Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (Golf Carts)

What are Neighborhood Electric Vehicles?

Colorado Revised Statute 42-1-102(60.5) gives the following definition:

"Neighborhood Electric Vehicle" means a self-propelled, electrically powered motor vehicle that: (a) Meets the equipment standards of part 2 (Equipment) of article 4 (Regulation of Vehicles and Traffic) of this title; and (b) Has a speed attainable in 1 mile that does not exceed 25 mph. 

Summary of laws regarding the use of Golf Carts in Broomfield:

• Golf Carts MAY NOT travel on public roadways.

• Golf Carts MAY NOT travel on sidewalks.

• Golf Carts MAY NOT travel in parks, recreational areas, trails, or other areas commonly used for pedestrian or bicycle traffic, with the exception of areas maintained and zoned or approved for golf course use.

Can Neighborhood Electric Vehicles travel on public roadways?

NO.  Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-109.5 and Model Traffic Code 109.5 state in part:

…No person shall operate a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle on a highway or limited access highway. 

Can Neighborhood Electric Vehicles travel on sidewalks?

NO.  Broomfield Municipal Code 10-16-020, Motorized Vehicles Restricted, lists areas in which motor vehicles or recreational vehicles are prohibited.  It states in part: 

 (E) On any other publicly or privately owned parks, ball fields, recreational areas, bike trails, horse trails, lake areas, easements, sidewalk, or other areas dedicated to or commonly used for pedestrian or bicycle traffic.

Can Neighborhood Electric Vehicles travel in parks, lake areas, and recreational areas?

NO; unless it is a golf course.  Broomfield Municipal Code 10-16-030, Exceptions, states in part:

(B) Operation of golf carts in areas maintained and zoned or approved for golf course use is allowed. 

For more information on Broomfield Municipal Ordinance, please visit Title 10, Chapter 16 of the Broomfield Municipal Code.