CHAPTER 78 GOLF CARTS

78.01 PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to permit the operation of golf carts on certain streets in the City, as authorized by Section 321.247 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. This chapter applies whenever a golf cart is operated on any street or alley, subject to those exceptions stated herein.

78.02 DEFINITION. For use in this chapter “golf cart” means a motorized vehicle manufactured in compliance with the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration Standards for low-speed vehicles in 49 CFR §571.500, i.e. a 4- or 3-wheeled motor vehicle, other than a truck, whose speed attainable in 1 mile is more than 20 miles per hour and not more than 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface.

78.03 TRAFFIC CODE APPLIES. Every person operating a golf cart upon a street or alley shall be granted all of the rights and privileges and shall be subject to all the duties and obligations applicable to the driver of a vehicle and to the laws of the State declaring the rules of the road applicable to the driver of the vehicle, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

78.04 GENERAL REGULATIONS. The operation of golf carts is allowed on City streets by persons over the age of 18, possessing a valid driver’s license. The golf carts shall be equipped with a slow-moving vehicle sign and a bicycle safety flag at all times during operation, shall have adequate brakes and shall meet any other safety requirements imposed by the City and the State. Golf carts shall be registered with the City annually and proof of insurance must be shown at the time of registration. The annual registration fee shall be $25.00. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.247)

78.05 PLACES OF OPERATION. The operators of golf carts shall comply with the following restrictions as to where golf carts may be operated within the City: 1. Golf carts may be operated only on City streets which are not primary road extensions through the City, and are specifically prohibited on: A. Green Street, from Main Street to the west corporate line. B. Grubbs Street within the City. C. Franklin Street. CHAPTER 78 GOLF CARTS CODE OF ORDINANCES, CENTER POINT, IOWA - 412 - D. Lewis Access Road. E. North Center Point Road. F. Ford Lane. 2. Direct Crossing. Golf carts are allowed to cross a City street which is a primary road extension through the City, provided: A. The crossing is made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) to the direction of the street and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing; B. The golf cart is brought to a complete stop before crossing the street; C. The driver yields the right-of-way to all on-coming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard; and D. In crossing a divided street, the crossing is made only at an intersection of such street with another street.

78.06 HOURS OF OPERATION. Golf carts may be operated on City streets only from sunrise to sunset in the months beginning April 1 and continuing through October 31.