Pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1(d), the Village has considered
the volume, speed, and character of traffic on the local roadways
and has determined that certain nonhighway vehicles may safely travel
on the local roadways under certain provisions as specified herein
this article without jeopardizing public safety.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
A motorized off-highway device designed to travel primarily
off-highway, 50 inches or less in width, having a manufacturer's
dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less, traveling or three or more nonhighway
tires, designed with a seat or saddle for operator use, and handlebars
or steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmowers.
Also known as an ATV.
GOLF CART
A vehicle specifically designed and intended for the purposes
of transporting one or more persons and their golf clubs or maintenance
equipment while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising the play
of golf, or maintaining the condition of the grounds on a public or
private golf course.
OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE
Any motorized device designed to travel primarily off-highway
on two wheels, having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator,
upon or by which any person, persons or property may be transported
or drawn. Also known as a dirt-bike.
OFF-ROAD MOTOR VEHICLE
Includes all-terrain vehicles, golf carts, off-highway motorcycles
and recreational off-highway vehicles as defined in this article.
RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE
A motorized off-highway device designed to travel primarily
off-highway, 64 inches or less in width, having a manufacturer's
dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less for gas-powered engines or 3,000
pounds or less for electric-powered engines, traveling on four or
more non-highway tires, designed with a nonstraddle seat and a steering
wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmowers.
Golf carts are permitted to operate on Village roadways with
a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less if they meet all of the
following provisions:
A. Registration. Golf carts must be registered with the Village and
display proof of current registration on the bumper or in another
prominent visible location on the rear of the vehicle. Registration
shall be renewed annually.
B. Equipment. Golf carts must have all of the following safety equipment
installed and fully operational: brakes, a steering apparatus, tires,
a rearview mirror, red reflectors in the front and rear, a slow moving
emblem on the rear, headlights that emits a white light visible from
a distance of 500 feet in the front, a tail lamp that emits a red
light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear, brake lights,
and turn signals. When operating on the roadway, headlights and tail
lamps must be lit to the standards under 625 ILCS 5/12-201.
C. License required. Golf carts may only be operated by drivers with
a valid Illinois driver's license issued by the Illinois Secretary
State.
D. Towing prohibited. It shall be unlawful for a golf cart to have a
tow hitch or pull a trailer or any cargo on Village roadways.
E. Insurance. All golf carts operating on Village roadways must be insured
for personal injury and property, with limits not less than the state
minimum requirements for Illinois passenger vehicles.
F. Other applicable laws. All golf carts driven within Village limits
must comply with the provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code, as well
as all local, state and federal laws, regulations or ordinances, including
but not limited to those pertaining to off-highway vehicles and the
operation thereof.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an off-road motor
vehicle in the Village under any of the following conditions:
A. At a rate of speed that is unreasonable or improper under the circumstances.
B. On public property, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, school
grounds, park property, playgrounds, recreational areas and golf courses,
without express provisions or written permission to do so by the proper
public authority.
C. No off-road motor vehicle shall be operated within the right-of-way
of any public street unless the vehicle complies with all state laws
relating to motor vehicles to be operated on streets and highways
and the operator has a valid state driver's license. An off-road
motor vehicle may be towed on the streets in compliance with all laws
related to towing.
D. On the private property of another without the express written permission
of the owner or lessee of the property; failure to post signs does
not imply consent for off-road motor vehicle use.
E. In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the
safety of any person or property of any other person.
F. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substances
or drugs.
G. In a manner so as to create loud, unnecessary or unusual noise so
as to disturb or interfere with the peace and quiet of other persons.
H. It shall be unlawful for any parent or any legal guardian of any
minor to permit, authorize, allow or acquiesce in the operation of
unlicensed off-road motor vehicle use by such minor in violation of
this article or to negligently fail to exercise reasonable care to
prevent the operation of any unlicensed off-road motor vehicle by
such minor in violation of this article. Any parent or any legal guardian
of any minor who fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent the
operation of any unlicensed off-road motor vehicle by such minor is
a violation of this article and shall be liable for any and all damages
and injuries to persons or property resulting therefrom.
I. Any off-road motor vehicles used by first responders or other persons
authorized by the Village of Homer Glen shall be exempt from the conditions
of this article when it is necessary in the performance of their duties.
The operator or owner of any unlicensed off-road motor vehicle
who violates any provision of this article shall be subject to a fine
of not less than $1,000 but no more than $2,500 for each separate
offense.