(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to authorize the operation of motorized golf carts on designated roadways in the City of Mapleton, pursuant to the authority given to the city by M.S. § 169.045.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DESIGNATED ROADWAYS. City streets and avenues not specifically excluded in this section. It does not mean Minnesota or county highways such as: Silver Street (MN Hwy 30), MN Hwy 22, and Central Ave. (Blue Earth County 7).
MOTORIZED GOLF CART. A vehicle commonly known as a golf cart, having at least four wheels, and either an electric or a gas motor.
(C) Required permit.
(1) No person may operate a motorized golf cart pursuant to this section without a valid permit from the city.
(2) Permit applications shall be available at city offices and shall be in a form approved by resolution of the City Council.
(3) Only persons at least 18 years of age will be issued a permit. Permit holders may add additional drivers under their permit that are 15 years or older. It is unlawful for owner of any golf cart to permit the golf cart to be operated contrary to the provisions of this section.
(4) At the time of application, the applicant shall:
(a) Provide proof of insurance complying with the requirements of M.S. § 65B.48, Subdivision 5, as the same may be amended from time to time; and
(b) Provide all other information as may be required by resolution of the City Council.
(5) All permits granted pursuant to this section shall be issued for a period not to exceed 1 year and may be renewed annually by complying with the requirements of this section.
(6) The City Council shall set fees for such permits by resolution.
(D) Conditions.
(1) No person shall operate a motorized golf cart under this section:
(a) Except on designated routes and from sunrise to sunset;
(b) In inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons in vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet;
(c) Without displaying the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in M.S. § 169.522;
(d) Unless the vehicle is equipped with a rear view mirror as provided in M.S. § 169.70;
(e) With a passenger or passengers unless each such passenger is seated on a seat specifically designed for the transport of passengers; or
(f) Without having a copy of the permit in possession while using the golf cart.
(2) The operator of a motorized golf cart under permit on designated routes shall have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the provisions of M.S. Ch. 169 or other applicable statute or ordinance, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts and except as otherwise specifically provided in M.S. § 169.045, Subdivision 7.
(E) Revocation or denial of permit. A permit may be revoked by the Chief of Police at any time or denied if it is shown that the permittee cannot safely or legally operate, or has not safely or legally operated, the motorized golf cart within the city or if the permittee's driver's license is no longer recognized as valid in the State of Minnesota. A permitee may appeal any such revocation or denial to the City Council by filing notice of appeal at the city office not later than 14 days after the date of notice of the action to be appealed from.
(F) Limitation of liability. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as an assumption of liability by the city for any injuries to persons or property which may result from the operation of a motorized golf cart by a permit holder, the grant of such permit, or the failure by the city to revoke said permit.
(G) Violation and penalties. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and is subject to having his or her permit under this section revoked.
(Ord. 70.12, passed 3-6-2012)