Municipal Code

Chapter 74 – Golf Carts

Regulations governing the definitions, inspections, rules of operation, restrictions on use, and penalties applicable to golf carts operated on City streets.

Contents 74.01 74.02 74.03 74.04 74.05

Chapter 74

Golf Carts

Chapter Contents

74.01 Definitions

74.04 Restrictions on Use

74.02 Inspections

74.05 Penalties

74.03 Rules of Operation

74.01 DEFINITIONS.

For use in this chapter, the following words are defined:

1. "Golf cart" means a cart typically used for the transport of people and equipment upon a golf course.

2. For purposes of this section only, "golf cart" will also refer to a John Deere Gator, Polaris Ranger, Kawasaki Mule or other similarly designed and operated vehicle with either a bench or bucket seat designed for and capable of carrying more than one person.

3. "Golf cart" does not include a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

74.02 INSPECTIONS.

All golf carts must be inspected prior to operation upon the City streets. The inspection will be carried out at the Lenox Police Department during normal daytime business hours or by appointment only during non-business hours or on weekends. Carts passing inspection will be authorized for operation until July 1st of the following year at which time they must be re-inspected. Carts approved for operation will be given an identifying sticker which must be placed and displayed upon the front to the cart in a visible location. The inspection will be for the purpose or verifying the golf cart has the proper safety equipment, adequate brakes and is in good operating condition. The Police Department shall be permitted to charge a reasonable fee for the inspection.

74.03 RULES OF OPERATION.

The following rules shall apply to the operation of golf carts within the City:

1. Only persons possessing a valid motor vehicle license may operate golf carts on City streets.

2. Golf carts may be operated on City streets only from sunrise to sunset, regardless of whether the golf cart is equipped with lights.

3. Any golf cart operated upon a City street shall be equipped with a slow moving vehicle sign on the back as well as a bicycle safety flag, and all carts shall have adequate brakes.

4. Golf carts shall yield the right-of-way to other motor vehicles at all uncontrolled intersections regardless of the dictates of Section 321.319 of the Code of Iowa.

5. Golf carts shall operate in single file.

6. Golf carts are not subject to the registration provisions of Chapter 321, Code of Iowa.

7. Golf carts authorized for operation under this section must obey all traffic regulations.

74.04 RESTRICTIONS ON USE.

Golf carts shall not operate on the following City streets:

1. Any portion of Brooks Street except to cross from one side to another.

2. Any portion of Van Buren Street on which the posted speed limit exceeds 25 MPH.

74.05 PENALTIES.

Failure to abide by the required provisions of this chapter may result in the operating privileges of the approved cart and/or the owner and/or operator of the cart to be revoked by the Chief of Police. Violations of this section may also result in a Police Officer issuing a simple misdemeanor citation requiring the owner and/or operator of the cart to appear before a magistrate.

(Ch. 74 – Ord. 350 – May 11 Supp.)