(A) Subject to inspection. Golf carts that operate on a public street, road or highway within the town shall be subject to an annual inspection by the Chief of Police, or his or her designee. After successfully completing the inspection process, the operator may receive a Town of Coats golf cart permit/sticker, which must be applied to the golf cart by the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, to insure that the permit/sticker is applied in the most conspicuous location on the golf cart.
(B) Safety requirements. The inspection by the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, will cover the following safety requirements, and every golf cart operating on town public streets, roads or highways must have the following safety equipment:
(1) Permits/stickers will be issued to operators of electric and gas powered golf carts.
(2) Each owner must have proof of ownership, and a completed waiver of liability, releasing the town, its employees, and affiliates from all liability that may arise as a result of operating a golf cart inside the town. A current waiver of liability must be on file with the town, and must be renewed annually.
(3) All golf carts must be equipped with a rearview mirror, lap belts and child restraints for use while it is in motion, and a reflective “slow moving vehicle” sign affixed on the rear of the golf cart.
(4) All golf cart operators must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver's license, except any driver or operator 18 years of age or older with a medical or physical condition that prevents that individual from being able to obtain a valid North Carolina drivers license. The medical or physical condition must be evidenced with a professionally certified mental or physical condition which, although it prevents them from driving a licensed motor vehicle, would not prevent the safe operation of a golf cart and said certification must be provided from a medical professional. Any driver or operator that is exempt from the requirement of a valid North Carolina license must still present and have on record and while operating a golf cart, a valid North Carolina identification card.
(5) Golf carts by design, are equipped to seat a certain number of passengers. Each golf cart differs in that it may accommodate two to six passengers, generally. This section is designed to regulate overcrowding or reckless operation of a golf cart; therefore no passengers are permitted to stand on a golf cart while it is in operation.
(6) Each owner of a golf cart must maintain in force liability insurance covering the golf cart in at least the minimum coverage amounts required for motor vehicles by state law and evidence of this liability coverage must be presented at the time of inspection.
(7) (a) Permits/stickers will be issued annually, and are valid from July first through June thirtieth. The following fees shall apply:
1. Annual inspection by Police Department, $15 (includes permit/sticker);
2. Re-inspection by Police Department upon failure; $5.
(b) Permit/stickers of initial inspection issued prior to 7-1-2010 shall be valid through 6-30-2011.
(8) Lost or stolen permit/stickers are the responsibility of the owner. A police report must be filed in the event of a lost or stolen permit/sticker. The Chief of Police will have the discretion in determining whether a permit/sticker may be re-issued in this instance. If no record can be found of a previous application, or the receipt of a permit/sticker, the Chief of Police may direct the applicant to reapply, and also resubmit any and all fees necessary, before a replacement permit/sticker is issued.
(Ord. passed - -) Penalty, see § 77.99