(a) Definition. The purpose of this section is to regulate the use of Golf Carts upon the public streets of the City of Parkersburg.
As used in this section, the term "Golf Cart" shall mean a vehicle with four (4) wheels originally designed for operation on a Golf Course and powered by a battery or internal combustion motor.
(b) Acts Prohibited by Operator. The following acts are prohibited by an operator of a Golf Cart:
(1) No Golf Cart may be operated on an Interstate Highway, State Highway, or City Street with a posted speed limit in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour, or any street marked with a double yellow center line;
(2) No Golf Cart may be operated unless equipped with:
A. Rear stop lamps,
B. Turn signals,
C. Head lamps, reflectors, and tail lamps, and
D. Rear or sideview mirrors.
(3) No Golf Cart may be operated by any person who does not have a valid driver's license;
(4) No Golf Cart may be operated with a number of occupants in excess of the number of persons for which said vehicle was designed by its manufacturer;
(5) No Golf Cart may be operated unless all occupants are seated while said vehicle is in motion;
(6) No Golf Cart may be operated with a child under the age of six (6), unless the child is placed in and properly restrained in a federally approved child restraint;
(7) No Golf Cart may be operated with an occupant under the age of eighteen (18) unless said occupant is wearing a size appropriate protective helmet;
(8) No Golf Cart may be operated in any manner in violation of local or state traffic laws; and
(9) No Golf Cart may be operated on any sidewalk, right of way, or other location upon which a motor vehicle is prohibited.
(10) All Golf Carts must yield to pedestrians;
(11) All Golf Cart operators are required to carry liability insurance policies, and proof thereof, insuring Golf Carts operated on public roadways within the City of Parkersburg.
(c) Exceptions.
(1) A Golf Cart may only cross a street with no more than two (2) lanes of travel with a posted speed limit in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour but no greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour, and only when crossing at an intersection in a path perpendicular to said street;
(2) The City may authorize the operation of Golf Carts which would otherwise be prohibited under the terms of this section for the limited purpose of allowing participation in parades, exhibitions, and other special events, or in emergencies or for other specified purposes.
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to any "Other Power-Driven Mobility Device" (OPDMD) powered by batteries, fuel or any other motor or engine when it is used by individuals with mobility disabilities or for the purpose of Locomotion. This includes Electronic Personal Assistance Mobility Devices, or any Mobility Device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair, so long as said device is being operated in a manner or fashion consistent with the rules governing pedestrian traffic. All such devices or OPDMD's when operated by an operator who possesses a State Issued Disability Placard, card, or other state issued proof of disability are permitted. For purposes of this section, OPDMD's do not include Golf Carts as herein defined.
(d) Penalty. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). Any person who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
(Ord. 0-1740. Passed 4-16-24.)