Carts that are not equipped and registered as required by the State Motor Vehicle Law may only be operated within the Town of Caswell Beach, in areas other than the golf course, in accordance with the following rules and regulations. Operation of carts in violation of these rules and regulations shall be subject to the penalty provisions of § 72.99 or in egregious cases, may constitute reckless driving as defined in North Carolina General Statutes.
(A) Each owner of a golf cart that operates within the town limits of the Town of Caswell Beach shall be liable for any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses arising from or in connection with any operation of that golf cart within those town limits by any person, whether or not authorized by that owner and whether or not such operation is negligent or not.
(B) Carts shall not be driven on or across Caswell Beach Road (State Road 1100) nor any other state, county or town road within the Town of Caswell Beach.
(C) Drivers of carts shall stay to the far right of the traveled portion of the road and yield the right-of-way to overtaking motor vehicles.
(D) Carts operating between the time of one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise shall be equipped with and have in use headlights and reflectors located on the rear of the cart.
(E) Carts shall be equipped with at least one operational mirror allowing the operator to see behind the cart.
(F) The number of individuals in a golf cart is limited to the number of seats available and individuals must remain seated while the golf cart is in operation.
(G) An unaccompanied driver must be at least 15 years old, and possess a state-issued permit allowing them to operate a vehicle.
(H) Any person younger than 18 years old who does not satisfy the unaccompanied driver requirement of division (G) of this section may drive a golf cart within the town limits of the Town of Caswell Beach only so long as an individual with a valid state issued driver’s license is seated beside that driver during operation of the cart.
(I) No individual may operate a golf cart unless their feet reach both pedals on the cart while seated or the cart is equipped with hand controls.
(J) To ensure safety, the lap of a golf cart driver shall remain free of all encumbrances.
(K) No golf cart or other vehicle shall be allowed on or to block the access to any public walkways.
(L) North Carolina laws as found G.S. § 20-138, regarding use of alcoholic beverages, apply to golf cart regulation in the Town of Caswell Beach.
(Res. passed 5-11-17) Penalty, see § 72.99