[Ord. No. 5521, 9-18-2023]
As used in this Chapter the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
GOLF CART
Any vehicle propelled by an electric or gas engine with no less than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of thirty (30) miles per hour. Motor vehicles classified as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) or off-road vehicles are expressly excluded from the definition for purposes of this Chapter.
LOW-SPEED MOTORIZED VEHICLE (LSV)
Any small three- or four-wheeled motor vehicle with gross vehicle weight rated of less than three thousand (3,000) pounds with a minimum speed of twenty (20) mph and maximum speed of twenty-five (25) mph and otherwise meeting the requirements of Section 304.029, RSMo., and the requirements of 49 CFR 571.500 and 571.3. Low-speed vehicle does not include electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD) as per Section 307.205, RSMo.
[Ord. No. 5521, 9-18-2023]
A. 
Each person operating a golf cart or LSV on a City street in this City shall possess a valid driver's license issued pursuant to Chapter 302, RSMo.
B. 
A golf cart or LSV shall be exempt from the requirement of Section 307.350 to 307.402, RSMo., for the purpose of titling and registration. It shall be the responsibility of the operator and owner to comply with any State titling or registration requirements.
C. 
Every operator of a golf cart or LSV shall maintain motor vehicle liability insurance on such a vehicle as required by Chapter 303, RSMo., if the golf cart or LSV is to be operated upon the streets of the City of Richmond Heights.
D. 
All golf carts and LSV shall be manufactured in compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards for low-speed vehicles in 49 CFR 571.500 as amended if the golf cart is to be operated upon the streets of the City of Richmond Heights.
E. 
Each golf cart or LSV that is to be operated on the City streets, shall be equipped with properly operating:
1. 
A rear view mirror, whether mounted on the exterior of the driver's side of the golf cart or LSV, or an interior rear view mirror;
2. 
A parking brake and functioning brake system;
3. 
Minimum of one (1) white headlight;
4. 
Minimum of one (1) red stop or brake light;
5. 
Reflex reflectors: one (1) red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and one (1) red on the rear;
6. 
front and rear turn signal lights;
7. 
Seatbelts for each designated seating position, whether occupied or not; and
8. 
A vehicle identification number (VIN).
F. 
No golf cart or LSV shall:
1. 
Be operated upon any private property without permission of the owner.
2. 
Be operated in a "negligent manner" defined as operation in such a manner as to endanger any person or property, or to obstruct, hinder or impede the lawful course of travel of any other motor vehicle or the lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, walkways, or parks.
3. 
Be parked or stopped in any manner as to block a driveway, pathway, sidewalk, trail, pedestrian underpass, or walkway.
4. 
Be operated by a person under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance not prescribed by a physician.
5. 
Carry more passengers than the golf cart or LSV is specifically designed to carry.
6. 
Carry any passengers standing or hanging onto the golf cart or LSV.
7. 
Be operated upon a City street at a speed of more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
G. 
Any person lawfully operating a golf cart or LSV shall:
1. 
Yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian or cyclist; and
2. 
Give an audible signal before overtaking or passing a pedestrian or cyclist; and
3. 
Move the golf cart or LSV to the far-right side of the street and yield to all faster moving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
[Ord. No. 5521, 9-18-2023]
A violation of this Chapter shall be an offense. The Police Department will have full authority to enforce State and local traffic laws as they apply to the operation of motor vehicles, including, without limitation, the authority to impound a golf cart or LSV in the same manner that it would impound other motor vehicles upon the violation of applicable State or local traffic laws.