With Halloween around the corner, and neighborhoods across the city planning block parties, parades, and trick-or-treating events, the city is reminding citizens to be especially cautious when driving and walking in residential areas on Halloween night.
As an added measure, residents should familiarize themselves with state laws that apply to the operation of golf carts on public streets. In an effort to help city residents stay safe and avoid a potential citation, below is an overview of the restrictions on golf cart use:
– Golf carts can only be driven by individuals age 16 and older, who have a valid driver’s license
– Drivers must have their license, proof of liability insurance and vehicle registration for the golf cart in their possession
– Golf carts can only be operated during daylight hours, within four miles of the driver’s residence
– Golf carts can only be operated on a secondary highway or street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less
It is also important to note that the same laws that prohibit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages while operating a motor vehicle apply to the operation of a golf cart. This also includes passengers. In addition to the legal restrictions on golf cart use, there are a number of simple steps that residents can take to be safer on a golf cart:
– Do not exceed the maximum capacity specified by the golf cart manufacturer
– Do not allow passengers to ride on any part of the golf cart not originally designed to carry passengers (i.e. the part designed to carry golf bags)
– Do not hold children or animals in your lap while operating or riding in a golf cart
– Follow the same traffic laws that you would follow when operating a motor vehicle
– Stay off sidewalks
– Remain alert and drive defensively
Whether operating a car or a golf cart, drivers are encouraged to drive slowly through residential areas, watch for children crossing the street mid-block or between parked cars and pay special attention to crosswalks, intersections, medians and curbs, where pedestrians are likely to be. Additionally, pedestrians should walk on sidewalks where possible, only cross the street at corners and use reflective tape or carry flashlights to make themselves more visible after dark.