Ordinance #2026-01

An Ordinance Amending and Restating Village of Forest, Ohio Ordinance Section 331.12

Whereas, the Village of Forest, Ohio Council desires to amend existing Village Ordinance No. 331, Operation Generally, specifically amending Ordinance 331.12, “U” Turns Restricted.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Village of Forest, Ohio:

SECTION I. Section 331.12, “U” Turns Restricted, of the Village of Forest, Ohio Codified Ordinances, pertaining to the Traffic Ordinances, and Operation Generally, be and is hereby amended to read as follows:

331.12 “U” TURNS RESTRICTED.

1. Except as provided in Section 313.03 and subsection (b) hereof, no vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, if the vehicle cannot be seen within 500 feet by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction.
2. The driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, may turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction. This subsection applies only when the emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle is responding to an emergency call, is equipped with and displaying at least one flashing, rotating or oscillating light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and when the driver of the vehicle is giving an audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell. This subsection does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.

(ORC 4511.37)

3. Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, no vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction within an intersection, or upon any street in a business district, or upon a freeway, expressway or controlled-access highway, or where authorized signs are erected to prohibit such movement, or at any other location unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety to other users of the street and without interfering with the safe operation of any traffic that may be affected by such movement.
   • (1) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, no vehicle shall, at any time, be turned as to proceed in the opposite direction at any place on Lima Street between Martin Street and Warner street.
4. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
   
   If the offender commits the offense while distracted and the distracting activity is a contributing factor to the commission of the offense, the offender is subject to the additional fine established under Section 303.991 of the Traffic Code.

(ORC 4511.37)

SECTION II. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.

Notation of reading dates:

• 1^st reading 3/12/26
• 2^nd reading 3/26/26
• 3^rd reading 4/9/26

Passed 4/9/26