(A) Definitions. For purposes of this section the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICE (EPAMD). A self-balancing, two non-tandem wheeled device designed to transport only one person with an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour or less.
EMPLOYEE. Any officer, full time, part time, volunteer or unpaid person working under the direction, supervision and control of and performing work or services for the Village of Frankfort, the Frankfort Fire Protection District, or the Will County Forest Preserve District,
NEIGHBORHOOD VEHICLE. A self-propelled and motor vehicle with an engine displacement under 1,200 cubic centimeters which is capable of attaining in one mile a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, but not more than 25 miles per hour, and which conforms to federal regulations under Title 49 C.F.R. Part 571.500. At minimum, a neighborhood vehicle must be equipped as follows: brakes, a steering apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear, a slow moving emblem (as required of other vehicles in ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-709) on the rear of the neighborhood vehicle, a headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front, a tail lamp that emits a red light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear, brake lights, and turn signals.
RECREATIONAL TRAIL. Includes any public path, trail, route including the Old Plank Road Trail designed to be used by pedestrians, bicycles, walkers, joggers and other recreational users.
SIDEWALK. A paved walkway for pedestrian usage beside or proximate to a street or roadway which is not designed or intended for use as a recreational vehicle.
STREET. Includes any highway, roadway, street, alleyway designed or intended for vehicular travel, street right-of-way, street parkways and public sidewalks.
(B) Prohibited use of neighborhood vehicles. Except as provided in division (C) below, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a neighborhood vehicle or EPAMD on any street, recreational trail or public property in the Village of Frankfort.
(C) Authorization of use by Village of Frankfort and Frankfort Fire Protection District. Any person who is an employee of the Village of Frankfort, the Frankfort Fire Protection District or the Will County Forest Preserve District may operate a neighborhood vehicle or EPAMD on village streets or recreational trails subject to compliance with the following:
(1) The person must have a valid Illinois driver's license in his or her name issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.
(2) Neighborhood vehicle or EPAMD must be owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the Village of Frankfort, the Frankfort Fire Protection District, or the Will County Forest Preserve District.
(3) Neighborhood vehicles or EPAMD(s) may be operated only on streets where the posted or authorized speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less, recreational trails or public ways. In addition, an EPAMD may also be operated on sidewalks. This does not prohibit a neighborhood vehicle or EPAMD from crossing a street at an intersection where the street has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.
(4) Neighborhood vehicles or EPAMD(s) shall be operated in conformance with all applicable laws of the State of Illinois and ordinances of the Village of Frankfort not inconsistent with this section.
(5) The neighborhood vehicle shall be operated in conformance with any rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of Police of the Village of Frankfort regarding the operation of neighborhood vehicles or EPAMD(s).
(D) Chief of Police rules and regulations. The Chief of Police may promulgate and publish rules and regulations for the operation of neighborhood vehicles and EPAMD(s) not inconsistent with this section.
(E) Penalty. Any business or person found to have violated any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $250 for the first offense and not less than $500 for each subsequent offense.
(Ord. 2693, passed 2-22-11)