This Article III is adopted pursuant to authorization in §§ 349.18(1)(b) and 349.18(1m), Wis. Stats.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
GOLF CART
A vehicle whose speed attainable in one mile does not exceed 20 miles per hour on a paved, level surface, and that was designed and originally intended to convey one or more persons and equipment to play the game of golf in an area designated as a golf course. State law reference: § 23.33(1)(fm), Wis. Stats.
PUBLIC STREET
A public street or highway located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Muskego.
A. 
A licensed individual may operate a golf cart on any roadway within the City that has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less, regardless of whether the municipality has jurisdiction over the roadway, except as limited by state law and this Article III.
[Amended 6-13-2023 by Ord. No. 1487]
B. 
A licensed individual may operate a golf cart on any highway within the City with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less for the sole purpose of crossing the roadway whereby crossing the roadway connects roads that are designated for golf cart operation.
C. 
Exceptions. The operation of golf carts is not subject to the provisions of this Article III under the following circumstances:
(1) 
The operation of golf carts at golf courses, private clubs or on private property, with the consent of the owner; or
(2) 
The use of a golf cart in connection with a parade, festival or other special event, in which the proper City permitting has been issued for the event and the golf cart is only used during such event.
No person shall operate a golf cart upon a public street who is less than 16 years of age or without a current, valid regular or probationary driver's license issued for the operation of a motor vehicle. For purposes of this section, a learner's permit shall not be considered as a valid driver's license nor shall any license that has been revoked, temporary or otherwise, or suspended for any reason, be considered as a valid driver's license during the period of suspension or revocation.
A. 
No person shall operate a golf cart on a public street except in conformity with federal, state and local laws regulating the operation of motor vehicles on public streets and highways, including Ch. 346, Wis. Stats., as it relates to traffic regulations, which are adopted by reference in their entirety. All City ordinances regarding the use of motor vehicles in the City of Muskego not inconsistent therewith shall be observed, except that no golf cart may be operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour.
B. 
No person shall allow a golf cart in the person's custody from standing or remaining unattended on any public street or in any other public place, except an attended parking area, unless either the starting lever, throttle, steering apparatus, gear shift or ignition of the golf cart is locked and the key for that lock is removed from the golf cart.
C. 
No person shall operate a golf cart upon any sidewalk, pedestrian way, recreational trail, or public park in the City, except as specifically authorized for the purpose of legally crossing the street, or to obtain immediate access to an authorized area of operation.
D. 
The operator of a golf cart shall yield the right-of-way to overtaking vehicles.
E. 
The seating capacity shall not be exceeded nor shall the operator or any passenger be permitted to stand in the golf cart when it is in operation.
F. 
Golf carts shall not be used as a taxicab or bus or for the commercial carrying of passengers or the hauling of freight, nor shall a golf cart be used for the purpose of towing another cart, trailer or vehicle of any kind.
A. 
A golf cart must be registered with the City of Muskego prior to operating on a public street. The registrant shall pay to the City of Muskego an annual golf cart registration fee of $25 to the City Clerk's office. The registration fee must be renewed each calendar year. This fee is in addition to any other fees required by law.
B. 
No person shall operate a golf cart not currently registered with the City on a public street.
C. 
[1]The registration sticker must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle where it is readily visible.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C, regarding inspection by the Police Department, was repealed 9-27-2022 by Ord. No. 1475. This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection D as Subsection C.
A. 
No person shall operate a golf cart on a public street unless it conforms to all federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding noise, emissions and equipment, and is maintained in proper adjustment and repair.
B. 
No person shall operate a golf cart on a public street without displaying a lighted headlight and taillight at all times, and said lights must conform to the requirements of this article. Headlights shall be of a white or clear light and must be capable of illuminating the road ahead during hours of darkness and be observed at a distance of 500 feet. Headlights must be properly adjusted, as not to interfere with the operation of other vehicles on the roadway. Taillights shall be red in color and be observable to a distance of 500 feet at night.
C. 
No person shall operate a golf cart on a public street without at least two direction signal lamps showing to the front and at least two showing to the rear on the golf cart so as to indicate intention to turn right or left.
D. 
No person shall operate a golf cart unless it is equipped with a rear vision mirror and a reflective "Slow Moving" sign or flag on the rear of the golf cart. The brakes provided by the manufacturer of the golf cart shall be in proper working order and it shall be equipped with all mechanical and standard safety features provided by the manufacturer and shall not have been modified to exceed a speed of 20 miles per hour nor otherwise modified in any way that creates a hazard.
A. 
Disclaimer. Golf carts are not designed for nor manufactured to be used on public streets, and the City of Muskego neither advocates nor endorses the golf cart as a safe means of travel on public streets, roads or highways. The City in no way shall be liable for accidents, injuries or death involving the operation of a golf cart within the City limits.
B. 
Assumption of risk. Any person who owns, operates or rides upon a golf cart on a public street, road, or highway within the City of Muskego limits does so at their own risk and peril and assumes all liability resulting from the operation of the golf cart.