Golf cart rules OK'd (12/05/06)

New rules regulating the use of golf carts on Portland city streets won unanimous approval Monday night.

The Portland City Council, suspending its rules, passed the golf cart regulation ordinance through two consecutive readings.

Under the new ordinance:

•All golf cart drivers must have a valid driver's license.

•The carts may not be driven on sidewalks. Carts also cannot be driven on West Votaw Street, Meridian Street or East Water Street (all state highways), except when crossing an intersection.

•The carts may only be driven between 30 minutes before dawn and 30 minutes after dusk unless the carts have headlights and taillights.

•Cart drivers must obey the posted traffic signs and regulations.

•Carts must have no more passengers than the vehicles are equipped to handle.

•Slow-moving vehicle signs must be displayed on all carts.

•The carts must be insured.

Council members briefly considered adding a requirement of a warning flag but decided that the slow-moving vehicle placard was sufficient.

In other business during the council's 11-minute meeting, the city's payroll ordinance was amended to allow for the use of an employee personal day before a paid holiday.

Past city practice has been to require that employees work the day before and the day after a holiday in order to receive holiday pay.

The change came at the recommendation of city department heads.[[In-content Ad]]