Golf Carts/Utility Vehicles

Golf Carts & Off–Road Vehicles (ORVs)

Attached to Policy FIN–INS–03

These procedures do not apply to golf carts used solely on a golf course except where stated.

The following procedures and requirements are to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Academic and administrative supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their units are in compliance.

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS

1. ORVs and golf carts operated by the University shall be operated only by Employees and Agents of the University, and only by licensed drivers. Any exceptions to this provision must have the prior approval of INLOCC.
   • Drivers must complete an IU Motor Vehicles Registration check  in compliance with INLOCC procedures.
   • If an operator’s license is suspended, an appeal of suspension of the authorization to drive on university business can be filed by contacting Kutina England.
2. Drivers of ORVs and golf carts must complete a short training program.
   • The training module is online .
   • You must launch the training module. This will take ~15 minutes.
   • Take the quiz. If needed, take it again.
   • When you have passed the quiz, print the certificate.
   • In the event of an emergency declared under Emergency Management (IUEMC) guidelines, this section may be waived as necessary in consultation with IUEMC, IUPD or INLOCC.
3. ORVs and golf carts may be operated on IU property by entities under contract with the University, e.g., building contractors. Such entities are responsible for their use and maintenance in accordance with all applicable laws and rules

REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION OF ORVs AND GOLF CARTS

4. Except as allowed by paragraphs 1-3 above, and excepting golf cart use on a golf course, no one may operate a golf cart or any type of ORV on University property without the permission of INLOCC.
5. ORVs and golf carts shall not travel on state highways. They may cross state highways at 90° angles and may travel via sidewalks under the conditions listed below.
6. Golf carts may not be driven on public streets. (State law (IC 9-21-1-3.3) prohibits driving golf carts on public streets unless specifically allowed by local ordinance, and no campus localities permit driving on public streets.) Driving in parking lots or crossing streets at a 90° angle is not considered operating on a street.

Map of city streets where golf carts can be driven

The following requirements apply to ORVs and golf carts in any location including golf courses:

7. ORVs without rollbars or cabs or seatbelts and golf carts shall not be operated on slopes  exceeding 10% (6°) on unpaved surfaces or 20% (11°) on paved surfaces. Campuses shall identify any such areas where such ORVs and golf carts might be operated and identify these areas with warning signs.
8. ORVs and golf carts shall not be parked blocking exits, stairs, sidewalks, fire lanes, fire hydrants, or any handicapped access ways. ORVs and golf carts must not damage grass or plantings.
9. ORVs and golf carts shall yield to pedestrians and cyclists on sidewalks and paths. When approaching or passing pedestrians, golf carts shall be operated at walking speed, or just enough additional speed to overtake and pass pedestrians. Pedestrians and cyclists shall not be forced off sidewalks or paths.
10. The use of entertainment headsets or ear phones is prohibited while operating an ORV or golf cart. Communications headsets are allowed providing they allow the wearer to be aurally cognizant of their environment.
11. Tobacco products are not allowed in ORVs or golf carts.
12. The ORV or golf cart may only carry as many passengers as it has seats. No standing!
13. Keys shall not be left in unattended ORVs or golf carts.
14. Do not exceed the weight capacity of the ORV or golf cart. Do not carry loads that extend beyond the ORV or golf cart unless they are marked with a flag.
15. Use and maintenance of any ORV or golf cart must comply with all safety recommendations of the manufacturer.
16. Users must operate all ORVs and golf carts in a safe manner and obey all traffic laws and university regulations pertaining to vehicles.
17. Users must report any accident immediately to IUPD, INLOCC (812-855-9758; INLOCC) and their supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ORVs AND GOLF CARTS:

18. All IU owned ORVs must be titled and registered in compliance with state law. Registration records will be maintained by Fleet Services.
19. All IU owned golf carts must be registered with Fleet Services .
20. All ORVs and golf carts operated during darkness (at night and outside a lighted stadium area) must have at least two headlights in good working order.
21. An ORV or golf cart operated on a street must have:
    1. Front and rear turn signal lamps;
    2. At least one brake light (may be combined with the taillight);
    3. A slow moving vehicle sign or decal on the rear of the vehicle;
    4. If operated during darkness:
       1. Two headlights;
       2. At least one taillight;
       3. Reflex reflectors -one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable.
22. All ORVs or golf carts must have brakes capable of stopping the vehicle in compliance with applicable federal regulations, which should be accomplished by compliance with the maintenance recommendations of the manufacturer (drivers shall not use vehicles with faulty or “soft” brakes) and a parking brake. The parking brake must be used when the ORV or golf cart is parked.
23. ORVs purchased, leased or rented after July 1, 2014, must have: i) roll bar or ii) a cab with rollover protection.
24. All IU owned ORVs and golf carts will be identified in such manner that the unit operating the vehicle and vehicle number are easily identifiable by other motorists and pedestrians. IUB Motor Pool registration will include information on numbering and identification.

DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

25. Any department using an ORV or golf cart shall:
    1. Maintain (or cause to be maintained) the vehicles in a safe operating condition in accordance with any approved maintenance schedule as determined by manufacturers’ recommendations and the owner’s manual; any conflict in requirements will default to the more stringent requirements;
    2. Allow only employees or agents with a valid driver’s license and who have completed the online training to operate ORVs and golf carts.
    3. Ensure all ORVs and golf carts are registered as required. Operation of ORVs and golf carts is not permitted without proper registration.
26. A campus or satellite location may enact maintenance or other operating procedures that are at least as restrictive as and not in conflict with these procedures with the approval of INLOCC.

NOTE: ORVs located at the Judson Mead Geologic Field Station in Montana are exempted from these procedures because of their narrow scope of use.