In 2009, Ohio removed the registration exemption for all-purpose vehicles (APVs) being used on private property. Now, in addition to this change, a new license plate requirement recently took effect and operators of APVs are now required to display a license plate and validation sticker.
According to Ohio law, an “all-purpose vehicle” or APV is “any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or on more than one type of terrain, and steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or any combination thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes, and trail bikes.” The definition of “all-purpose vehicle” does not include golf carts or utility vehicles that are designed to transport materials or cargo.
What does this mean? Because APVs must now be registered with the Ohio BMV, this excludes them from liability and physical damage coverage under the standard Homeowners Policy. To provide liability and physical damage coverage, APVs should be written on a Personal Auto Policy.
There is an exception to this rule: APVs operated primarily for farm use are exempt. This exemption only applies if the APV is operated on farm land; use on public roads requires a license and registration. APVs that are operated for agricultural purposes may use public roads and rights-of-way when traveling from one farm field to another.