Ordinance: Golf Carts & Other Similar Vehicles

GOLF CARTS AND OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES

§ 71.15 – GENERALLY.
Golf carts specifically defined and qualified herein shall be allowed on village streets under the conditions as stated herein.
(Ord. 2016-O-16, passed 9-20-2016)

§ 71.16 – DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE. Any 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 on three or more non-highway tires, designed with a seat or saddle for operator use, and handlebars or steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmowers.
GOLF CART. A vehicle specifically designed and intended for the purposes of transporting one or more persons and his or her or their golf clubs or maintenance equipment while engaged in the playing of golf.
RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE. Any motorized off-highway device designed to travel primarily off-highway, 64 inches of less in width, having a manufacturer’s dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less, traveling on four or more non-highway tires, designed with a non-straddle seat and a steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmowers.
VILLAGE STREETS. Any of the streets within the boundaries of the village. (Ord. 2016-O-16, passed 9-20-2016)

§ 71.17 – REQUIREMENTS.
All persons wishing to operate a golf cart or a recreational off-highway vehicle on the village streets must ensure compliance with the following requirements:

(A) Proof of current liability insurance;
(B) Must be certified with the village and inspected by the Police Chief and/or her or his designee;
(C) Must display village decal on the rear of the vehicle;
(D) Must have a current, valid Illinois driver’s license;
(E) Golf carts must be equipped as follows:

1. Horn;
2. Brakes and brake light;
3. Turn signals;
4. A steering wheel apparatus;
5. Tires;
6. Rearview mirror; and
7. State-approved “Slow Moving Vehicle” emblem on the rear of the vehicle;
8. Headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front which must illuminate when in operation;
9. Tail lamp that emits a red light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear which must be illuminated when in operation; and
10. Any additional requirements which may be amended to 625 ILCS 5/11-1426.1 or the State Motor Vehicle Code.

(F) Must obey all traffic laws of the state;
(G) Must be operated only on the village streets, except where prohibited;
(H) May not be operated on state highways and county roads except at designated crossing points. Designated crossing points shall only include any street intersecting with U.S. Route 45 which features an electronic stop light;
(I) Must not be operated in excess of posted speed limit and, regardless, may not exceed 35 mph;
(J) A person operating or who is in actual physical control of a golf cart or recreational off-highway vehicle as described herein on a roadway while under the influence is subject 625 ILCS 5/11-500 through 5/11-502;
(K) Golf carts and/or recreational off-highway vehicles shall not be operated on sidewalks other than parking areas except
when authorized by the Board President or Police Chief for special events; and
(L) (1) Each golf cart and/or recreational off-highway vehicle may transport only as many individuals as is the lesser of the number of seats or as its manufacturer designates.
(2) No individuals may ride on any other portion of the golf cart and/or recreational off-highway vehicle.

(Ord. 2016-O-16, passed 9-20-2016) Penalty, see § 70.99.)
Statutory reference: For related provisions, see 625 ILCS 5/12-709

§ 71.18 – PERMITS.

(A) No person shall operate a qualified golf cart and/or recreational off-highway vehicle without first obtaining a permit from the Police Chief and/or his or her designee as provided herein. The Police Department may issue such an annual permit for any date approved of and designated by the Board of Trustees. The cost of the permit is $25. Insurance coverage is to be verified to be in effect by the Police Department when obtaining and renewing a permit.
(B) Every application for a permit shall be made on a form supplied by the village and shall contain the following information:

1. Name and address of applicant;
2. Name of liability insurance carrier;
3. The serial number, make, model and description of golf cart;
4. Signed waiver of liability by applicant releasing the village and agreeing to indemnify and hold the village harmless from any and all future claims resulting from the operation of its golf carts and/or recreational off-highway vehicles on village streets;
5. Photocopy of applicable liability insurance coverage card specifically for the vehicle to be operated pursuant to the permit; and
6. Such other information as the village may require.

1. The vehicle must be inspected by the designated representative to ensure that the vehicle is safe to operate on village streets and is in compliance with this chapter and with the State Motor Vehicle Code, being 625 ILCS 5/1-100 et seq.
2. A physically handicapped applicant must submit a certificate signed by the physician, certifying that the applicant is able to safely operate a qualified golf cart and/or recreational off-highway vehicles on village streets.
3. The applicant must provide evidence of insurance in compliance with the provisions of the state statutes regarding minimum liability insurance.

(D) The village may suspend or revoke a permit granted hereunder upon a finding that the holder thereof has violated any provision of this chapter or there is evidence that permittee cannot safely operate a qualified golf cart and/or recreational off-highway vehicle on the designated roadways.
(E) The Village Clerk shall be authorized to issue a permit on only such days as may be approved by the Board of Trustees.
(F) Special permits shall be granted for a period of 72 hours for the date designated on the permit. There shall be a $25 fee that shall be applied to the Fun Day Fund.
(G) No permits shall be issued for all-terrain vehicles. Their use in the public right of way is outright prohibited.
(H) Notwithstanding any other provisions, the within restrictions and requirements shall not apply to such vehicles operated and/or owned by the village.

(Ord. 2016-O-16, passed 9-20-2016)

§ 71.99 – PENALTY.

(A) Any person violating any provision of this chapter for which no specific penalty is provided shall be subject to § 10.99 of this code of ordinances.
(B) Any person who violates §§ 71.01 or 71.02, for the first offense shall be fined not exceeding $1 and for the second offense shall be fined the sum of $5.
(Prior Code, § 10.28.020)
(C) Failure to abide by § 71.18 (other than failure to secure a permit provided herein) shall result in a fine of $100 with each infraction of this chapter constituting a separate offense bearing a separate fine.
(D) Any failure of an individual to or otherwise secure a permit provided in § 71.18 when operating a golf cart and/or recreational off-highway vehicles upon the streets of the village shall subject the violator to a fine of $250.

(Ord. 2016-O-16, passed 9-20-2016)