Chapter 10.46
GOLF CARTS
Sections:
10.46.020 Requirements and restrictions.
10.46.010 Definitions.
The following definitions shall be used in this chapter. Where a word or term is undefined reference shall be to RCW Title 46.
(1) “Golf cart” means a gas-powered or electric-powered four-wheeled vehicle originally designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting purposes and has a speed attainable in one mile of not more than twenty miles per hour. A golf cart is not a non-highway vehicle or off-road vehicle as defined in RCW 46.09.310. A golf cart is not considered a motor vehicle, except for the purposes of Chapter 46.61 RCW.
(2) “Golf cart zone” means any public roadway within the city of Connell having a speed limit of twenty-five miles per hour or less, excepting Columbia Avenue. Golf carts may cross Columbia Avenue at controlled intersections. Signs identifying the golf cart zone shall be placed at all four entrances to the city limits.
(3) “Street” means the entire right-of-way width excluding the sidewalk (if present) and between the curb and boundary lines and shoulder or swale of public property when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of pedestrian, bicycle or vehicular travel, including parking. (Ord. 991 § 1 (part), 2018).
10.46.020 Requirements and restrictions.
The following use, operational requirements, and restrictions are adopted by the city for golf carts:
(1) Every person operating a golf cart as authorized under this section is granted all rights and is subject to all duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle under Chapter 46.61 RCW.
(2) A golf cart may be operated on a street by a person as follows:
(a) Every person operating a golf cart as authorized under this section must be eighteen years of age and must have a valid, nonintermediate driver’s license issued by the state of the person’s residence.
(b) A person who has a revoked license under RCW 46.20.285 may not operate a golf cart as authorized under this section.
(c) Any person operating a golf cart, as authorized under this section, shall not transport more passengers than the manufacturer’s designed seating capacity. All occupants shall be seated during operation and the use of seat belts shall be mandatory while the golf cart is being operated.
(d) No person may operate a golf cart in the city unless the person is insured under a liability policy with liability limits of at least the amounts provided in RCW 46.29.090. Written proof of financial responsibility must be provided on the request of a law enforcement officer.
(e) A golf cart may not be operated without first being registered with the city and the registration number conspicuously displayed upon the back of the golf cart.
(3) All operators of golf carts shall adhere to all rules of the road applicable to motorized vehicles as set forth in Chapter 46.61 RCW and Chapter 308-330 WAC. Specific attention is to be paid to the intent of RCW 46.61.502, “Driving under the influence,” and to RCW 46.61.519, “Alcoholic beverages—Drinking or open container in vehicle.”
(4) Golf carts shall not be operated on a street during one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless equipped with headlights, tail lamps, stop lamps, and turn signals which meet minimum requirements established in Chapter 46.37 RCW.
(5) Golf carts shall not be operated on a street in a negligent manner. For the purpose of this subsection, “to operate in a negligent manner” is defined as the operation of a golf cart in such a manner as to endanger any person or property, or to obstruct, hinder, or impede the lawful course of travel of any motor vehicle or the lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, walkways, or parks.
(6) Golf carts must be equipped with reflectors, seat belts, and rearview mirrors when operated upon streets and highways as authorized under this section or equipped under requirements of Chapter 46.37 RCW.
(7) Golf carts are exempt from vehicle licensing requirements. (Ord. 991 § 1 (part), 2018).
10.46.030 Registration.
All golf carts shall be registered with the city of Connell prior to the operation upon the public roadways within the city. The sole purpose of the registration is to identify the owners of the golf carts being operated as provided herein. Registration of a golf cart is not intended to and shall not operate to warrant or guarantee that the golf cart meets any particular standard or condition or that it may be safely operated upon the public roadways within the city of Connell. Registration shall be made in the manner that follows:
(1) Applications for a golf cart registration shall be made upon a form provided by the city of Connell.
(2) A golf cart number will be issued upon the approval of the completed application and the payment of a one-time sixty dollar registration fee. Replacement numbers will be provided for a five dollar fee each time.
(3) Such decal shall be firmly attached to the rear of the golf cart for which issued in such position as to be plainly visible from the rear. (Ord. 991 § 1 (part), 2018).
10.46.040 Prohibitions.
The following are prohibitions on the use of golf carts within the city of Connell:
(1) No person may operate or ride a golf cart in a negligent or unsafe manner, but must operate it with reasonable regard for his or her own safety and for the safety of others.
(2) No person may occupy a golf cart unless that person is seated in a seat designed to carry a person. No person may tow any devices or persons behind a golf cart.
(3) No person may operate a golf cart side-by-side in a single lane of traffic.
(4) It is unlawful to operate a golf cart on a sidewalk or other area where it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle.
(5) It is unlawful to operate a golf cart in a park, except on a park drive or in a designated parking lot.
(6) It is unlawful to operate a golf cart on any bicycle trail, any walking path, or in any marked bicycle lane. (Ord. 991 § 1 (part), 2018).
10.46.050 Violation—Penalty.
A person who violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a traffic infraction as provided in Chapter 10.04. (Ord. 991 § 1 (part), 2018).