Ohio Form DPS 1373 Under-Speed Vehicle Inspection Guide

Ohio Form DPS 1373 Under-Speed Vehicle Inspection Guide – Ohio Form DPS 1373 is the official inspection certificate required by the Ohio Department of Public Safety for owners who want to operate an under-speed vehicle (commonly a golf cart), utility vehicle, or mini-truck on public streets or highways. Local authorities must first authorize such operation under Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) 4511.215. The form confirms the vehicle meets state equipment standards for roadways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

This guide explains the form, vehicle definitions, required equipment, the inspection and registration process, and where to download the official document. Information is based on current Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501-30, and Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) guidance.

What Is Ohio Form DPS 1373?

Form DPS 1373 (Inspection of Under-Speed Vehicle, Utility Vehicle, or Mini-Truck) is completed by a local law enforcement officer after a physical inspection. It verifies that the vehicle has the required safety equipment in working order. A completed and signed form is mandatory before you can register the vehicle at a local Deputy Registrar agency for on-road use.

Key points from the form itself:

It applies only in jurisdictions that have authorized these vehicles by ordinance or resolution.
The inspection is limited to equipment suitability for roads posted 35 mph or lower.
Owners must still check local rules, as cities, townships, and villages can add extra requirements.

Download the current official form here: Ohio DPS 1373 PDF.

Vehicle Definitions Under Ohio Law

Ohio Revised Code section 4501.01 defines the three vehicle types covered by DPS 1373:

Under-speed vehicle — A three- or four-wheeled vehicle (including most golf carts) with an attainable speed on a paved level surface of not more than 20 mph and a gross vehicle weight rating less than 3,000 pounds.
Utility vehicle — A self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for transporting material or cargo related to construction, agriculture, forestry, grounds maintenance, lawn and garden, or similar activities.
Mini-truck — A four-wheeled vehicle propelled by an electric motor (7,500 watts or less) or internal combustion engine (660 cc or less), with a total dry weight of 900–2,200 pounds, an enclosed cabin and operator seat, resembling a pickup or van with a rear cargo area/bed, and not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Note: These vehicles are generally not considered “motor vehicles” under Ohio law unless titled and registered for road use. Private-property-only use does not require a title or registration.

Legal Authority and Local Authorization

Under R.C. 4511.215, a local authority (city, village, or township) may authorize operation of under-speed vehicles, utility vehicles, or mini-trucks on public streets under its jurisdiction. When it does so, the local authority must:

Limit operation to streets and highways with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Require an inspection by local law enforcement that meets Department of Public Safety standards.
Allow only vehicles that pass the inspection, are properly titled (R.C. Chapter 4505), and are registered (R.C. Chapter 4503).
Notify the Director of Public Safety of the authorization.

Local governments may impose additional rules. Always contact your city, township, or village police or sheriff’s office before starting the process. Operation on unauthorized roads or roads over 35 mph is prohibited (see also R.C. 4511.214).

Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501-30 sets the statewide inspection and equipment standards that local agencies must follow.

Required Equipment Checklist for DPS 1373

According to Ohio Administrative Code 4501-30-02 and the DPS 1373 form, the vehicle must have the following equipment present and in proper working order:

Adequate brakes and braking system
Brake lights (2 lights)
Head lights (2 lights)
Tail lights (2 lights)
Warning devices / reflectors (e.g., turn signals)
Properly working steering mechanism
Windshield (to protect against roadway debris)
Rearview mirror (providing a view to the rear)
Tires in safe operating condition (free of major bumps, bulges, breaks, or other unsafe conditions)

All equipment must function correctly to pass inspection. Heavier under-speed vehicles (gross vehicle weight rating over 3,000 pounds) or mini-trucks (dry weight over 2,200 pounds) may face additional inspection requirements under R.C. 4513.02.

How to Complete the Inspection and Registration Process?

Follow these steps to make your under-speed vehicle, utility vehicle, or mini-truck street-legal in an authorized Ohio jurisdiction:

Confirm local authorization — Contact local law enforcement to verify that your city, township, or village allows these vehicles and learn any extra local rules or fees.
Prepare the vehicle — Ensure all required equipment is installed and working. Print and partially complete the owner and vehicle information sections of Form DPS 1373.
Schedule the inspection — Arrange an inspection with local law enforcement (police department or sheriff’s office). Some agencies offer appointments or set days/hours; fees vary by locality (examples range from free to $30–$150 depending on the jurisdiction).
Pass the inspection — An active officer inspects the vehicle, marks the equipment checklist, signs and dates the form, and provides the completed certificate.
Obtain a title — Take proof of ownership (bill of sale, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, or prior title), the completed DPS 1373, and any required affidavit (such as BMV 3722 – Affidavit for Titling Mini-Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Under-Speed Vehicle) to a County Clerk of Courts title office. Titles are issued by the Clerk of Courts, not the BMV.
Register and get license plates — Visit a local Deputy Registrar license agency with:
- Completed DPS 1373 inspection form
- Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum Certificate of Title
- Valid Ohio driver license, state ID, or Social Security card
- Proof of financial responsibility (insurance meeting state minimums)
- Any additional documents for leased vehicles (Power of Attorney and lease agreement copy)

Once registered, display the license plate(s) and operate only on authorized roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. A valid driver’s license is required.

Important Notes for Vehicle Owners

Insurance meeting Ohio’s financial responsibility requirements is typically required at inspection and registration.
Local rules can differ significantly — some places charge inspection fees, limit operation to residents, require annual re-inspections, or ban certain vehicle types.
Side-by-side ATVs/UTVs or all-purpose vehicles usually do not qualify as “utility vehicles” under these rules.
The form version available from official sources is the current DPS 1373 (recent updates reflect June 2026 or earlier revisions).
Always verify the latest requirements on the official Ohio BMV website or with local authorities, as laws and local ordinances can change.

Download Ohio Form DPS 1373

Get the official printable PDF directly from the Ohio Department of Public Safety:

Download Ohio Form DPS 1373 (PDF)

Additional helpful official resources:

Conclusion

Ohio Form DPS 1373 is the key document that allows owners of under-speed vehicles (golf carts), utility vehicles, and mini-trucks to legally operate on authorized public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. By completing a local law enforcement inspection, obtaining a title, and registering the vehicle, owners can comply with state law while following any additional local rules.

Start by confirming authorization in your specific Ohio jurisdiction, download the official form, prepare your vehicle’s equipment, and schedule the inspection. Using current official sources ensures you meet all requirements for safe and legal operation.