(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
GOLF CART. A vehicle powered by gas or electricity and is the type of vehicle typically operated on a golf course and includes under speed vehicles or low speed vehicles.
OPERATOR. Any person who operates or is in actual physical control of a golf cart.
OWNER. Any person or entity, other than a lien holder or dealer having title to a golf cart or legal rights to possession thereof.
(B) Equipment.
(1) Golf carts operated on the streets, highways and public property within the village shall have a minimum of the following functional equipment thereon:
(a) At least one working rear red-colored tail light;
(b) License plates in the front and rear of the golf cart, bracketed to the cart;
(c) A light to illuminate the rear license plate and make the plate legible from a distance of 50 feet;
(d) At least one working brake light;
(e) Two headlights, white or clear in color;
(f) A horn;
(g) A rearview mirror;
(h) A windshield;
(i) Turn signals;
(j) One seat belt per occupant of the cart;
(k) A child safety seat installed to manufacturer specifications for any occupant under the age of four or under 40 pounds in weight; and
(l) A child booster safety seat installed to manufacturer specifications for any occupant between the ages of four and eight or four feet, nine inches in height.
(2) Whoever violates this division (B) shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and fined not more than $100.
(C) Licensing requirements of operator.
(1) The operator of a golf cart on public roadways or on public property in the village shall have a valid driver’s license.
(2) The operator of a golf cart on public roadways or on public property in the village shall be no less than 16 years of age.
(3) Whoever violates this division (C) shall be guilty of a first degree misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 and imprisonment of not more than six months.
(D) Insurance requirements of owner and operator.
(1) The owner of a golf cart that is driven on public roadways or on public property in the village shall carry liability insurance thereon as required by the R.C. § 4509.101(A)(1).
(2) The operator of a golf cart that is driven on public roadways or on public property shall have in his possession proof of insurance while operating the golf cart.
(3) Whoever violates this division (D) shall be guilty of a first degree misdemeanor, and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 and imprisonment of not more than six months.
(E) Inspection and title requirements.
(1) No person shall operate a golf cart on public roadways or on public property in the village without first obtaining an inspection by the Chief of Police, the County Sheriff or the law enforcement official of another jurisdiction within the state to ensure compliance with state laws and this section.
(2) No person shall operate a golf cart on the public roadways or on public property in the village without a certificate of inspection in his or her possession.
(3) No person shall operate a golf cart on public roadways or on public property without first obtaining a certificate of title from the Clerk of Courts.
(4) Whoever violates this division (E) shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and fined not more than $100.
(F) Prohibited acts.
(1) No person shall operate a golf cart on public roadways or on public property in the village without first ensuring all occupants are securely seated in a fixed seat and wearing all available elements of a properly adjusted safety belt that is fixed to the vehicle.
(2) No person, being an operator of a golf cart operated on public roadways or on public property in the village, shall fail to wear all available elements of a properly adjusted safety belt that is fixed to the vehicle.
(3) No person, being a passenger of a golf cart operated on public roadways or on public property in the village, shall fail to wear all available elements of a properly adjusted safety belt that is fixed to the vehicle.
(4) No person shall operate a golf cart on a public roadway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph unless the vehicle is driven with the right side of the golf cart being within one foot of the right curb or edge of the roadway.
(5) No person shall operate a golf cart on restricted areas of the public bicycle path, except municipal employees operating municipal vehicles in accordance with their duties.
(6) Whoever violates this division (F) shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and fined accordingly.
(a) A violation of division (F)(1), (F)(4) and (F)(5) above shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and fined not more than $100.
(b) A violation of division (F)(2) above shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and fined not more than $30.
(c) A violation of division (F)(3) above shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor and fined not more than $20.
(G) Accident reports.
(1) The owner or operator of a golf cart involved in any accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately report the accident to the Police Department.
(2) The owner or operator of a golf cart involved in any accident resulting in damage to the property of any person in excess of $100 shall report the accident within 24 hours to the Police Department.
(3) Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a first degree misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 and imprisonment of not more than six months.
(Ord. 09-11, passed 8-8-2011; Ord. 02-18, passed 2-12-2018)