The operation of a golf cart or off-road vehicle on a highway, street, road or alleyway under the jurisdiction of the town is strictly prohibited unless the golf cart, or off-road vehicle is operated and equipped in full compliance with this chapter.
(A) Registration of off-road vehicle. All off-road vehicles including, but not limited to snowmobiles, must be registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor vehicles in accordance with I.C. 9-18.1-14.
(B) Operator. Only persons over 16 years of age and in possession of a valid, current driver's license may operate a golf cart, or off-road vehicle on a street, highway or in a public right-of- way.
(C) Financial responsibility proof. The operator of a golf cart, or off-road vehicle must show proof of financial responsibility when operating a golf cart or off-road vehicle. Written proof of financial responsibility must be available either on the golf cart/off-road vehicle, or carried by the operator at all times.
(D) Time of operation and lighting requirements. Golf carts and off-road vehicles shall not be operated on the town streets during one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless the golf cart or off-road vehicle is equipped with at least one operating headlight. In accordance with I.C. 9-19-6-17, at least one stop lamp, or lamps on the rear of the vehicle that displays a red, or an amber light, or any shade of color between red, and amber, visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet to the rear in normal sunlight that will be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake, and may be incorporated with at least one other rear lamp. Golf carts, and off-road vehicles must be equipped with lamps, or mechanical signal devices showing to the front and rear for the purpose of indicating an intention to turn either to the right, or left, if lamps are used for this purpose, the lamps showing to the front must be located on the same level, and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and when in use must display a white, or an amber light, or any shade of color between white, and amber, visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet to the front in normal sunlight. The lamps showing to the rear must be located at the same level, and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and when in use must display a red, or an amber light, or any shade of color between red, and amber, visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet to the rear in normal sunlight. When actuated the lamps must indicate the intended direction of turning by flashing the lights showing to the front, and rear on the side toward which the turn is made. If mechanical devices are used for this purpose, the devices must be self-illuminated when in use at the times required by I.C. 9-21-7-2. In addition, all golf carts, and off-road vehicles must be equipped with at least one rear-view mirror on the left side of the vehicle.
(E) Place of operation. Golf carts, and off-road vehicles may be operated on town streets. Golf carts, and off-road vehicles may not be operated on State Road 8, State Road 9, or any other state or federal highway except to cross said highways at a 90 degree angle. For more information of golf carts, and off-road vehicles operating along public highways reference I.C. 14-16-1-20. Golf carts, or off-road vehicles are not to be driven, or parked on the public sidewalks. No golf cart, or off-road vehicle shall be allowed to operate in any area designated as a park without the prior approval of the Park Department Superintendent, vehicles operated by town employees for the purposes of carrying out related job-duties for the good operation of the town are exempted from this restriction.
(F) Occupants. The number of occupants in a golf cart, or off-road vehicle shall be limited to the number of persons for whom factory seating is installed, and provided on the golf cart, or off-road vehicle. The operator and all occupants shall be seated in the golf cart, or off-road vehicle and no part of the body of the operator or occupant shall extend outside the perimeter of the cart or vehicle while the cart or vehicle is in operation. Children under three years old are not to be passengers on golf carts, or off-road vehicles on public streets, alleys or roads in the town.
(G) Traffic rules. The operator of the golf cart, or off-road vehicle shall comply with all traffic rules and regulations adopted by the State of Indiana and the town which govern the operation of motor vehicles.
(H) Slow-moving vehicle sign. All slow-moving vehicles, golf carts, or other off-road vehicles that are not under ordinary circumstances moved, operated, or driven at a speed greater than 25 miles per hour must display on the back of the vehicle a slow-moving vehicle emblem in accordance with I.C. 9-21-9-1, and no less than 14 inches by 16 inches in size.
(I) Variances. In the event that a person cannot meet any of the above criteria, that person may make a written request with the Town Council for an exception to the provisions of this chapter. Such written requests shall set forth the item, or items that cannot be met by said person, and the reasons for that, and shall state why the Town Council should allow an exception to any of the terms and provisions of this chapter. The Town Council shall have the authority to grant, or deny any such exceptions following the receipt of such a written request, and the appearance of the person making such request at a Town Council meeting, by establishing in writing the reasons for the granting, or denying of the exception(s) so requested.
(Ord. 2017-21, passed 12-12-17)