§ 36-4. Golf carts.

(a)

Operation and use on city streets.

(1)

A person shall not operate a golf cart on any street unless he or she is at least 16 years old and is licensed to operate a motor vehicle.

(2)

The operator of a golf cart shall obey all sections pertaining to traffic in the Michigan Vehicle Code and the Uniform Traffic Code.

(3)

A person operating a golf cart upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

(4)

A person shall not operate a golf cart on any other street other than a city street subject to the requirement of this section that operation is prohibited on a city highway or street with a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour except to cross that highway or street. City streets for purposes of this section are all those east of West Jefferson Avenue excluding those which have a maximum speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour consistent with the restrictions imposed under this section.

(5)

Golf carts shall not be operated on a sidewalk constructed for the use of pedestrians.

(6)

Golf carts shall not be operated on bike paths or any other non-motorized paths within the city.

(7)

A person operating a golf cart shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a two-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a one-way street, in an unoccupied lane.

(8)

A golf cart shall be operated at a speed not to exceed 15 miles per hour and shall not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour except to cross that highway or street.

(9)

A golf cart shall not be operated on city streets during the time period from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.

(10)

A golf cart shall not be operated during periods of inclement weather where visibility of golf cart operators and other motorists may be impaired, or when road conditions are such that operating a golf cart would be dangerous and or hazardous to persons or property.

(11)

All operators and passengers of a golf cart are required to have a seat. Riding in the lap of another occupant while the golf cart is moving, sharing a seat with another occupant while the golf cart is moving when that seat is specifically designed for one occupant, standing in the golf cart while the golf cart is moving and hanging from the golf cart while the golf cart is moving all shall be prohibited.

(12)

A person operating a golf cart or who is a passenger in a golf cart is not required to wear a helmet.

(13)

This section does not apply to a police officer operating a golf cart in the performance of his or her official duties.

(14)

A golf cart operated on a city street under this section is not required to be registered under the Michigan Vehicle Code for purposes of section 3101 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3101.

(15)

The operator of a golf cart shall comply with the signal requirements of MCL 257.648 that apply to the operation of a vehicle.

(16)

A person shall not operate a golf cart on a state trunk line highway. This section does not prohibit a person from crossing a state trunk line highway when operating a golf cart on a city street using the most direct line of crossing.

(17)

As used in this section, "golf cart" means a vehicle designed for transportation while playing the game of golf. A golf cart is not required to meet the vehicle safety requirements of a low-speed vehicle for approval under this section.

(18)

Off-road vehicles, such as gators, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a multitrack or multi-wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, or like-vehicles are not considered golf carts.

(19)

No person shall operate a golf cart on the streets within the city without first registering and obtaining, at no cost, a permit from the city. No permits shall be required for lawful parades.

a.

A person operating a golf cart by permit shall have the proper validation sticker displayed in plain view on the left front side of the golf cart.

b.

The permit shall be valid for three calendar years.

c.

A golf cart permit is not assignable. A new owner shall obtain a new permit for the golf cart.

(b)

Penalty.

(1)

Any person or entity who violates, disobeys, neglects or refuses to comply with any provision of this chapter, or any order issued under this chapter, including any conditions imposed thereon, or who causes, allows or consents to any of the same, shall be deemed to be responsible for a violation of this chapter.

Any person or entity responsible for a violation of this section, whether as an occupant, owner, licensee, agent, contractor, employee, or otherwise, shall be liable as principal. Each day that a violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.

(2)

Any violation of this section shall constitute a basis for such judgment, writ or order necessary to compel compliance with the section and/or to restrain and prohibit continuation of the violation, or other appropriate relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, in addition to any other relief or sanction herein allowed by law.

(3)

A violation of this section is a municipal civil infraction as defined by state statute and shall be punishable by a civil fine determined in accordance with the schedule below. An offense is deemed a second or third or subsequent offense for purposes of this section when the person or entity has been determined responsible (or admits responsibility) for a predicate infraction or infractions hereunder as applicable within a 12-month or lesser period prior to the offense date of the violation for which they are presently cited.

1st offense ..... $150.00

2nd offense ..... $200.00

3rd or subsequent offense ..... $500.00

Additionally, the violator shall pay costs which may include all expenses, direct and indirect, which the city has incurred in connection with the municipal civil infraction.

(4)

This section shall be administered and enforced by the ordinance enforcement officer of the city including the city police department officers, or by such person(s) as the city council may designate from time to time.

(Ord. No. 392, 10-9-2017)