(A) General. The establishment of a golf cart article is necessary to address the interests of public safety. Golf carts are not designed, or manufactured, to be used on public streets, roads, and highways (hereinafter “road(s)”), and the town in no way advocates, or endorses, their operation on roads. The town, by regulating such operations, is merely trying to address obvious safety issues, and adoption of this article is not to be relied upon as a determination that operation on roads is safe, or advisable, if done in accordance with this article. All persons who operate, or ride upon, carts on roads do so at their own risk and peril, and must be observant of, and attentive to, the safety of themselves and others, including their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The town has no liability under any theory of liability for permitting carts to be operated on roads under special legislation granted by the state legislature G.S. § 160A-300.6. Any person who operates a cart must procure, and maintain, liability insurance sufficient to cover the risks involved in using a cart on public roads within the town.
(B) Purpose. The purpose of this article shall be to establish a golf cart article within the town to promote the health, safety, and welfare of persons operating cart(s) within the town, and to protect the safety of their passengers and other users of roads.
(C) Definitions. For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates, or requires, a different meaning.
DRIVER’S LICENSE. A valid license issued to operate a motor vehicle, issued by the state or any other state.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Liability insurance coverage on a golf cart in an amount not less than required by state law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the state.
GOLF CART. A vehicle designed, and manufactured, for operation on a golf course for sporting, or recreational, purposes, and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 mph, pursuant to G.S. § 20-4.01(12a).
GOLF CART LICENSE. A sticker or tag provided by the town that must be visibly displayed on the golf cart. Each golf cart will have its own LICENSE.
OPERATOR. Only persons over 16 years of age, and holding a valid driver’s license, may operate a golf cart on roads.
(Ord. 31-2012, passed 8-20-2012)