(A) This traffic code is adopted in the interest of public safety. Golf carts and UTVs are not designed or manufactured to be used on public streets and roads, and the village in no way advocates or endorses their operation on streets or roadways. The village, by regulating such operation, is merely addressing safety issues. This traffic code is not to be relied upon as a determination that operation on streets is safe or advisable even if done in accordance with this traffic code. All persons operating golf carts and UTVs must be observant of and attentive to the safety of themselves and others, including their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists, and other pedestrians. All persons who operate or ride golf carts and UTVs on streets inside the village do so at their own risk and peril. The village has no liability under any theory of liability for permitting golf carts and UTVs to be operated on the streets of the village.
(B) Golf carts and UTVs may only be operated on streets within the village in accordance with the following rules and regulations.
(1) Any person who operates a golf cart or UTV in the village takes full responsibility for all liability associated with operating a golf cart or UTV.
(2) Any person who operates a golf cart or UTV must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle issued by the state or any other state.
(3) No person shall operate, and no owner shall permit another person to operate a golf cart or UTV on a village street unless:
(a) The golf cart or UTV is covered by a liability insurance policy as required by § 7-601 of the state’s Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-601); and
(b) The operator of the golf cart or UTV carries with him or her proof of liability insurance, as required by § 7-602 of the state’s Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-602).
(4) No person shall operate a golf cart or UTV on a village street in excess of the posted speed limits.
(5) Golf carts or UTVs may not be operated on State Highway 36.
(6) Golf carts and UTVs shall have their head-lights and tail-lights lighted at all times when operated on village streets.
(7) Golf carts and UTVs may not be operated when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
(8) Golf carts and UTVs shall not be operated on the sidewalk.
(9) Golf carts and UTV drivers must yield the right-of-way to overtaking vehicles at all times.
(10) Any person who operates a golf cart or UTV on the streets of the village must adhere to all applicable state laws concerning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and all illegal drugs, as well as all other state traffic laws.
(11) The maximum occupancy of golf carts and UTVs traveling on village streets shall be equal to the amount of safety belts or passenger restraints in the golf cart or UTV.
(12) Each driver and passenger of a golf cart or UTV shall wear a properly fastened and adjusted seat safety belt. Children must be secured in a child restraint system as required pursuant to the Child Passenger Protection Act (625 ILCS 25/1 et seq.).
(13) Golf carts and UTVs are only allowed to park in handicapped parking spaces if the driver or at least one passenger has a valid handicapped parking sticker.
(14) The operator of a golf cart or UTV shall obey all ordinances of the village and all provisions of the state’s Vehicle Code, as amended from time to time, if parking a golf cart or UTV in an area with marked parking spaces, those parking spaces must be used.
(15) Village owned golf cart(s) are exempt from this subchapter.
(Ord. 17-O-6, passed 7-31-2017) Penalty, see § 73.99