The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving concerns from citizens regarding golf carts and ATVs being used on public roadways in unincorporated Pitt County. PCSO wants to remind residents that these vehicles are not permitted on roadways for safety reasons.
Here are some important reminders from PCSO regarding the operation of golf carts on the state-maintained roadways:
State law allows local governments to enact ordinances regulating the use of golf carts on public roadways, but no such ordinances exist in unincorporated Pitt County or in any of our local cities, towns, or villages. If a golf cart is to be driven on the roadways here, it must meet all state laws as applied to other motor vehicles. Must be operated by a licensed driver. Must have insurance. Must be registered with the DMV. Must have full equipment such as headlights, turn signals, vehicle identification number (VIN), brake lights, seat belts, windshield/wipers, rearview mirrors, etc. All laws that pertain to cars also apply to the operation of golf carts; alcohol, speed, stop signs, etc. and may be enforced just the same by local law enforcement officers.
Here are some important reminders from N.C. General Statutes regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVS):
20-171.19 Prohibited acts by owners and operators.
(a) No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area when such operation is otherwise permitted by law, unless the person wears eye protection and a safety helmet meeting United States Department of Transportation standards for motorcycle helmets.(a1) No person under 18 years of age shall operate an all-terrain vehicle off a public street or highway or public vehicular area unless the person wears eye protection and a safety helmet meeting United States Department of Transportation standards for motorcycle helmets.(b) No owner shall authorize an all-terrain vehicle to be operated contrary to this Part.(c) No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, any controlled substance, or a prescription or nonprescription drug that impairs vision or motor coordination.(d) No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger or cause injury or damage to any person or property.(e) Except as otherwise permitted by law, no person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on any public street, road, or highway except for purposes of crossing that street, road, or highway.(g) No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle during the hours of darkness, from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise and at anytime when visibility is reduced due to insufficient light or atmospheric conditions, without displaying a lighted headlamp and taillamp, unless the use of lights is prohibited by other applicable laws.
Here are some more reminders from PCSO on ATVs:
ATVs do not belong on streets and highways. NC General Statute 14-159.3 Trespass to land on motorized all-terrain vehicle. MISDEMEANOR.NC General Statute 14-141 Burning or otherwise destroying crops in the field. MISDEMEANOR in some cases. FELONY in some cases.NC General Statute 14-128 Injury to trees, crops, lands, etc of another. MISDEMEANOR.NC General Statute 14-159.13 Second degree trespass. MISDEMEANOR.NC General Statute 14-134.2 Operating motor vehicle upon utility easements after being www.pittcountysheriff.com forbidden to do so. MISDEMEANOR.
