The operation of a golf cart or off-road vehicle on and along the streets and alleys within the municipal boundary of the city is hereby authorized only so long as the golf cart or off-road vehicle is registered, operated, insured and equipped as hereinafter required. Failure to register, operate, insure and equip a golf cart or off-road vehicle as required herein shall constitute a violation of this subchapter and any subsequent codification of this subchapter in the City of Berne Code of Ordinances. Violations shall be punishable by fines, costs and penalties as hereinafter set forth. The operation of a golf cart or off-road vehicle over and upon the streets and alleys of the city shall be solely for the purpose of reaching a predetermined destination. The operation of a golf cart or off-road vehicle in the city shall be subject to the following additional restrictions on such operation:
(A) No golf cart or off-road vehicle may be operated on a highway, as defined herein, except for the purpose of crossing a highway, perpendicularly, at an intersection within a city street.
(B) An operator of a golf cart or off-road vehicle must operate said golf cart or off-road vehicle at a rate of speed which is not greater than is reasonable and proper, having due regard for the conditions then existing, shall obey posted speed limits and may not operate said golf cart or off-road vehicle in excess of 30 miles per hour. An operator of a golf cart or off-road vehicle shall abide by all traffic laws and signs governing the operation of motor vehicles in the city and as set forth in the Indiana Code.
(C) Golf carts and off-road vehicles shall be operated as close to the right edge of the street or alley as possible, and may not impede the flow of normal traffic.
(D) No golf cart or off-road vehicle may be operated or parked on city sidewalks.
(E) No golf cart or off-road vehicle shall be operated on a city street or alley between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. During permitted hours, headlights and tail lights shall be lighted between sunset and sunrise.
(F) No golf cart or off-road vehicle shall be operated on the frozen surface of public waters within 100 feet of an individual not in or upon a vehicle.
(G) No gas powered golf cart or off-road vehicle shall be operated unless the vehicle is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke.
(H) Any and all operators and riders of an off-road vehicle who are under the age of 18 years shall wear helmets at all times while said off-road vehicle is in operation.
(I) No golf cart or off-road vehicle shall be operated within 100 feet of a dwelling between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except on the individual's own property or property under the individual's control or as an invited guest.
(J) No golf cart or off-road vehicle shall be operated on any private property without the consent of the property owner.
(K) No operator shall operate a golf cart or off-road vehicle while a bow is present in or on the vehicle if the nock of an arrow is in position on the string of the bow.
(Ord. 692, passed 7-24-17; Am. Ord. 760, passed 2-13-23)