(A) Definition. Golf cart is defined pursuant to Neb. RS 60-103 and means any vehicle which:
(1) Is four-wheeled,
(2) Can attain in one mile more than 20 mph and not more than 25 mph on paved, level surface,
(3) Gross vehicle weight rating is less than 3,000 lbs, and
(4) Complies with 49 C.F.R., Part 571, or
(5) Three-wheeled vehicle whose speed attainable in one mile is not more than 25 mph on a paved, level surface,
(6) Gross weight rating is less than 3,000 lbs,
(7) Equipped with a windshield and occupant protection system, and
(8) Complies with 49 C.F.R., Part 571.
(B) Operation and equipment. A golf cart may be operated upon city streets and highways within the corporate limits of the city only if the operator and vehicle is in compliance with the following provisions in addition to the Nebraska Rules of the Road and city codes:
(1) Such golf cart must be registered with City Hall as provided in this chapter, unless the same is owned by the city itself.
(2) A golf cart may only be operated on city streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
(3) A golf cart shall not be operated at a speed faster than 20 miles per hour or the posted speed limit, whichever is less.
(4) Any person operating a golf cart as authorized by this code shall:
(a) Have a valid Class O operator's license as provided for in Neb. RS 60- 4,126;
(b) Have liability insurance coverage for the golf carts while in operation upon a street or highway and provide such insurance proof of coverage upon the demand of any peace officer requesting such proof within five days of such request; such insurance shall be within the limits stated in Neb. RS 60-509, as amended from time to time;
(c) Only operate such golf carts between sunrise and sunset; and
(d) Only have as many riders as the manufacturers intended.
(5) Every golf cart shall be equipped with: A braking system maintained in good operating condition; complete with working brake lights.
(C) Usage in parades; usage on public roads, sidewalks and trails. Golf carts may be operated without complying with this section only:
(1) During parades which have been authorized by the state or any department, board, commission, or political subdivision of the state,
(2) If the operation is removing snow from driveways or sidewalks within 48 hours after cessation of a snow storm, or
(3) On public trails and streets only if engaged by the public entity for snow removal.
(D) Controlled-access highways and off-limit streets. A golf cart shall not be operated on any controlled-access highway with more than two marked traffic lanes, or any portion of Chestnut Street.
(E) Crossing highways. For the purpose of this section, the crossing of a highway shall be permitted only if:
(1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90° perpendicular to the direction of travel being made on such highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a timely and safe crossing;
(2) The vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing shoulder or roadway of said highway;
(3) The operator yields the right of way to all traffic which constitutes an immediate or potential hazard; and
(4) In crossing a divided highway, the crossing shall only be made at an intersection of another highway or roadway.
(F) Registration.
(1) Only golf carts registered with City Hall or owned by the city shall be authorized for operation on streets or highways within the corporate limits of the city. A registration sticker shall be issued by City Hall upon the owner submitting the following:
(a) Certification from the Wahoo Police Department stating that the golf cart has been inspected and is in compliance with the equipment requirements identified by city code;
(b) Proof of liability insurance coverage for the vehicle specifically listing the vehicle as referenced by year, make, model, and serial number; and
(c) A $100 annual fee for registration of the vehicle.
(2) The registration sticker shall entitle the vehicle to be operated on the streets and highways of the city as provided by code during the calendar year of issuance. The annual fee will not be prorated and is not transferrable. No refunds shall be allowed for any reason. Registration will expire on December 31 of each year.
(3) A reflecting, self-destructing sticker with an assigned number will be provided to the registering owner upon registration of such vehicle at City Hall. This registration sticker shall be affixed on the vehicle's lower driver's side windshield if equipped, or if the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, then the sticker shall be affixed on the driver's side front of such vehicle. A duplicate sticker at a cost of $25 may be issued by City Hall in the event of a lost or destroyed registration sticker.
(G) Accident; report required. If an accident involving a golf cart results in an injury to any person resulting in the examination or treatment of the injured person by a physician, or results in the death of
any person, then the operator of each golf cart involved in the accident shall give notice of the accident in the same manner as provided in Neb. RS 60-699.
(H) Penalty; impoundment. Any person who violates any provision of this section or violates the provisions defined by Neb. RS Ch. 39 or Ch. 60 while operating a golf cart shall be subject to the penalties under the provisions of Neb. RS Ch. 39 and Ch. 60 and additionally all city-issued registrations for all of the operator's and the owner's golf cart shall be revoked as follows:
(1) For the operator's first offense, the operator shall be fined $200;
(2) For the operator's second offense occurring within two years of the first offense, the operator shall be fined $400;
(3) For the operator’s third offense occurring within two years of the first offense, the operator shall be fined $400, impoundment of vehicle, and all city-issued registrations of both the operator and the owner shall be revoked for a period of two years from the date of offense;
(4) For the operator’s fifth offense occurring within five years of the first offense, all city-issued registrations of both the operator and the owner shall be revoked for a period of ten years from the date of offense.
(Ord. 2440, passed 8-22-23)