(A) Authorization. Pursuant to its authority under M.S. § 169.045, the city authorizes the operation of motorized golf carts on designated roadways as permitted under this section.
(B) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DESIGNATED ROADWAY. Roadways within the city with a posted speed limit of 30 miles-per-hour or less and/or identified on the “Permitted Roadways” figure accompanying Ord. 159, 4th Series. The operator, under permit, of a motorized golf cart may cross any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway within city limits.
MOTORIZED GOLF CART. A self-propelled vehicle of the type and style designated for, and commonly used by, patrons of golf courses, but excluding vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles or ATVs (including Class 1 and Class 2 ATVs as defined by the MN Department of Natural Resources), utility-terrain (or utility-task) vehicles or UTVs, mini-trucks, and other specialized vehicles not considered a motorized golf cart.
(C) Operation requirements. It is unlawful for any person to operate a motorized golf cart on a roadway unless:
(1) The operator possesses a valid driver’s license.
(2) The operation is on a designated roadway, except when crossing any non- designated street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.
(3) The operation is during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset as stated in § 73.05.
(4) The operation is only during the months of April through October of each year and not during inclement weather, or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions, or when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons or vehicles thereon at a distance of 500 feet.
(5) The motorized golf cart displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem, as described by M.S. § 169.522, on the rear thereof.
(6) The motorized golf cart is equipped with rear view mirrors as required by M.S. § 169.70.
(7) The motorized golf cart is equipped with headlights and taillights as defined in § 73.06.
(8) The operator provides a signal of intention when turning or stopping the motorized golf cart as defined in M.S. § 169.19. The signals herein required shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or signal device of a type approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
(9) The operator has insurance coverage required by state statute (presently M.S. § 65B.48, Subd. 5 where the term “motorcycle” shall be understood to represent “motorized golf cart”).
(10) The operator observes all traffic laws, except such as cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts.
(11) The number of persons occupying a motorized golf cart in motion does not exceed the manufacturer specifications.
(12) The operator has displayed a permit obtained from the city on the motorized golf cart as provided for herein, or as otherwise authorized by other provisions of this city code or state statute.
(D) Permits. Persons wishing to operate motorized golf carts on designated roadways must complete a permit application obtained from the City Clerk. Permits shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. Conditions for issuance of a permit are as follows:
(1) Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
(2) If the applicant is physically disabled, the applicant must submit a certificate signed by a licensed physician that the applicant is able to operate a motorized golf cart on the designated roadways.
(3) Applicant must have proof of insurance as required by M.S. § 65B.48, Subd. 5.
(4) Permit decals obtained from the city shall be affixed to the front panel of the driver’s side of the golf cart to ensure visibility for law enforcement.
(E) Inspections. Owners/operators of motorized golf carts attempting to obtain a permit from the city for operation on designated roadways shall have the motorized golf cart inspected by the city during the permit application process. To have inspection completed, owners/operators can drive the motorized golf cart to the North Mankato City Hall on designated roadways as defined herein. Where lack of available designated roadways does not permit an owner/operator of a motorized golf cart to drive to City Hall, the owner/operator can:
(1) Have the motorized golf cart transported by trailer to City Hall.
(2) Submit photos of the motorized golf cart to city staff for review. Submitted photos should include 1 photo of the front, rear, and each side of the motorized golf cart and shall be clear enough so that a detailed inspection can be completed. City staff reserves the right to request additional photos if they feel the original submitted photos are inadequate for a detailed inspection of the motorized golf cart.
(Ord. 159, 4th Series, passed 7-17-2023) Penalty, see § 10.99