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Golf Carts Safety and Regulations
As the use of golf carts become more popular in Swansboro we would like to bring attention to the safety and registration regulations for their use.
§ 76.04 REGULATIONS.
Golf carts may be operated on public streets, roads, and highways (as defined herein) within the town and on property owned or leased by the town only in accordance with the following requirements and regulations.
(A) Driver’s license required. Golf cart operators must have a valid driver’s license, issued in their name, and the license must be in their possession when operating a golf cart.
(B) Minimum operator age. Persons operating a golf cart must be at least 16 years of age.
(C) Basic safety equipment. Golf carts must be equipped with a rear view mirror and either (1) triangle reflector at least 12 inches high designed to designate a slow moving vehicle or (2) two reflectors, at least three inches in diameter, mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(D) Operating hours. Golf carts may be operated on public streets, highways, or roadways only from dawn to dusk unless the golf cart is equipped with the following equipment: (1) two operating headlights on each side of the front of the cart, capable of illuminating for a distance of 200 feet and capable of being seen for a distance of 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions; (2) two operating tail lights, one on each side of the rear of the cart, capable of being seen from 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions.
(E) Vehicle laws compliance. Golf cart operators shall observe and comply with all state and municipal laws and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles, including those relating to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and illegal substances. No golf cart containing any open container of alcohol may be operated on public streets, roads, or highways.
(F) Operation on roadway. Golf carts shall be operated at the far right edge of the roadway and shall yield the right-of-way to overtaking motor vehicles at all times.
(G) Passenger limitations. The number of persons in a golf cart may not exceed the designed, maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer. No person may, and the operator shall not allow, any person to ride in or on any part of a golf cart not designed to carry passengers, including portions designed for storage or carrying of golf bags or other items. The operator and all occupants shall remain seated while the golf cart is in operation, and no part of an operator or occupant’s body shall extend outside the golf cart while it is in motion, other than necessary hand signals by the operator to indicate turns.
(H) Speed; proper operation. Golf carts shall not be operated at a speed greater than 20 miles per hours, shall not (in any case) be operated at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, shall not be operated in a careless or reckless or in a manner that endangers other persons, and shall at all times be operated in compliance with the instructions of police officers who are controlling traffic.
(I) No operation on sidewalks. Golf carts shall not be operated on sidewalks at any time.
(J) Private property. Golf carts shall not be operated on private property, including but not limited to parking lots and other private vehicular areas, without the permission of the owner(s).
(K) Public vehicular areas. If golf carts are operated within public vehicular areas (as defined by state law), they shall comply with any provisions of state or local law and any posted traffic controls that apply to the operation of motor vehicles within such areas.
(L) Registration. Golf carts must be properly registered as required by this section and must display, in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side or in the nearest feasible location, a current, valid registration sticker issued by the Town of Swansboro.
(M) Permitted operational locations. Golf carts may be operated only on streets with a posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour or less.
(N) Crossings. Golf carts may not travel upon or cross streets, roads, or highways with a speed limit greater than 20 miles per hour, provided that golf carts may cross streets with speed limits up to 35 miles per hours if the crossing is a direct crossing, the road being crossed is no more than two lanes in width, and the distance of the crossing is no greater than 30 feet.
(O) Parking. Golf carts may be parked in the same manner and in the same places designated for parking of motor vehicles only.
(P) Special situations. In special circumstances such as emergency situations, special events, or other unusual circumstances, the Police Chief or his or her designee may temporarily authorize, direct, allow, or prohibit the operation of golf carts in a manner different from the normal regulations of this chapter.
(Q) Handicapped parking. Golf carts may park in handicapped parking spaces only if the operator or at least one passenger has a valid handicapped parking authorization issued by the state.
§ 76.05 AREAS PROHIBITED FOR USE.
(A) The use or operation of golf carts along all streets, roads, and highways with speed limits higher than 20 miles per hour, except for those road crossings specifically permitted, is prohibited.
(B) The use or operation of golf carts on the following streets, roads, or highways within the Town of Swansboro is specifically prohibited:
(1) NC Highway 24 (Corbett Avenue) (8) Norris Road
(2) Main Street Extension (9) Deer Island Road
(3) Mount Pleasant Road (10) Phillips Road
(4) Swansboro Loop Road (11) Dr. Corbett Road
(5) Old Hammocks Beach Road (12) Richard Riggs Road
(6) Hammocks Beach Road (13) School Road
(7) Queen’s Creek Road
(C) The use or operation of golf carts in festival areas without police permission is prohibited.
§ 76.06 REGISTRATION.
(A) Applications. All golf cart owners must annually complete a registration application in a proper manner, pay any applicable application, inspection, and/or registration fees, provide the required proof of liability insurance, and submit their golf carts for inspection by the Police Department. The registration application shall also include signed confirmation that the applicant has read, understands, and agrees to comply with town regulations regarding the operation of golf carts. Upon a determination that the application and the cart meet town requirements, the Police Department shall issue a registration sticker to the owner, accompanied by a copy of the requirements and regulations of this section.
(B) Insurance and liability. All golf cart owners shall provide proof of ownership, required proof of liability insurance, and a waiver of liability (in terms prepared by the town) releasing the town from any and all liability that may arise from the operation of the golf cart within the town. The required liability insurance coverage shall be in an amount not less than that required by North Carolina law for motor vehicles operated on public highways.
(C) Fees. Fees for golf cart applications, inspections, and/or registrations shall be as determined annually by the Board of Commissioners. Such fees shall be non-refundable and shall not be prorated for partial years.
(D) Registration period. Golf cart registrations shall be valid for no more than one year and shall expire on June 30 of each year. Registrations may be issued at any time during the year, but all registrations shall expire on the following June 30.
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