The following restrictions limiting the operation of golf carts in the city and the following rules and regulations shall apply:
(A) Only those golf carts that have the necessary safety equipment specified herein and have obtained the proper registration sticker from the city may be operated under the provisions of this section.
(B) (1) Golf cart transportation is limited to those streets and highways within the city limits which have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less (unless otherwise noted below).
(2) No golf carts shall be allowed on US Highway 52, NC 24/27 Bypass, or the Northeast Connector.
(C) A golf cart operator must maintain his or her golf cart in a safe condition at all times.
(D) Golf carts may cross a road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph; however, once the segment of road has been traversed, the golf cart is still required to travel only on or along a roadway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Golf carts must cross in a manner that is the most direct route in order to decrease crossing distance, i.e., no riding along a road or crossing at an angle. Under no circumstance is a golf cart allowed to cross a control access facility other than at bridges which cross over or under a control access facility.
(E) Any person who operates a golf cart must be responsible for all liability associated with operation of the golf cart and must have liability insurance coverage which will cover the use of a golf cart in an amount not less than required by North Carolina law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the State of North Carolina.
(F) Any person who operates a golf cart must be at least 18 years of age or older. No person may operate a golf cart unless that person is licensed to drive on the public streets, roads and highways of North Carolina and; then, only in accordance with such valid driver's license. Golf cart operators must carry their driver's license on their person at all times while operating a golf cart on public roads.
(G) Any person who operates a golf cart on public streets and roads must adhere to all applicable state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, including but not limited to those banning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and all other illegal drugs. In addition, no golf cart containing any open container of alcohol shall be operated on public roads.
(H) An operator may not allow the number of people in the golf cart at any time to exceed the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer. The operator shall not allow passengers to ride on any part of a golf cart not designed to carry passengers; such as, the part of the golf cart designed to carry golf bags.
(I) In no instance shall a golf cart be operated at a speed greater than 20 mph. No golf cart may be operated at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions.
(J) Golf carts must be operated at the right edge of the roadway and must yield to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(K) Golf carts must park in designated spaces in such a manner that multiple golf carts can utilize the space. All parking rules and limits apply. No parking on sidewalks is allowed.
(L) Golf carts must have basic equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a vehicle identification or serial number. Such equipment must include all safety devices as installed by said manufacturer, including rear view mirror and a rear triangle reflector of the same type required by North Carolina law.
(M) Golf carts must be equipped with headlights, rear facing brake lights and turn signals with said equipment in good and functional operating condition.
(Ord. 24-11, passed 5-6-24)