(A) Intent. It is the intent of this section to supplement M.S. Ch. 169, as it may be amended from time to time, with respect to the operations of golf carts within the city limits.
(B) Definition. A GOLF CART is an electric or gas engine powered cart from under four to 20 horsepower, with a top speed of no more than 20 mph.
(C) Requirements for the lawful operation of golf carts.
(1) Application for and receipt of a permit to operate a golf cart within the city limits in the manner provided in this section.
(a) Applications shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the city and shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
1. Full name, address and date of birth of the owner;
2. Description and serial number of the motorized golf cart; and
3. Copy of vehicle registration, if any.
(b) The applicant must submit proof of insurance complying with the provisions of M.S. § 65B.48, Subd. 5, as it may be amended from time to time, which requires basic economic loss benefits and residual liability coverage.
(c) The application must be accompanied by the $10 permit fee, the amount of which will be set by resolution of the City Council from time to time.
(d) Permits under this section shall be approved or denied by the Chief of Police and must be approved or denied within 60 days after receipt of the written application, unless additional information is needed. To obtain such additional information, the Chief of Police must send written notice to the applicant requesting such additional information within ten business days after the receipt of such application, in which event, the 60-day time limit shall commence upon receipt of such additional information. In the event that such application is denied, the applicant may request a hearing before the City Council by serving written notice of a request for hearing within ten days after receipt of the Police Chief’s written notice of denial of such application. The City Council shall hold a hearing allowing the applicant to submit any additional information or evidence supporting the applicant’s application under this section. The City Council shall thereafter make a decision to approve or deny such application based upon the evidence in the file and additional information provided by the applicant at the hearing.
(e) If the Chief of Police or City Council approves the application, the City Clerk will issue the permit to the applicant.
(f) Each permit issued under this section shall be for a period of time not to exceed three years and may be renewed. At any time during the permit period, and upon reasonable request by the city, the person issued a permit under this section may be required to submit further information or evidence that the permittee is in compliance with the permit requirements.
(2) Golf carts may only be operated from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset unless equipped with original equipment head lights, taillights and rear-facing brake lights.
(3) The operation of golf carts shall not exceed ten mph within the city.
(4) Golf carts shall display the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in M.S. § 169.522, as it may be amended from time to time.
(5) All operator of motorized golf carts must have a valid driver’s license.
(6) All owners/operators of motorized golf carts must obtain and maintain liability insurance complying with the provisions of M.S. § 65B.48, Subd. 5 (liability coverage), as it may be amended from time to time.
(7) Motorized golf carts shall be equipped with a rearview mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the roadway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(8) Motorized golf carts shall have the permit number designated by the city displayed in a conspicuous place on the vehicle in three-inch letter and numbers.
(9) Only one rider shall be allowed unless the golf cart is designed and specifically for two people.
(D) Designated roadways.
(1) Golf carts shall be allowed to operate on all public roadways and alleys. While operating on a public roadway or alley, a golf cart must comply with all state statute traffic regulation.
(2) The operation of golf carts is specifically prohibited on public sidewalks and on the city levee and levee slopes.
(E) Application of traffic laws. Every person operating a motorized golf cart pursuant to this section shall be subject to the state traffic laws, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts.
(F) Penalties. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; except that, failure to obtain a permit shall result in an administrative penalty only in the form of a fine of $100.