(A) Definition. For the purposes of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
MOTORIZED CART or CART. An electric or gasoline powered motor vehicle, commonly called a “golf cart,” having no less than four wheels, an unladen weight of no more than 1,500 pounds, and as further defined in I.C. 9-13-2-69.7.
(B) Registration.
(1) Registration/transfer fee. A registration fee of $25 for each cart registered shall be payable at the time of registration, and the registration shall be effective for a period of one year. The registration fee shall be paid by January 31 of each year, in order to utilize a golf cart for the current year in which the registration is paid. All registration fees for motorized carts are to be deposited in the Winamac Police Department’s Continuing Education Fund.
(2) Decals issued upon registration. Prior to operation on private roads, highways, and other public-right-of-way, within the jurisdiction of the town, a motorized cart shall be registered by its owner with the Winamac Police Department. Upon such registration the Winamac Police Department shall issue two numerical identification decals to the owner and shall maintain a record of each identification number, along with the name and address of the registered owner. The identification decals shall be affixed to the front and rear fender areas of the cart so as to be fully visible when the cart is in operation. Registration and decals are non-transferable.
(3) Proof of financial responsibility. The owner of every motorized cart operated on private roads, highways and other public rights-of-way shall furnish proof of financial responsibility, as that term is defined by I.C. 9-25-2-3. Written proof of financial responsibility must be carried by the operator at all times.
(C) Operational regulations.
(1) Motorized carts shall be maintained in proper working condition, with all equipment in working order.
(2) Motorized carts shall be identified with a slow moving vehicle sign, as prescribed by I.C. 9-21-9-2, and equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, which will allow the licensed operator to operate on non-prohibited private roads, highways, and other public rights-of-way, under the jurisdiction of the town, posted with a speed limit of 35 miles an hour or less at a speed no greater than 30 miles per hour.
(3) Only persons possessing a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Indiana, another state of the United States of America or an international agency shall be permitted to operate a motorized cart on private roads, highways, and other public rights-of-way, under the jurisdiction of the town.
(4) No children under 48 pounds, that would require a child safety restraint seat, are permitted to ride on a motorized cart.
(5) Motorized carts shall not be operated on the town’s sidewalks or the greenway trails.
(6) Motorized carts shall not be operated on any of the following listed streets within the town’s corporate limits:
(a) U.S. Highway 35;
(b) State Road 14;
(c) State Road 119.
(7) Crossing of U.S. Highway 35, State Road 14, and State Road 119 by motorized carts shall be permitted only at designated crossings.
(8) Operators of all motorized carts must yield to overtaking traffic.
(D) Exemptions. An exemption may be issued for a limited time, location, and purpose by the Town Council, as occasions and conditions so require. Such occasions include, but are not limited to, parade participations and festivals.
(Ord. 11-2012, passed 8-13-2012; Am. Ord. 11 of 2017, passed 11-13-2017) Penalty, see §
70.99