331.46 OPERATION OF A GOLF CART.

   (a)   Definitions.

      (1)   "Proof of financial responsibility" has the same meaning as set forth in R.C. 4509.01(K).

      (2)   "Golf cart" is a motor vehicle as that term is defined in R.C. 4501.01(B). Golf carts are a type of under speed vehicle (USV). A USV is a four wheeled vehicle other than a truck that is originally designed and constructed with a top attainable speed of 20 mph or less or is not originally designed or constructed for operation on a street or highway. It may not be operated on a public street or highway unless it complies with R.C. 4513.

      (3)   "Inspection" means that inspection that is required by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-1-01 through 4501:2-1-21.

      (4)   "Operator" means a person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. R.C. 4501.01(X).

      (5)   "Registration" has the same meaning as set forth in R.C. 4503.10(A).

   (b)   Inspection of Golf Carts.

      (1)   No person shall operate a golf cart on the streets permitted in the Village of Shawnee Hills unless the golf cart has been inspected by the Chief of Police or his designee for compliance with the state of Ohio's statutory requirements that are applicable to motor vehicles.

      (2)   The inspection must be prearranged with the Chief of Police or his designee.

      (3)   If the Chief of Police or his designee determines the golf cart complies with the state of Ohio statutory requirements that are applicable to motor vehicles, the Chief of Police or his designee shall issue the owner a certificate of compliance entitling the owner to register, apply for a title and purchase license plates for the vehicle. The owner also must show the Chief of Police or his designee a valid Ohio operator's license (driver's license) and proof of financial responsibility for the golf cart before the certificate of compliance is issued.

      (4)   If the owner of a golf cart has had the cart inspected, registered and titled, prior to the effective date of this section or moves to the Village of Shawnee Hills after the effective date of this section, but previously having had the golf cart inspected by an authorized inspection program, in order to legally operate the vehicle in the Village of Shawnee Hills, the owner/operator must still provide evidence of an inspection in compliance with Ohio statutory requirements.

         (Ord. 04-2016. Passed 3-28-16.)

      (5)   There will be a $15.00 inspection fee per golf cart inspected.

         (Ord. 13-2019. Passed 5-13-19.)

   (c)   Restricted Operation of a Golf Cart.

      (1)   No person shall operate a golf cart on any street, alley, or roadway within the Village of Shawnee Hills unless the operator has a valid Ohio operator's license (driver's license), a valid registration for the vehicle and proof of financial responsibility. It is prima facie evidence that an operator does not have a valid license, registration, or insurance if the operator fails to show proof of such upon being lawfully stopped.

      (2)   No person shall operate a golf cart on any street or highway within the Village of Shawnee Hills where the posted speed limit exceeds thirty-five (35) miles per hour. Operators may cross state highways and streets where the speed limit exceeds thirty-five (35) miles per hour, provided they comply with all other applicable state and local laws.

      (3)   Occupants of golf carts shall be seated at all times on the seat of the golf cart and wearing a seat belt when the golf cart is in motion. Standing on any portion of the golf cart when it is in motion is prohibited.

      (4)   Operators of golf carts shall comply with all local and state laws pertaining to, and governing, operating motor vehicles upon public roadways and highways.

   (d)   Requirements. All golf carts operated under this Section shall have and be equipped with:

      (1)   Seat belts. The seat belts shall be securely fastened to the cart to prevent the belt or its mounting from breaking away from the cart during a crash. There shall be enough seat belts as there are seats or passengers on the cart.

      (2)   Two working head lights capable of revealing persons or substantial objects seventy-five feet (75') ahead.

      (3)   At least one tail light mounted to the rear, which when lighted, shall emit a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear.

      (4)   Two red reflectors mounted on the rear which may or may not be incorporated with the tail/brake light assemblies, of such a size and character and so maintained as to be visible at night from all distances of three hundred feet (300').

      (5)   Two stop lights which shall be mounted on the rear of the golf cart, actuated upon application of the service brake, and may be incorporated with other red lights. Such stop lights, when actuated, shall emit a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the read of the golf cart.

      (6)   A working rear registration plate light, constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it legible from a distance of fifty feet (50').

      (7)   Working electrical or mechanical left and right turn signals mounted to and facing the front and rear of the golf cart, and the same candlepower requirements for all lights as are set forth in chapter 4513 of the Revised Code.

      (8)   One working horn capable of emitting audible sounds, under normal conditions, from a distance of not less than two hundred feet (200').

      (9)   A full front windshield capable of deflecting bugs and other airborne debris.

      (10)   A working brake capable of bringing the golf cart to a safe stop from top speed, and a parking brake which may or may not be part of the same braking system.

      (11)   A mirror so located as to reflect to the operator a view of the roadway to the rear of the gold cart.

   (e)   Penalties.

      (1)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

      (2)   Officers may impound any golf cart that is not in compliance with this ordinance, or any golf cart operated by a person who does not have a valid driver license or insurance coverage on the golf cart. A golf cart that is impounded pursuant to this ordinance may be forfeited to the Village of Shawnee Hills.
(Ord. 04-2016. Passed 3-28-16.)