(A) Golf carts shall not be operated on or alongside a public road, street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph.
(B) Golf carts may cross a road with a posted speed limit greater than 25 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 25 mph or less. Golf carts must cross in a manner that is the most direct route in order to decrease crossing distance, such as no riding along a road or crossing at an angle. Golf carts must also cross the road only at controlled intersections.
(C) Any person who operates a golf cart must be responsible for all liability associated with operation of the golf cart and must have liability insurance coverage which will cover the use of a golf cart in an amount not less than required by state law for motor vehicles operated on public highways in the state.
(D) (1) Each golf cart operator must, at all times, have the following documents on the golf cart while it is in operation on public roads, streets or highways:
(a) Golf cart registration card;
(b) Proof of liability insurance;
(c) Proof of ownership; and
(d) A completed waiver of liability, releasing the town from liability that may arise as a result of operation of a golf cart inside the town.
(2) Any person who operates a golf cart must be at least 16 years of age 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 such 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, roads or highways 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 any open container of alcohol shall be operated on public roads.
(F) The operator of the golf cart shall comply with all applicable state and local laws, including all applicable traffic laws, which governs the operation of the motor vehicle.
(G) 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 the golf cart not designed to carry passengers, such as the part of the golf cart designed to carry golf bags.
(H) No golf cart may be operated in a careless or reckless manner. In no instance shall a golf cart be operated at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions and in no instance at a speed of greater than 20 mph.
(I) Golf carts must be operated at the right edge of the roadway and must yield to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(J) 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. No parking on sidewalks is allowed.
(K) Seatbelts must be worn by all golf cart drivers and passengers while the golf cart is in motion.
(L) Golf carts without lights may be operated only during daylight hours. Golf carts meeting the requirements set forth above in § 72.05 of this chapter and registered for nighttime operation may operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
(M) (1) Operators of golf carts registered for limited use, such as for clear-visibility daytime use only, and lacking stop and turn signal indicators must follow G.S. § 20-154 and use proper hand signals to indicate the intention to start, stop or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle as hereinafter set forth:
(a) Left turn: hand and arm horizontal, forefinger pointing;
(b) Right turn: hand and arm pointed upward; and
(c) Stop: hand and arm pointed downward.
(2) All hand and arm signals shall be given from the left side of the vehicle and all signals shall be maintained or given continuously for the last 100 feet traveled prior to stopping or making a turn.
(N) The operation of golf carts in the following circumstances is exempt and is not subject to the provisions of this section:
(1) The operation of golf carts on private property, with the consent of the owner;
(2) The operation of golf carts on private streets;
(3) The use of a golf cart in connection with a parade, a festival or other special event provided the consent of the sponsor is obtained, the Chief of Police or designee is notified and provided the golf cart is only used during such event; and
(4) The use of golf carts by town personnel, other governmental agencies and/or public service agencies on official business.
(Ord. passed 5-14-2020) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Related provisions, see G.S. § 20-154