Guidelines for Safe Operation of Golf Carts/Utility Vehicles

These guidelines have been established to protect the drivers and passengers of electric or gas-powered carts and/or similar utility type vehicles (carts) and pedestrians from accidents and injuries and reduce the risk of property damage. No three-wheeled vehicles are allowed at MU. Carts must be four-wheeled vehicles. These guidelines are intended for use by all members of MU (faculty, staff, students and contractors/venders). Exception: These guidelines do not apply to carts operating on the MU A.L. Gustin Golf Course unless the carts leave the confines of the course.

Authorization

Only authorized persons who have completed department specific cart safety instruction should be allowed to operate these vehicles. Upon completion of instruction operators must sign training documentation and/or a statement of understanding. Supervisor must ensure that all cart drivers have received proper instruction. All drivers must possess a valid Missouri driver’s license. Generally these vehicles are considered unregistered motor vehicles and are not street legal, therefore not allowed on outside roadways except on marked cross walks. Some of the newer models are legal to operate on roadways posted with speed limits at or below 35 mph. The minimum safety features for street legal carts can be found in National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration (NHSTA) “Standard 500” (49 CFR Part 571.500).

MU-owned carts are to be used for official business only. Personally-owned carts are prohibited from operating on MU property. Exception, special consideration will be given to ADA accommodations.

The safe operation of carts is vital. Failure to follow these guidelines, render common practices and courtesies, or follow rules of the road for the State of Missouri, could result in citation, disciplinary action and/or suspension of operator’s cart driving privileges.

Inspection

A vehicle inspection should be conducted at least once each day. A checklist should be developed for each specific type of utility cart to include all applicable visible items such as; tire pressure, rust damage, fluid leaks, loose parts, etc. Following a visual inspection the functional aspects of the cart safety devices should be checked to include; loose steering, functional audible reverse alarm, working brakes, side and rear view mirrors are not cracked or fogged, operational flashing hazard lights on top of the cart, electric wipers, seat belt, horn, fully functional signals and correctly charged battery.

Proper battery maintenance is very important. Older batteries have been known to explode due to over charging. Refer to owners manual for correct charging procedures and other inspection and maintenance recommendations. All carts and trailers in tow by carts must clearly display the slow moving vehicle reflective triangle. All original equipment safety features are to be maintained in good working order. In addition, all carts are to be maintained as recommended by the manufacturer’s service schedule at the department’s expense. Records of all recommended maintenance and repair must be maintained.

Report anything not in proper working order to your supervisor and take the cart out of service immediately until repairs are made by a qualified technician.

Safe Operation

Street legal carts (meeting “Standard 500”) may operate on MU roadways in accordance with the posted speed limits. Other carts are not allowed on roadways except when crossing from one side to another or using a roadway where no sidewalks exist. Generally sidewalks are preferred to be used; however, the right-of-way must be rendered to pedestrians. While crossing roadways on pedestrian crosswalks carts do not have the right-of-way. The speed limit for carts off of a standard roadway is 15 mph. Tampering or modifying the cart’s governor is prohibited and is a violation of Federal law.

These additional guidelines for the safe operation of carts must be understood and followed at all times: Never drive faster than conditions allow; Predict changing hazards or hazardous conditions; Avoid distractions – drivers are not allowed to wear headsets while operating carts; Drivers are prohibited from operating carts on roadways outside the confines of campus boundaries; Drivers are to use extreme caution at all times; Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts (if originally equipped); Drivers are never to operate carts inside, under, or through buildings; Drive head on up hills/inclines; Never take hands of the wheel; and Sound horn at all blind turns. Refer to owner’s manual for your particular cart for additional safe operating information.

Know maximum weight limits of all department carts. Carts are not to be overloaded, e.g., allowing more passengers than seating provided or carrying more load than the rated capacity. Passengers are never allowed to ride in cargo area. When hauling loads check to see that nothing obstructs view and loads are secured in place.

A few guidelines about pedestrians and disabled persons include:

• Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Carts must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. Speed must be reduced to a minimum when driving along or crossing sidewalks to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
• Cart drivers must be attentive and pay close attention to the needs of disabled persons, due to limitations in vision, hearing or mobility which may impair their ability to see, hear or move out of the way of carts.
• When parking carts, drivers must consider location and security issues. Drivers are responsible for the ignition keys the entire time they use the vehicle. Keys are not to be left in carts while unattended. Never park in heavily traveled pedestrian areas. Do not block pedestrian access to walkways, emergency exits from buildings, fire suppression equipment, etc.
• Lastly, the cart driver must report all accidents to their supervisor who will assist in completion and submittal of appropriate written reports per MU policy.

Refer questions to the EHS Safety Representative (573) 882-7018. Also refer to the generic safety checklist that should be printed and placed in each cart.