Definition for Low Speed Vehicles (LSV)

LSV stands for “Low Speed Vehicle”. An LSV is a street legal vehicle that has a minimum speed of 20 mph and maximum speed of 25 mph, and can legally be driven on most roads posted 35 mph or less.

All LSV vehicles must meet all U.S. federal safety standards (FMVSS 500) which require a registered VIN number, automotive safety windshield glass, safety belts, turn signals, headlamps, brake lights, horn, mirrors, reflex reflectors, a parking brake and a rear view camera. They also must meet state and local laws which can include windshield wipers and warning beacons.

In addition to federal, local and state laws the Society of Automotive Engineers created a voluntary industry standard for LSVs with SAEJ2358 LSV. This voluntary safety standard includes additional detailed requirements.

As of January 1, 2017, the Ohio Revised Code authorizes a “low-speed vehicle” (defined as having a maximum speed of 20-25 miles per hour) (“LSV”) to operate on any street having an established speed limit of not more than thirty-five miles per hour subject to local regulations.

The authorization to operate these vehicles on public roads is at the discretion of the local authority of the jurisdiction where the vehicle will be operated (see Ohio Revised Code 4511.215). Please contact local law enforcement in the city, township, village or other jurisdiction for applicable laws.

Each vehicle must successfully pass the required vehicle inspection performed by local law enforcement prior to obtaining certificate of title and registration.

Click HERE for more information on the equipment requirements for road-use.

Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV)
For registration, the following must be presented:

1. Ohio certificate of title or memorandum of title
2. Valid Ohio driver license, state ID or Social Security card
3. Tax ID number if titled in a business name

Updated 12/6/2019