The Village of West Liberty hereby enacts the following applicable to the operation and use of golf carts within the Village.
(a) Definition. A “golf cart” is a motor vehicle as the term is defined under Ohio R.C. 4501.01(B).
(b) Equipment. In addition to any rules or regulations promulgated by the Ohio Director of Public Safety, pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 4511 and Ohio R.C. Chapter 4513, equipment of the golf cart shall include, but not necessarily be limited to requirements for the following items of equipment; all to be in working order during operation:
(1) Two headlights having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and objects at a distance at least 100 feet ahead under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness.
(2) Two red tail lights having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to be plainly visible from a distance at least 500 feet to the rear under normal atmospheric conditions during hours of darkness.
(3) Directional signals.
(4) Left side rear view mirror and a rear view mirror.
(5) White light illuminating the rear license plate.
(6) Horn.
(7) Windshield made of glass or safety glass.
(8) Two license plates; one in the front and one in the rear; bracketed to the cart.
(9) Brake lights.
(10) One seat belt per occupant.
(11) Child safety seat for any occupant under the age of four (4) or under forty (40) pounds in weight.
(c) Licensing Requirements of Operator.
(1) No person who is less than sixteen years of age shall operate a golf cart.
(2) The person must hold a valid current motor vehicle driver’s license.
(d) Inspection. No person shall operate a golf cart on the streets within the Village unless the golf cart has been inspected for compliance with the State of Ohio statutory requirements that are applicable to motor vehicles and the Codified Ordinances of the Village entitling the owner or operator to secure a title and license for the golf cart.
(e) Insurance. The owner of the golf cart shall provide proof of insurance at the time of inspection.
(f) Operation.
(1) A person shall operate the golf cart on public streets within the Village; obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles, except that no person shall operate a golf cart on any State Highway except to cross at an intersection to traverse to a different Village street or to access the closest local street or alleyway.
(2) Occupants of golf carts shall be seated at all times on the seat of the golf cart buckled by the seat belt when the golf cart is on and in motion. Standing on any portion of the golf cart while it is in motion is prohibited.
(3) A person shall not operate the golf cart on sidewalks.
(g) Limitation. The provisions of this section may be waived during limited period of special events for which the operators of said golf carts have received prior approval for the use of golf carts from the Village Police Chief.
(h) Penalty. Anyone who violates this section shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of an offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or plead guilty to a previous violation of this section, 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 prior violations of this section, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 2011-05. Passed 7-25-11.)