(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section shall be to regulate the use of golf carts on roads within the city; to promote the health, safety and welfare of persons operating cart(s) within the city; and to protect the safety of their passengers and other users of roads within the city.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings.
GOLF CART. A vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 m.p.h. (G.S. § 20-4.01 (12a)).
DRIVER’S LICENSE. A valid license issued by the State of North Carolina, or any other state, to operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of North Carolina.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Liability insurance coverage on a golf cart in an amount not less than that required by North Carolina law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the State of North Carolina.
OPERATOR. Only persons over 16 years of age and holding a current, valid driver's license may operate a golf cart on roads.
(C) Rules and regulations for golf cart use on roads within the city.
(1) Golf carts shall not be operated on or alongside any public road or street with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or greater.
(2) Golf carts may cross a road with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or greater but only as provided for herein. Once this segment of road has been transversed, the golf cart is still required to travel only on or along a roadway with a speed limit of 35 m.p.h. or less. Golf carts must cross in a manner that is the most direct route in order to decrease crossing distance, i.e. no riding along a road or crossing at an angle. Under no circumstance is a golf cart allowed to cross a controlled access highway (i.e. interstate).
(D) Registration, inspection and fee prior to usage.
(1) All golf carts must be registered with the city by completion and submission of an application approved by the city. The applicant must provide a copy of a current, valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina or other state. Before driving on public roads, the operator of a golf cart must have a valid issued registration.
(2) Each owner must have proof of ownership, and liability insurance, and a completed waiver of liability, releasing the city from liability that may arise as a result of operation of a golf cart inside the city limits. These documents must be in the golf cart at all times while in operation on public roads.
(3) All golf carts must meet the requirements or minimum standards of safety equipment as set forth above in this section.
(4) All golf cart operators must present a valid driver’s license while operating a golf cart on a public road.
(5) The registration sticker shall be valid for no more than one year and must be visible on the golf cart.
(6) Lost or stolen permits/stickers are the sole responsibility of the owner and must be replaced before the golf cart is operated on a public road.
(7) Each golf cart permitted and registered under the provisions of this section shall pay a $50 per year registration fee.
(Ord. 18-03-12, passed 3-13-18)