(A) The operation of any golf cart on roads or streets outside a golf cart community within the City of Palm Bay is prohibited under the following conditions:
(1) In violation of State, County, or City traffic regulations.
(2) On streets or roads with speed limits greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour unless the street or road is approved by the City Engineer for crossing only, and the golf cart crossing is located at an approved controlled intersection.
(3) Golf cart use on sidewalks, and bicycle paths within a golf cart community is prohibited unless:
(a) The City Engineer or designee reviews the character, condition, and current use of the surrounding community, speed of roadway(s) being crossed, location(s) of golf cart crossings, and that golf carts, bicycles, disabled, and able-bodied pedestrians can safely share the sidewalk. The Florida Department of Transportation shall review the Ordinance before adoption.
(b) A minimum unobstructed sidewalk width of eight (8) feet is required and separated from back of curb, or edge of shoulder by at least five (5) feet is recommended, less may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
(c) A minimum width of four (4) foot grassed or stabilized, relatively flat area should be provided beyond the outside edge of sidewalks for recovery or stalled golf carts.
(d) Sidewalks with existing adjacent drainage features or fencing shall not be considered.
(4) Golf cart use on streets or roadways without appropriate golf cart crossing signage (MUTCD W11-11) posted by the City of Palm Bay or within a designated golf cart community.
(5) Operation of golf carts that are not equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear.
(6) Operation between the hours of sunset and sunrise unless the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) certifies the golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.
(7) By minors, unless accompanied by an adult, and the golf cart is equipped with an operational horn.
(8) Transporting more passengers than the number of passengers for which the golf cart was designed to carry or transporting any passenger who is not seated in a position intended by the golf cart manufacturer to carry a passenger.
(B) Golf carts operated in compliance with subsection (A) above, shall be allowed to operate upon the streets, roads, State highway system and sidewalks designated for operation as follows:
(1) Within golf cart communities. Which are defined within § 179.113 Definitions above, and on roads, and streets designated therein for golf cart usage. Each golf cart community shall provide signage and regulations for the use of golf carts on designating streets within golf cart communities where golf carts may be operated.
(2) To cross designated City roadways with a posted speed limit greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.
(3) Speed modified or 'hybrid' golf carts not conforming to the definition set forth above in § 179.113 Definitions above, are not authorized for streets within golf cart communities.
(Ord. 2021-48, passed 7-15-21)