This chapter establishes the following rules and regulations in the interest of public safety.
(A) Golf carts shall not be operated on or alongside a public road or street with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph.
(B) Golf carts may cross a road with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. However, once this segment of road has been traversed, the golf cart is still required to travel only on or along a roadway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. In order to decrease crossing distance, golf carts must cross in a manner that is the most direct route, i.e., no riding along a road or crossing at an angle. Under no circumstance is a golf cart allowed to cross a control access facility other than at bridges that cross over or under a control access facility.
(C) Any person who operates a golf cart must be responsible for all liability associated with its operation, and must have liability insurance coverage that will cover the use of the golf cart in an amount not less than required by state law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the state.
(D) Any person who operates a golf cart must be 16 years old or older. No person may operate a golf cart unless that person is licensed to drive upon the public streets, roads and highways of the state, and then only in accordance with a valid driver's license. Golf cart operators must carry their driver's license on their person at all times while operating a golf cart on public roads.
(E) Any person who operates a golf cart on public streets and roads must adhere to all applicable state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, including, but not limited to, those banning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages, and all other illegal drugs. In addition, no golf cart containing an open container of alcohol shall be operated on public roads.
(F) The operator of the golf cart shall comply with all traffic rules and regulations adopted by the state and the town that govern the operation of motor vehicles.
(G) (1) An operator may not allow the number of people in the golf cart at any one time to exceed the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer. The operator shall not allow passengers to ride on any part of a golf cart not designed to carry passengers, such as the part of the golf cart designed to carry golf bags.
(2) In no instance shall a golf cart be operated at a speed greater than 20 mph. No golf cart may be operated at a speed greater than what is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions.
(H) Golf carts must be operated at the right edge of the roadway and must yield to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(I) Golf carts must park in designated spaces in such a manner that multiple golf carts can utilize the space. All parking rules and limits apply. Parking on sidewalks is prohibited.
(J) Golf carts must have basic equipment supplied by the manufacturer, including a vehicle identification or serial number. Such equipment must include all safety devices as installed by the manufacturer, including s rearview mirror and a rear triangle reflector of the same type required by state law.
(K) Golf carts without lights may be operated only during daylight hours. Golf carts meeting the requirements set forth below may operate at any time:
(1) Golf carts having a mechanical turn signal indicator;
(2) Golf carts having two operating headlights, one on each side of the front of the golf cart, and two operating tail lights, one on each side of the rear of the cart;
(3) All four lights must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.
(L) All golf carts must be equipped with a type 1 or type 2 seatbelt assembly conforming to the requirements set forth in the safety standards in 49 C.F.R. § 571.500. (2001-356, s. 5.)
(M) All occupants must comply with North Carolina's Child Passenger Safety Law, G.S. § 20-137.1.
(Ord. passed 9-28-2015) Penalty, see § 74.99