(a) Council does hereby authorize the operation of golf carts on certain City streets in limited circumstances and subject to the rules, regulations and restrictions contained herein.
(b) Council does hereby adopt the rules set forth herein to regulate the operation of golf carts within the City limits and in no circumstances other than simply for crossing purposes shall such a vehicle be operated on any street which has a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour.
(c) Definitions.
(1) "Vehicle" has the same meaning as set forth in Ohio R.C. 4501.01(A).
(2) "Motor Vehicle" has the same meaning as set forth in Ohio R.C. 4501.01(B).
(3) "Operator" has the same meaning as set forth in Ohio R.C. 4501.01(X).
(4) “Golf cart" is a motor vehicle as that term is defined under Ohio R.C. 4501.01(B).
(d) Inspection of Golf Carts.
(1) No person shall operate a golf cart on the streets within the City of Newton Falls unless the golf cart has been inspected by the Chief of Police or his designee for compliance with the State of Ohio's statutory requirements that are applicable to motor vehicles.
(2) If the Chief of Police or his designee determines that the golf cart complies with the State's statutory requirements, the Chief of Police or his designee shall issue a Certificate of Inspection which the owner may present to the Clerk of Courts together with other required ownership/title evidence in order to obtain a motor vehicle certificate of title. The owner may then present the certificate of title to the deputy Registrar to purchase registration and license plates.
(3) Proof of liability insurance comparable to that required for automobiles is required to operate a golf cart on the streets within the City of Newton Falls.
(e) Usage and Restriction.
(1) No golf carts shall be permitted to travel on any streets in the City of Newton Falls where the speed limit is greater than 25 miles per hour. Golf carts will be permitted to cross intersections with higher speeds, so long as they continue upon a street having a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.
(2) No person shall operate a golf cart on a public sidewalk or other leisure path.
(3) The operator of a golf cart on the streets in the City of Newton Falls shall be required to follow all traffic regulations.
(f) Penalty. Whoever violates this chapter is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense and for each subsequent offense the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. (Ord. 2018-14. Passed 9-4-18.)