CHAPTER 81
GOLF CARTS

 

81.01 Purpose	81.07 Hours of Operation
81.02 Definition	81.08 Speed
81.03 Operation of Golf Carts Permitted	81.09 Parking Prohibited
81.04 Prohibited Streets	81.10 Permits
81.05 Unlawful Operation	81.11 Late Renewal Registration Fees
81.06 Equipment	81.12 Penalty

 

81.01 PURPOSE.

The purpose of this chapter is to permit the operation of golf carts on certain streets in the City, as authorized by Section 321.247 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. This chapter applies whenever a golf cart is operated on any street or alley of the City.

81.02 DEFINITION.

1.   “Golf cart” means a four-wheeled recreational vehicle, generally used for transportation of persons in a sport of golf, that is either electric powered or gas powered with a ground speed limited to 25 miles per hour.

81.03 OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS PERMITTED.

Golf carts with a current year permit issued by the City may be operated upon the streets of the City by persons possessing a valid Iowa driver's license and must be at least 16 years of age. Any persons 15 years of age and younger may not be permitted to operate, even if an adult is present. The person filing for a permit must be a City resident.

81.04 PROHIBITED STREETS.

Golf carts shall not be operated upon Highway 1, Highway 22, or on the shoulder thereof unless it is to cross said highways.

81.05 UNLAWFUL OPERATION.

1.   No golf cart shall be operated or parked upon City sidewalks or trails.

2.   No golf cart shall be operated while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics, or habit forming drugs.

3.   No person shall operate a golf cart in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner endangering the person or property of another or causing injury or damage to same.

4.   No golf cart shall carry more passengers than such golf cart is designed for.

5.   No golf cart may be operated by any minor under the age of 16, even if an adult is present.

6.   No golf cart may have more than one person behind the steering wheel when in operation.

7.   No person shall ride on, and no operator shall allow a person to ride on any portion of the golf cart, not designed or intended for the conveyance of passengers.

81.06 EQUIPMENT.

Golf carts operated upon City streets shall be equipped with a minimum of the following safety features:

1.   A slow-moving vehicle sign, with a City-issued permit sticker as indicated in section 81.09 The sign can be no less in size than, 16-inch in width and 14-inch in height.

2.   A bicycle safety flag, the top of which shall be a minimum of five feet above ground level.

3.   Adequate brakes.

4.   Headlights and taillights.

   A.   Aftermarket headlights and taillights may be installed on a golf cart.

   B.   Headlights must always remain in use during operations

81.07 HOURS OF OPERATION.

Golf carts may be operated on City streets and alleys only between sunrise and sunset.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.247)

81.08 SPEED.

No golf cart shall be operated on any City street at a speed in excess of 25 miles per hour. Posted speed limits must be followed in accordance with the Code of Iowa.