4519.02 Registration required - exceptions - operation of watercraft.

(A) Except as provided in divisions (B), (C), and (D) of this section, no person shall operate any snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle within this state unless the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle is registered and numbered in accordance with sections 4519.03 and 4519.04 of the Revised Code.

(B) No registration is required for a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle that is operated exclusively upon lands owned by the owner of the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle, or on lands to which the owner has a contractual right.

(C) No registration is required for a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle owned and used in this state by a resident of another state whenever that state has in effect a registration law similar to this chapter and the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle is properly registered under that state’s law. Any snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle owned and used in this state by a resident of a state not having a registration law similar to this chapter shall comply with section 4519.09 of the Revised Code.

(D) No registration is required for a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle owned and used in this state by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof, but the snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle shall display the name of the owner thereon.

(E) The owner or operator of any all-purpose vehicle operated or used upon the waters in this state shall comply with Chapters 1547. and 1548. of the Revised Code relative to the operation of watercraft.

(F) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (A) of this section shall be fined not more than twenty-five dollars. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (A) of this section, whoever violates division (A) of this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than fifty dollars.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004; 06-30-2005; 2008 SB209 06-25-2008