2016-05: Ord. Adopting Golf Cart Ordinance

Sep 24, 2021

ORDINANCE NO. 2016-05

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEYMOUR, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS AND UTILITY VEHICLES WITHIN THE CITY OF SEYMOUR LIMITS AS PROVIDED IN THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE, PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT, INCLUDING A CRIMINAL FINE NOT TO EXCEED $500 PER VIOLATION, SEVERABILITY, AND IMPOSING PENALTIES.

WHEREAS, the City of Seymour, Texas, desires to adopt golf cart regulations in the interest of public safety, and;

WHEREAS, golf carts shall be defined as vehicles defined (per Texas Transportation Code Section 502.401 Item 18) as vehicles designed to operate at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour or less and excludes all–terrain vehicles and design altered golf carts and slow moving vehicles, and;

WHEREAS, the following regulations and requirements shall apply to all golf carts and other slow moving vehicles on public streets in the City of Seymour, Texas.

a. Each operator of a golf cart shall maintain financial responsibility (insurance) as required of other passenger vehicles in the Texas Transportation Code Section 601.051.

b. Golf carts will be operated during daylight hours only.

c. Golf carts will only be operated on roadways where posted speed limits do not exceed 35 miles per hour.

d. Golf carts shall display a ‘slow-moving’ emblem that has a reflective surface designed to be clearly visible in daylight and shall be maintained in a clean, reflective condition.

e. Golf carts shall be equipped with front and rear lamps, an exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle or an interior mirror, a parking brake, reflex reflectors ( 1 red on each side as far to the rear as practicable and 1 red on the rear).

f. Operators of golf carts shall not allow anyone to sit in the lap of the operator or passengers of the vehicle, nor allow anyone to stand up in the vehicle during the operation of the vehicle. Passengers shall be limited to seating capacity as designed by the manufacturer.

g. Golf carts shall not be operated on City sidewalks or pathways.

h. Golf carts shall yield the right of way to other vehicles when traveling.

i. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited from operating on all public streets.

j. Design altered golf carts and slow moving vehicles that have been altered to allow them to travel at a speed greater than 25 miles per hour as prohibited from operating on all public streets.

k. Golf carts and other slow moving vehicles are prohibited from pulling trailers, boats, jet skis, etc.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEYMOUR, TEXAS THAT THE ABOVE LISTED REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR GOLF CARTS AND OTHER SLOW MOVING VEHICLES BE ADOPTED.

Section 1. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any person, firm, corporation or other entity that violates the terms of the above referenced regulations and requirements, or other terms of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.

Section 2. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and publication, as required by law, the public welfare requiring it.

PASSED AND APPROVED BY the City Council of the City of Seymour, Texas, on this the 26^th day of May, 2016.

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MAYOR NAN GILBERT-MATHIS

ATTEST:

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CITY SECRETARY CONCHITA TORREZ, TRMC