Golf cart operation on designated public streets of the county shall be in accordance with the following limitations:

(1)  No golf cart shall be driven across any road at an intersection where the road being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour except for the sole purpose of crossing such street in a perpendicular direction at the intersection of a through street or at a signalized location in accordance with the direction of the signal.

(2)  The maximum occupancy of a golf cart traveling on streets will be one person per designated seat. No occupants of a golf cart shall stand at any time while the golf cart is in motion.

(3)  Golf carts must be operated in accordance with all applicable state and local laws and ordinances, including all laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages.

(4)  No person may operate a golf cart unless that person is licensed to drive upon the streets and highways of North Carolina and then, only in accordance with such driver’s license. An operator of golf cart must be at least 16 years of age, with the exception that operators under the age of 16 years may operate golf cart if they possess a valid learner’s permit issued by the state of North Carolina and are accompanied by a licensed driver as required by state law.

(5)  If the operator is over the age of 16 and qualifies for a handicapped parking space the operator may operate a golf cart on public streets upon the submission of a certificate signed by a licensed physician that the driver is able to operate a motorized golf cart on the roadways designated. The operator must have the certificate and handicap parking tag in their possession while operating a golf cart.

(6)  Golf carts may be operated only during daylight hours.

(7)  Golf carts must be operated at the extreme right of the roadway and must yield to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

(8)  Golf carts shall not be operated on any sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, multi-use path, jogging path, greenway, park or trail except by law enforcement or by county employees or contractors while on county business who carry on their person county issued credentials evidencing work for the county.

(9)  Golf carts shall not be operated during inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions.

(10)  Golf cart operators shall maintain manufacturer installed safety devices and equipment on the golf cart in good repair and operable condition and ensure that an unobstructed view to the rear is maintained at all times the golf cart is in operation on public streets.

(11)  Golf carts operating on public streets of the county pursuant to this article shall be insured as required by G.S. 20-309.

(12)  All golf carts shall have the following equipment: locking brake, reverse warning device, main power switch, horn, either hip restraints or hand holds, front and rear reflectors, and a manufacturer’s serial number plate. Manufacturer-installed safety labels shall be visible and readable.

(13)  In no instance may a golf cart be operated at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour. Even at speeds at or below 20 mile per hour, no golf cart may be operated at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions.

(14)  No golf cart may be operated in a careless or reckless manner.

(15)  Golf carts may not be used for the purpose of towing another cart, trailer or vehicle of any kind including a person on roller skates, skateboards or bicycle. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a golf cart may be used to tow watercraft, utility carts, or utility trailers on public streets, or public vehicular areas on which the operation of golf carts is authorized by this article, but towed watercraft, utility carts, or utility trailers shall not be occupied by any person while the golf cart is in operation.

(Ord. No. 10-02, Pt. 1, 3-1-10)