowmobiles
- Off-highway motorcycles
This change also can have an impact on how these types of vehicles are covered from an insurance standpoint. Prior to this law, liability coverage to protect you while operating these off-road vehicles could be covered under a standard homeowners policy. Now, in many situations, coverage under your homeowners policy is no longer adequate. Instead, you may need to consider alternative coverage options such as listing the off-road vehicle on an auto policy or a separate ATV policy.
There are provisions under this new law which exempts certain types of vehicles from registration:
- When the off-road vehicle is operated exclusively on the land you own, but this exception only applies to snowmobiles and off-highway motorcycles.
- When the off-road vehicle is used exclusively on a farm.
Of course, violation of this new law results in a fine of between $50 and $100 but this could pale in comparison to the damages you might suffer if you're not properly insured. The legal language can be reviewed in its entirety by visiting this page.
Bottom line is, if you own any type of off-road vehicle, please call us to discuss whether your current insurance needs to be amended to properly protect you while you're enjoying your ATV, snowmobile and other off-road vehicles.
Photo by jmwests