§ 13-62. Low-speed vehicles.

(a)

Definition of low speed vehicle. Pursuant to F.S. § 320.01(42), a low-speed vehicle is any four-wheeled electric vehicle whose top speed is greater than twenty (20) miles per hour but not greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour, including neighborhood electric vehicles. Said vehicles must conform to the safety standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500 and F.S. § 316.2122. For purposes of this section, "golf carts" as defined in F.S. § 320.01(22) or "speed modified golf carts" shall not be considered "low-speed vehicles" and shall be subject to the specific rules and regulations governing golf carts adopted by the city.

(b)

Authorization to operate low-speed vehicles. Low-speed vehicles may be operated within the city limits where the posted speed limit is thirty-five (35) miles per hour or less. Pursuant to F.S. § 316.2122(1), this does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

(c)

Equipment and minimum standards. According to the requirements set forth in F.S. § 316.2122, a low-speed vehicle must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts and vehicle identification numbers. A low-speed vehicle must be registered and insured in accordance with F.S. § 320.02. Any person operating a low-speed vehicle must have in his or her possession a valid driver's license.

(d)

Hours of operation. Low-speed vehicles may be operated at any time.

(e)

Compliance with traffic laws. Low-speed vehicles shall comply with all local and state traffic laws, and may be ticketed for traffic violations in the same manner as motor vehicles.

(f)

Enforcement. The city shall have the authority to enforce the provisions set forth herein and applicable traffic laws, provided however, that the enforcement of additional rules and regulations established by communities in which they are operating shall be the sole responsibility of said communities.

(Ord. No. 2008-05, 2-27-08)