The following words, terms and phrases when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Driver.
The person driving and having physical control over the golf
cart.
Golf cart.
As defined in Transportation Code section 502.001. A motor
vehicle designed by the manufacturer primarily for transporting persons
on a golf course. Said vehicles usually have a minimum of three wheels
and an attainable top speed not greater than 30 miles per hour on
a paved level surface. Specifically excluded from this definition
are those motorized vehicles commonly referred to as ATV’s and
four-wheelers which usually exceed 30 miles per hour. Unless this
type of vehicle is operated by/or on behalf of a government entity.
Owner.
The person holding title to the golf cart and the person
required to register the golf cart with the city.
Parking area.
Those areas accessible to the public by motor vehicular traffic
and which are designated for temporary parking of motor vehicles,
usually in places referred to as parking lots.
Street.
The public roadways within the city by whatever name (e.g.,
road, alley, avenue, highway, route, boulevard, etc.) that:
(1)
Has a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less; and
(2)
Is not designated as part of either the state or federal highway
system.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
(a) All golf carts operated on streets and parking areas of the city
must be registered with the city on an annual basis in January of
each year. The registration fee is $12.00 per year and a registration
form will be available at city hall for residents to complete and
provide the basic information requested.
(b) The registration form will require the following specifics:
(1) Name and address of owner.
(2) Brand, model number and golf cart identification number (VIN #).
(3) Type of golf cart (gasoline or electric), including proof in the
owner’s manual that the golf cart does not exceed 30 mph.
(5) Signature of owner that golf cart meets equipment requirements.
(c) Residents will have 90 days to register and bring their golf carts
into compliance upon the ratification date of this article and corresponding
public notices.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Upon transfer of ownership of the golf cart to a person who intends to operate it over authorized streets and parking areas, the new owner must register the golf cart as outlined in section
12.06.002 within 10 days.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Every golf cart operating on a city street must be equipped
as follows:
(4) Operational parking brake.
(6) Slow-moving vehicle emblem.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
(a) Golf carts may only be operated 30 minutes after sunrise until 30
minutes before sunset. Unless the golf cart is participating in a
parade.
(b) Golf carts shall not be operated on sidewalks (unless designated
as cart paths also).
(c) All golf carts are entitled to a full use of a lane on the authorized
streets and parking areas of the city and no motor vehicle shall be
driven in such a manner as to deprive any golf cart of the full use
of a lane.
(d) No driver shall operate a golf cart between lanes of traffic or between
adjacent lines of rows of vehicles.
(e) Rider capacity: To comply with public transportation safety standards
the driver of the golf cart is responsible for ensuring the safety
of all passengers. The driver should adhere to the passenger load
requirements as specified by the golf cart manufacturer owner’s
manual and the stated seating capacity. All occupants are to be properly
seated in properly designed passenger seats while the cart is in motion.
No sitting or standing on the rear of a golf cart is allowed unless
said golf cart is outfitted with the proper seats to accommodate rear
passengers.
(f) All drivers must meet state law driver’s license requirements
and age limit to operate a golf cart.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Nothing in this article shall be construed as an assumption
of liability by the city for any injuries to persons, pets or property
which may result from the operation of a golf cart by a registered
owner or authorized driver. Registered owners are fully liable and
accountable for the actions of any individual that they provide permission
to operate and drive said golf cart, both on personal and/or city
and public properties. This described liability responsibility especially
applies to personal injuries or property damage resulting from golf
cart drivers who are minors under the age of 21 with or without a
valid state driver’s license.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)
Enforcement of this article and any traffic violations committed
by the driver of a golf cart may be enforced by the county sheriff
office and by any authorized city code enforcement official.
(Ordinance 161220-01 adopted 12/20/16)