§ 50-4. Use of golf carts on public town roads and streets

(1) The term "golf cart" shall be defined as stated in F.S. § 320.01.

(2) Golf carts may be operated on all Shalimar roads and streets in accordance with F.S. § 316.212.

(3) In addition to the requirements of F.S. § 316.212, which is applicable to the operation of golf carts on the aforementioned designated roads and streets, the following restrictions shall also apply:

a. The number of occupants in any golf cart operated on the Shalimar roads and streets shall be restricted to the number of seats on the golf cart. No occupants of a golf cart shall stand at any time while the golf cart is in motion.

b. All golf carts operating subject to this section must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear at all times while operated on the designated roads and streets.

c. Golf carts may only be operated on the designated roads and streets, only during the hours between official sunrise and official sunset, and only by persons 16 years of age or older.

d. In addition to the basic operating equipment described in subsection (3)b. of this section, only golf carts equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshields may be operated at night, and, only by a person who holds a motor vehicle license (drivers license) authorizing motor vehicle operation in the United States.

e. Before golf carts may be operated under this section, the owners thereof must purchase and maintain liability insurance insuring against personal injury and damage to property of any nature relative to the operation of golf carts on the designated public roads and streets. Minimum required insurance will be the same as for motor vehicles registered in the State of Florida for personal use and as designated by Florida Statutes. Proof of such insurance must be possessed at all times while operating a golf cart on the designated roads.

f. No person shall drive any golf cart upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, sidewalk area, or other area not designated for motor vehicle use or not specifically designated for golf cart use.

(4) Violations of this section shall constitute a non-criminal infraction enforceable pursuant to the provisions of F.S. § 316.212(8). The use of a golf cart resulting in violations of the Florida "Uniform Traffic Control" statute and the Florida "Uniform Disposition of Traffic Infractions Act" are enforceable according to F.S. chs. 316 and 318. All other town ordinances pertaining to the use of motor vehicles shall also apply.

(5) The town maintenance department shall post signs along roads and streets where golf cart operation is allowed advising motorists of the possible presence of golf cart traffic and alerting the public that the operation of such golf carts is subject to the various requirements of this section.

(Ord. No. 2008-04, 6-10-08)