(A) Policy statement. This section is adopted in the interest of public safety. A golf cart is not designed or manufactured to be used on public streets or roadways and the City of Olive Hill, in no way advocates or endorses the operation of golf carts on city streets or roadways. The City of Olive Hill, by regulating such operation, is not to be relied upon as a determination that operation on city streets is safe or advisable, even if done in accordance with this section and other applicable laws. All persons operating golf carts under this section must possess a city issued permit, be observant of and attentive to the safety of themselves and others, including their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. All persons who operate or ride golf carts on city streets under this section do so at their own risk and peril. The City of Olive Hill has no liability under any theory of liability for permitting golf carts to be operated on designated city streets.
(B) Permitted uses/activities. Subject to the provisions of this section, the City of Olive Hill hereby authorizes operation of golf carts within the corporate boundaries of the City of Olive Hill on city streets only.
(C) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning
GOLF CART. Any self-propelled vehicle that:
(a) Is designed for the transportation of players or maintaining equipment on a golf course, while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising the play of golf, or maintaining the condition of the grounds on a golf course;
(b) Is a minimum of four wheels;
(c) Is designed to operate at a speed of not more that 35 miles per hour;
(d) Is designed to carry not more than six persons, including the driver;
(e) Is a maximum gross vehicle weight of 2,500 pounds;
(f) Is a maximum rated pay load capacity of 1,200 pounds; and
(g) Meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards for low-speed vehicles set forth in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500.
(D) Permit required. No person shall operate a golf cart on any city street unless he or she obtains and possesses a permit issued by the city. Every golf cart operated on city streets shall display a city issued permit which identifies the golf cart as allowed to be operated on city streets. Any person, age 18 or older, that holds a valid Kentucky motor vehicle operator's license may apply for a permit by submitting an application for a permit with the Olive Hill Police Department. Before a permit is issued, the golf cart shall be inspected by a certified inspector designated by the Olive Hill Police Department and certified through the Department of Vehicle Regulation to ensure that the golf cart complies with the requirements of KRS 189.286. The inspection fee shall not exceed $5 with an additional fee not to exceed $10 per trip charged if it becomes necessary for the certified inspector to travel to the site of the golf cart rather than having the golf cart brought to the City of Olive Hill inspection area. The permit is issued upon a $50 application fee payable to the City of Olive Hill. Each permit will cover that golf cart for a period of 12 months. An applicant may also apply for a special event permit. The special event permit will be issued upon a $15 application fee payable to the City of Olive Hill. A special event permit will last for the duration of any event hosted within Olive Hill and will be deemed void at the conclusion of said event.
(E) Other conditions. Any person possessing a city issued permit may operate a golf cart on any city street, if:
(1) The posted speed limit of the designated city street is 35 miles per hour or less;
(2) The operator of the golf cart does not cross a roadway at an intersection where the roadway being crossed has a posted speed limit of more that 35 miles per hour;
(3) The operator has a valid operator's license in his or her possession;
(4) The golf cart is being operated between sunrise and sunset;
(5) The golf cart displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem in compliance with KRS 189.820;
(6) The golf cart is insured in compliance with Kentucky Revised Statutes by the owner or operator and proof of insurance is kept inside the golf cart at all times of operation;
(7) The person operating the golf cart complies with the traffic regulation of KRS Chapter 189; and
(8) The person operating the golf cart does not drive the golf cart on any city sidewalk.
(F) Penalties. The City of Olive Hill imposes the following penalties for violation of this section:
(1) Violation of this section by any person possessing a city issued permit under this section shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of $50 for the first violation and the fine of $75 and revocation of the permit for a second violation of this section occurring within a 12-month period.
(2) Violation of this section by any person that does not possess a city issued permit under this section shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of $100 for the first violation and a fine of $150 for a second violation and each subsequent violation of this section occurring within a 12-month period.
(Ord. 2017-07, passed 8-15-2017)