(A) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
DRIVER'S LICENSE. A valid current license to operate a motor vehicle issued by the State of Indiana or any other state.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Liability insurance coverage on a golf cart or a low speed vehicle in an amount not less than required by Indiana law for motor vehicles operated in the State of Indiana as provided in I.C. 9-25-2-3.
GOLF CART. A four-wheeled motor vehicle originally and specifically designed and intended to transport one or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.
LOW SPEED VEHICLE. A four-wheeled electrically powered motor vehicle with a maximum design speed of not more than 35 miles per hour and with operational and equipment specifications described in 49 CFR 571.500 that has not been privately assembled as described in I.C. 9-17-4-1 and that is equipped with:
(a) Headlamps;
(b) Front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps;
(c) Reflex reflectors;
(d) Exterior or interior mirrors;
(e) Brakes as specified in I.C. 9-19-3-1;
(f) Windshield;
(g) Vehicle identification number; and
(h) Safety belt installed at each designated seating position. The term does not include a golf cart or an off-road vehicle.
(B) Operation of golf carts and low-speed vehicles. Except as limited by this chapter, golf carts and low-speed vehicles may be operated in the unincorporated areas of the county on public roadways that have a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less and public roadways that do not have a posted speed limit but have a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less as prescribed by Indiana statute. In addition, golf carts and low-speed vehicles are permitted to cross public roadways, on which they are otherwise not permitted to operate, at right angles in order to travel from one public roadway under the jurisdiction of the county to another public roadway under the jurisdiction of the county when the operation can be done safely.
(C) Requirements. The operation of a golf cart or a low speed vehicle on the county roadways is prohibited unless operated and equipped and in full compliance with the following provisions:
(1) Operator. Only persons 16 years of age or older and holding a driver's license may operate a golf cart or a low speed vehicle on county roadways.
(2) Financial responsibility. The operator of a golf cart or a low speed vehicle must satisfy financial responsibility when operating a golf cart or a low speed vehicle. Written proof of financial responsibility must be available either on the golf cart or the low speed vehicle or carried by the operator at all times that the golf cart or low speed vehicle is operated on any county roadway.
(3) Place of operation. Golf carts and low speed vehicles may be operated on roadways in the unincorporated areas of the county, except the following where operation is prohibited:
(a) Any numbered county road, including but not limited to, those that are commonly referred to by another name such as:
1. Mishawaka Road - County Road 20;
2. North, south, east, and west county line roads;
3. Ash Road;
4. Old County Road 17;
5. Old US 20; and
6. Old US 33.
(b) All state highways.
(c) All public sidewalks and public bike paths.
(4) Occupancy. The number of occupants in a golf cart or a low speed vehicle is limited to the number of persons for whom the factory seating is installed and provided. The operator and all occupants must be seated in the golf cart or the low speed vehicle, and no part of the body of the operator or occupant is permitted to extend outside the perimeter of the golf cart or the low speed vehicle while in operation. Operator and occupants must wear seat belts at all times the golf cart or low speed vehicle is in motion.
(5) Traffic rules. The operator of a golf cart or a low speed vehicle must comply with all traffic laws, rules, and regulations adopted by the State of Indiana and the county which govern the operation of motor vehicles.
(6) Hours of operation. Golf carts and low speed vehicles may be operated on county roadways only between sunrise and sunset.
(7) Safety equipment. All low speed vehicles operated on county roadways must be equipped as provided in the definition of a low speed vehicle. All golf carts operated on county roadways must be equipped with:
(a) Seat belts for each designated seating position;
(b) Brakes as specified in I.C. 9-19-3-1;
(c) Turn signal lamps, front and rear; and
(d) Rear view mirror.
(8) Parking. Parking is not permitted on the travel portions of a county roadway.
(Ord. 2016-504, passed 11-7-2016; Ord. CO-2018-012, passed 4-16-2018)