Ohio § 4503.31
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 4503.31, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4503.31.
(A) As used in this section, “ person ” includes, but is not limited to, any person engaged in the business of manufacturing
or distributing, or selling at retail, displaying, offering for sale, or dealing in,
motorized bicycles who is not subject to section 4503.09 of the Revised Code , or an Ohio nonprofit corporation engaged in the business of testing of motor vehicles. (B) Persons other than manufacturers, dealers, or distributors may register annually
with the registrar of motor vehicles and obtain license plates to be displayed on
motor vehicles as provided by this section. Applications for annual registration shall be made at the time provided for payment
of the tax otherwise imposed on manufacturers, dealers, or distributors by section 4503.09 of the Revised Code and shall be in the manner to be prescribed by the registrar. The fee for such registration shall be twenty-five dollars and shall not be reduced
when the registration is for a part of a year. Applicants may procure a reasonable number of additional registration certificates
upon the payment of a fee of five dollars and appropriate postage as required by the
registrar for each copy. (C) Upon the filing of the application and the payment of the fee and postage prescribed
by this section, the registrar shall issue to each applicant a certificate of registration
and assign a distinctive number and furnish one license plate with the number thereon. With each additional registration certificate provided for in this section the registrar
shall furnish one license plate with the same numbering assigned in the original registration
certificate and shall add thereto such special designation as necessary to distinguish
one license plate from another. All license plates furnished by the registrar pursuant to this section shall be
so marked as to be distinguishable from license plates issued to dealers, manufacturers,
or distributors. (D) Except as provided by divisions (E) and (F) of this section, license plates issued
pursuant to this section may be used only on the following: (1) Motor vehicles or motorized bicycles owned and being used in testing or being demonstrated
for purposes of sale or lease; (2) Motor vehicles subject to the rights and remedies of a secured party being exercised
under Chapter 1309. of the Revised Code; (3) Motor vehicles being held or transported by any insurance company for purposes of
salvage disposition; (4) Motor vehicles being transported by any persons regularly engaged in salvage operations
or scrap metal processing from the point of acquisition to their established place
of business; (5) Motor vehicles owned by or in the lawful possession of an Ohio nonprofit corporation
while being used in the testing of those motor vehicles. (E) License plates issued pursuant to this section also may be used by all of the following: (1) Persons regularly engaged in the business of rustproofing, reconditioning, or installing
equipment or trim on motor vehicles for motor vehicle dealers and shall be used exclusively
when such motor vehicles are being transported to or from the motor vehicle dealer's
place of business; (2) Persons engaged in manufacturing articles for attachment to motor vehicles when such
motor vehicles are being transported to or from places where mechanical equipment
is attached to the chassis of such new motor vehicles; (3) Persons regularly and primarily engaged in the business of towing motor vehicles
while such motor vehicles are being towed to a point of storage. (F) License plates issued pursuant to this section also may be used on trailers being
transported by persons engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property
other than motor vehicles. (G) No person required to register an apportionable vehicle under the international registration
plan shall apply for or receive a license plate for that vehicle under this section. (H) The fees collected by the registrar pursuant to this section shall be paid into the
public safety--highway purposes fund established in section 4501.06 of the Revised Code and used for the purposes described in that section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 4503.31
What does Ohio Revised Code § 4503.31 cover?
Section 4503.31 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 4503.31?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 4503.31" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 4503.31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.