(A) Vehicles Allowed on Streets. Golf Carts and Utility-Terrain Vehicles, as defined and qualified herein, shall be allowed on Village streets under the conditions as stated herein. Dirt bikes and ATVs are prohibited.
(B) Definitions.
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE: | As defined by Section 1-101.8 of IVC. |
GOLF CART: | A vehicle specifically designed and intended for the purposes of transporting one or more persons and their golf clubs or maintenance equipment while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising the play of golf or maintaining the condition of the grounds on a public or private golf course, and as otherwise defined by Section 1-123.9 of the IVC. |
OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE: | As defined by Section 1-153.1 of the IVC. |
RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE: | As defined by Section 1-168.8 of the IVC. |
STATE AND COUNTY ROADS: | State and county roads include without limitation Grand Avenue, Thatcher Avenue, First Avenue, Des Plaines River Road, Belmont Avenue, Fullerton Avenue (east of First Avenue), and North Avenue. |
UTILITY-TERRAIN VEHICLE: | Any recreational motor vehicle other than an ATV, motorcycle, or snowmobile, designed for and capable of travel over designated unpaved roads, traveling on four or more low pressure tires of 20 psi or less, maximum width less than 74 inches, maximum weight less than 2,000 pounds, or having a wheel base of 94 inches or less. UTV does not include golf carts, vehicles specifically designed to carry a disabled person or implements of husbandry. |
VILLAGE STREETS: | Any of the streets within the boundaries of the Village except for State and County Roads. |
(C) Requirements. All persons wishing to operate a golf cart or utility-terrain vehicle on the Village streets shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Provide proof of current liability insurance clearly identifying coverage for operation of a golf cart and/or utility-terrain vehicle.
2. The vehicle shall be certified by the Village by inspection by the Police Chief or designated representative.
3. Any operator must comply with any published “Rules Concerning Alternate Transportation for the Village of River Grove” as periodically updated.
4. The vehicle shall display a Village decal on the rear of the vehicle.
5. Any operator shall have a current, valid driver’s license and must be at least 18 years of age and show proof of insurance.
6. Golf carts and utility-terrain vehicles must be equipped as follows:
(a) Horn;
(b) Brakes and brake lights;
(c) Turn signals on the front and rear;
(d) A steering wheel apparatus;
(e) Tires;
(f) Rearview mirror;
(g) Red reflector warning devices in the rear;
(h) Headlights that emit a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front which must illuminate when in operation;
(i) Tail lamps that emit a red light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear which must be illuminated when in operation;
(j) Seat belts for operator and all passengers;
(k) The golf cart or utility-terrain vehicle must have a windshield or operator must wear goggles or eyewear or eye protection;
(l) A slow moving emblem (as required of other vehicles in 625 ILCS 5/12-709 of the IVC) on the rear of the non-highway vehicle.
(m) The provision of 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code as the same shall currently exist and as it shall hereinafter be amended is adopted as a part hereof.
(7) For purposes of this section, both golf carts and utility-terrain vehicles may be referred to as “vehicles.”
(D) Rules. The following rules shall apply to the operation of golf carts and utilityterrain vehicles on Village streets and breach thereof shall constitute an Ordinance Violation.
1. The Operator shall obey all traffic laws of the State of Illinois and the Village of River Grove.
2. The operator and all passengers shall wear seatbelts when the vehicle is in operation.
3. Vehicles shall be operated only on Village streets, except where prohibited.
4. Vehicles shall not be capable of speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour. The definition of golf cart/UTV specifically excludes all-terrain vehicles, ATVs or any vehicle that is not a golf cart/UTV.
5. Vehicles shall not be operated on either Grand Avenue, Thatcher Avenue, First Avenue, Des Plaines River Road, Belmont Avenue, Fullerton Avenue (east of First Avenue), or North Avenue.
6. A person operating or who is in actual physical control of a vehicle as described herein on a roadway while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is subject to § 11-500 through 11-502 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes and any applicable ordinance of the Village.
7. Vehicles shall not be operated on any sidewalk, park, forest preserve or other public area, unless such operation is for the sole purpose of preserving, maintaining, or repairing public streets, alleys, sidewalks, vegetation, and other public areas or improvements.
8. Vehicles shall have front head lamps on at all times when vehicles are in operation.
9. Vehicles shall only be operated on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
(E) Permits.
1. No person shall operate a qualified vehicle without first obtaining a permit from the Chief of Police or a designated representative. Permits shall be granted for a period of 365 days, commencing on July 1st of each year and expiring on June 30th of each year. The cost of the permit is One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per year to be designated to the General Funds of the Village. An applicant must provide proof of Insurance coverage which is to be verified to be in effect by the Village Clerk or designated representative when obtaining and renewing a permit.
2. Every application for a permit shall be made on a form supplied by the Village and shall contain the following information:
(a) Name and address of applicant;
(b) Name of liability insurance carrier and policy number;
(c) The serial number, make, model and description of golf cart and/or utility-terrain vehicle;
(d) Signed Waiver of Liability by applicant releasing the Village and its employees, and agreeing to indemnify and hold the Village harmless from any and all future claims resulting from the operation of their vehicle on the Village streets;
(e) Photocopy of applicable liability insurance coverage card specifically for the vehicle to be operated pursuant to the permit;
(f) Such other information as the Village or Chief of Police may require.
3. No permit shall be granted unless the following conditions are met.
(a) The vehicle must be inspected by the Chief of Police or designated representative to insure that the vehicle is safe to operate on Village streets and is in compliance with this ordinance and with the State of Illinois Vehicle Code;
(b) A physically handicapped applicant must submit a certificate signed by a physician, certifying that the applicant is able to safely operate a qualified vehicle on Village streets;
(c) The applicant must provide evidence of insurance in compliance with the provisions of the Illinois Statutes regarding minimum liability insurance for passenger motor vehicles to be operated on the road of the State of Illinois.
4. The Village may suspend or revoke a permit granted hereunder upon a finding that the holder thereof has violated any provision of this ordinance or there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate a qualified vehicle on the designated roadways.
(F) Violations. A person who violates any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of $150. Any second or subsequent offense shall be punished by a fine of $300.00 and result in the revocation of the permit for a period of not less than three nor more than five years. To the extent that any violation of this ordinance also constitutes a violation of criminal statutes of the State of Illinois, the violator shall also be subject to criminal prosecution.
(G) Miscellaneous.
1. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction declares any particular provision of this ordinance to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provision of this ordinance shall be construed to be valid and enforceable. The invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect any part or parts thereof.
2. This ordinance, or portion thereof, of the Village which is contrary to this ordinance shall be deemed to be repealed.
(Ord. 2021-30, 8-19-2021)