(A) Definitions:
GOLF CART: A motorized vehicle with three (3) or four (4) wheels that is not designed to be operated at a speed of more than twenty five (25) miles per hour, and whose purpose can include, but is not limited to, the playing of golf and is generally designed to carry persons including the driver.
STREET: The entire right of way width between the curb boundary lines, shoulder, or swale of public property when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of pedestrian, bicycle or vehicular travel including parking. "Street" excludes roads owned and/or operated by the state or county.
WORK/UTILITY VEHICLES: All-terrain vehicles used primarily for work and utility functions and must include seats with seat belts, steering wheels and other required equipment. Examples are: John Deere Gators, Kawasaki Mules, Polaris Ranger, Yamaha Rhino, Honda Big Red, etc.
(B) Operation: The following use and operational restrictions are adopted by the city for golf carts/utility vehicles:
1. Operators of golf carts/utility vehicles shall adhere to all rules of the road applicable to motorized vehicles.
2. A golf cart/utility vehicle may be operated on a street by persons who are at least sixteen (16) years of age and possess a valid driver's license.
3. Golf carts/utility vehicles shall not be operated on a street in a negligent manner. For the purposes of this subsection, "to operate in a negligent manner" is defined as the operation of a golf cart/utility vehicle in such a manner as to endanger any persons or property, or to obstruct, hinder, or impede the lawful course of travel of any motor vehicle or the lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, walkways, or parks.
4. Golf carts/utility vehicles operation shall be permitted on all city of Momence streets unless posted signage prohibits such use. Such prohibited roadways include:
From the intersection of Route 1/17 and Industrial Drive in an easterly direction to the city limits;
From the intersection of Route 1/17 and Route 114 in a northerly direction to the city limits;
From the intersection of Route 1/17 and Route 114 in a southeasterly direction to the city limits;
From the intersection of Route 1/17 and Second Street in a westerly direction to the city limits.
5. All golf carts/utility vehicles shall have the following required equipment:
(a) Brakes and a parking brake.
(b) Steering apparatus.
(c) Tires.
(d) Rearview mirror.
(e) Red reflectorized warning devices in the front and rear, a slow moving emblem on the rear of the golf cart/utility vehicle.
(f) Headlamps that emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front.
(g) Taillamps that emit a red light visible from a distance of at least one hundred feet (100') from the rear.
(h) Front and rear turn signal lamps.
(i) Brake lights.
(j) When operated on a roadway, golf carts/utility vehicles shall have their headlamps and taillamps lighted.
(k) A warning/caution flag not less than five feet (5') above the rear frame. (Ord. 745, 10-1-2012)
(l) Recreational off highway vehicles are required to have a nonstraddle seat.
(m) Recreational off highway vehicle height and weight compliance: less than sixty four inches (64") wide and less than two thousand (2,000) pounds. (Ord. 776, 4-7-2014)
(C) License; Registration: All golf cart/utility/off highway vehicles shall be licensed annually, during designated times in the month of May, at the police department. Requirements for registering vehicles include, showing proof of ownership, proof of insurance, all municipal bills/fines paid, and all appropriate forms completed. In the course of registration, the owner shall pay a nonrefundable fee of twenty five dollars ($25.00). The annual license shall be considered expired should the owner of a golf cart/utility/off highway vehicle, not register said vehicle at the designated times in May. The expired license registration nonrefundable fee will be fifty dollars ($50.00). The nonrefundable registration fee will be twenty five dollars ($25.00) with a dated, proof of purchase document, for any golf cart/utility/off highway vehicles purchased during the fiscal year thereof. (Ord. 813, 4-4-2016)
(D) Penalty For Noncompliance: Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined in accordance with the city of Momence approved fine list found in section 1-4-1 of this code. If an underage operator is found to be using or operating a golf cart in violation of this section, the vehicle shall be impounded and the fee to recover shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00). (Ord. 680, 4-19-2010; amd. Ord. 745, 10-1-2012)