GOLF CART POLICIES AT THE OHIO STATE FAIR

VIOLATION OF ANY OF THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE AND FINAL REVOCATION OF PERMIT & CART AND APPLICANT WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE.

ELIGIBILITY AND LICENSING

• Only authorized personnel, vendors, and approved volunteers/staff are permitted to operate golf carts on the fairgrounds.  
• All golf cart operators must be at least 16 years old and submit a copy of the following to the Ohio State Fair:
  • A valid driver's license,   
  • A copy of auto liability insurance,  
  • A copy of the driver’s license(s) for all approved drivers,  
  • A golf cart information form.
• A valid Ohio State Fair Golf Cart Permit must be attached to the front of the cart and remain clearly visible.

GOLF CART USAGE

• Golf carts are intended for official business use only, such as transporting supplies, assisting guests with disabilities, or conducting fair operations.  
• Personal use of golf carts or other similar vehicles by fairgoers is strictly prohibited, for example, inappropriate use of the golf cart includes:
  • Driving a golf cart to pick up food for personal consumption.  
  • Joyriding  
  • Racing  
• Golf carts must be operated at a safe speed, not exceeding 10 mph.  
• Operators must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times.
• Golf carts are only permitted in designated areas and on approved routes (the orange line path around the perimeter of the grounds, as indicated on the line on the map below). Carts are not allowed on the mallway or midways, in crowded pedestrian areas, or on grassy surfaces. This path is designed with the safety of the fairgoer in mind.
• No more passengers are allowed than the number of manufacturer-installed seats installed on the golf cart. Standing on the back or sides of the cart is forbidden. Carts cannot be modified to add additional seating beyond the manufacturer standard.   
• Golf carts must be parked in designated golf cart parking areas when not in use. When parking your cart, be careful to avoid blocking access to concessions, walkways, doorways, or roadways.
• Limited use of golf carts on the asphalt or hard surfaces of the fair not labeled in the map is permitted for deliveries or other required official business, only between the hours of Midnight and 9 a.m.  
• Carts must be kept secure at all times, especially at night.   
• Drivers and passengers are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages on carts, or drive after consuming alcoholic beverages.

PROHIBITED VEHICLES

The use of Golf Carts, Side-by-Sides, or other similar all-terrain vehicles, is limited to golf carts, gators or similarly manufactured vehicles. Use of ATV’s that do not meet those listed are not allowed. No vehicles with performances packages are permitted. All other electric or motorized vehicles are prohibited, including but not limited to: electric or motorized scooters, motorized bicycles, mini-bikes, slingshot trikes, dune buggies, hoverboards, and Segways.

ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES

• Violations of these policies will result in suspension of golf cart privileges or other disciplinary action, including but not limited to, the confiscation of the golf cart and requirement by the owner to remove the cart from the Fair no later than midnight on the day of the impoundment.  
• Serious or repeated offenses may lead to the offending individual being banned from operating golf carts on the fairgrounds. 
• The fair reserves the right to revoke golf cart access at any time based on safety concerns or operational requirements. 

PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

All golf carts must be registered with the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair Finance Office by completing the Golf Cart Application.

• Exhibitors – livestock exhibitors are encouraged to pre-order golf cart permits online during the entry process, which closes June 21 at 1 p.m. with the exception of Junior Horses, whose entry deadline is July 1 at 1 p.m.
• Vendors – vendors are encouraged to pre-order golf cart permits in conjunction with their vendor application and payment, no later than July 1 at 1 p.m.
• Staff and Volunteers – all staff and volunteers associated with the Ohio State Fair must complete all the necessary steps as provided by their supervisor to be approved for a golf cart permit and driving privileges. Any volunteers not on Ohio State Fair payroll must complete the golf cart information form so the driver information can be input into the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Office of Risk Management.  
• Contractors and Partners – all permit requests for contractors, partners, and volunteers providing their own golf cart are due by July 1. Contractors driving vehicles owned or rented by the Ohio State Fair, who are not on payroll, must complete the Golf Cart Information Form so information can be provided to Ohio Department of Administrative Services Office of Risk Management.