ROWAN UNIVERSITY POLICY

Title: Golf Cart and LSV Safety Operation Policy

Subject: Public Safety

Policy No: PS: 2016: 01

Applies: University-Wide

Issuing Authority: President

Responsible Officer: Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management

Adopted: 10/06/2016

Amended:

Last Revision:

I.    PURPOSE

This policy sets forth policies and procedures that will assist and implement the safe operations of golf carts on the campus to prevent personal injuries and to ensure proper operations.

II.  ACCOUNTABILITY

Under the direction of the President, the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management shall implement and ensure compliance with this policy.

III.  APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, volunteers of Rowan University and visitors to a Rowan University campus.

IV.  REFERENCE

1. New Jersey Title 39 Motor Vehicle laws
   
2. 49 CFR sec. 571.3(b), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards..

V.  POLICY

1. Golf carts which are driven either regularly or occasionally on campus, must be operated in such a way as to safeguard employees, students and visitors from potential risks. A Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled vehicle with an attainable speed of more than 20 miles per hour but no more than 25 miles per hour on a paved surface. It cannot be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards as noted in 49 CFR sec. 571.3(b), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
   
   
2. General Information - Golf Carts
   
   1. The following rules must be observed by all drivers of golf carts on campus property.
      
      1. All golf carts are prohibited from traveling on exterior roadways because of New Jersey Title 39 Motor Vehicle laws. They may cross roadways at crosswalks. 
      2. Obey all traffic regulations. Observe all stop signs. Keep arms and legs inside cart while vehicle is moving.
      3. Golf carts are permitted to travel on campus concrete sidewalks not specifically closed to vehicle use.  Sidewalks may be closed to golf cart travel if they are too narrow, too close to buildings, or compromise pedestrian safety.  The Director of Public Safety or the Director of Facilities Operations may determine which sidewalks may be closed to golf cart traffic.
      4. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on campus sidewalks at all times and golf carts must yield to pedestrians.
      5. Operate golf carts at a slow, safe speed at all times.  Golf carts should never exceed a brisk walking pace when operating on campus sidewalks.
      6. Whenever possible, golf carts should be kept off of landscape and turf areas.
      7. Do not park golf carts on sidewalks so as to block or restrict pedestrian travel. Golf carts may be parked in parking spaces designated for automobiles or service vehicles.
      8. Golf carts are to be used only by authorized personnel and only for school business. Personal use of golf carts is specifically prohibited.
      9. Passengers on golf carts must be seated.  Vehicle operators shall not permit passengers to ride in an unsafe manner. Standing in the cargo area or riding on backs, fronts, sides, or in an attached trailer is prohibited.
      10. Promptly report any accident or incident that results in personal injury or property damage to the department supervisor and the Department of Public Safety.
      11. Remove keys from golf carts when unattended.
      12. Do not operate a golf cart if the service (foot) brake, parking brakes, or other critical components are inoperable or defective.
      13. Ladders, pipes, or freight transported on golf carts must be flagged or otherwise marked at the ends that extend beyond the vehicle body.
      14. Department supervisors must:
          • Provide golf cart operators with specific instructions and training in the safe use of golf carts on campus.
          • Furnish a copy of this policy to all assigned vehicle operators.
          • Verify that personnel understand this policy and the vital importance of operating the vehicle in a safe and approved manner.
          • Instruct personnel in the operation and maintenance of the golf cart, including operator safety inspection, battery charging procedures, and maintenance/repair procedures.
      15. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
          
          
3. Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) 
   1. LSV Guidelines
      
      1. The following rules pertain to Rowan University LSV Compliant Vehicles:
         • LSV operators must have a valid driver license to operate a LSV.
         • LSV operators shall not drive LSVs on roadways with speed limits that exceed 25 mph. (LSVs may be permitted on roadways with speed limits that do not exceed. 35 mph, provided that a municipality jurisdiction has approved such LSV use).
         • Operators shall watch for and abide by road signs prohibiting LSV use even on lower speed roads.
         • LSV operators are subject to the same violations as other vehicles (except for the regular inspection requirements.
         • LSVs cannot be modified golf carts.
         • All LSVs must have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number.
         • Child restraints in LSVs must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles.
         • All LSVs shall have a safety information decal provided by the manufacturer on the rear of the vehicle.
         • LSV shall have a license plate and it be should put on the rear of the vehicle.
         • LSVs must meet Federal and State requirements.
         • The LSV may not be used as a commercial vehicle.
           
           
4. Municipalities can impose an LSV ban on all roadways within their jurisdiction.