(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DRIVER’S LICENSE. A valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle is required to operate a golf cart.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Liability insurance coverage on a golf cart in an amount not less than required by state law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the state.
GOLF CART. A vehicle with three or four wheels originally designed for operation on a golf course and powered by a battery or internal combustion motor.
(B) Registration. The owners or lessees of golf carts shall obtain a permit for the golf cart from the city before operation on any public right-of-way. The registration process shall include payment of an annual registration fee and an inspection by the Police Department to verify the golf cart is insured and is properly equipped as required by this section. Registration receipt must be available either on the golf cart or carried by the operator at all times.
(C) Operator. Only persons holding a valid driver’s license may operate a golf cart on any public right-of-way.
(D) Financial responsibility. The financial ability of the owner, lessee, or operator notwithstanding, the golf cart must be covered by liability insurance in an amount not less than that provided by state statutes for motor vehicles operated on public thoroughfares in the state. Written proof of financial responsibility must be available either on the golf cart or carried by the operator at all times.
(E) Required equipment. All golf carts must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering, and safe tires. All golf carts must be equipped with operational tail lights and headlights if driven after sunset. All golf carts must be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle placard, prominently displayed on the rear of the golf-cart.
(F) Operation.
(1) Golf carts may only be driven on the roadway or alley ways. Golf cart operation is prohibited on sidewalks, walking paths, grass rights-of-way, any private property without the owner’s consent, and on city park property except areas designated for vehicular parking.
(2) Golf carts shall not be operated on any public street or alleyway between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(3) Golf carts may not be operated at a speed greater than 20 m.p.h.
(4) The operator of the golf cart shall comply with all traffic rules and regulations adopted by the state and the city for the operation of motor vehicles.
(G) Occupants. The number of occupants in a golf cart shall be limited to the number of persons for whom factory seating is installed and provided on the golf cart. The operator and all occupants shall be seated in the golf cart and no part of the body of the operator or occupant shall extend outside the perimeter of the golf cart while the golf cart is being operated. No occupant of a golf cart shall set upon another during operation. Operators of any golf cart may not carry child passengers less than six years of age.
(H) Wrecked or damaged golf carts. Any person removing a wrecked or damaged golf cart from a street or highway shall remove any glass, debris, or foreign materials dropped upon the street or highway from the golf cart.
(Ord. 2009-04, passed 9-8-2009) Penalty, see § 70.99