Section 334.45. Go-karts, dune buggies and all-terrain vehicles.

 

(1)   Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to go-karts, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles and similar rider-controlled vehicles which carry or convey passengers along, around or over a fixed or restricted route or course or within a defined area for use as an amusement ride. These provisions shall apply in addition to all other applicable requirements in this chapter.

(2)   Vehicle requirements.

(a) All vehicles shall be equipped with passenger padding to minimize the risk of injury to the driver, such as steering wheel pad, headrest pad and steering wheel support post pad.

(b) All vehicles shall be guarded to prevent interlocking of wheels during operation, unless vehicle passing is not allowed.

(c) All vehicles equipped with seat belts shall be equipped with rollover protection in accordance with recognized safe practice.

(d) The maximum speed for a vehicle used by drivers under 52 inches in height shall be 8 mph. The speed of every vehicle shall be set at a limit not to exceed the maximum speed for which the track is designed and in accordance with recognized safe practice.

(e) Vehicles shall be equipped with a guarding system in compliance with recognized safe practice that covers or encloses all moving parts of the drive mechanism, except the wheels.

(f) Thermal protection shall be provided for the exhaust system.

(g) Vehicle fuel tanks shall be mounted or guarded in such a manner that provides protection to the driver during operation and if an accident should occur.

(h) The brake and speed controls shall be readily identified as to function and shall return automatically to a nonoperational position when released.

(i) The seat, back rest and leg area of every go-kart shall be so designed as to retain the driver on the go-kart in the event of a collision at the front, rear or sides of the go-kart.

(j) All vehicles shall be provided with impact absorbing bumpers or energy absorption body parts.

(3)   Track and course requirements.

(a) The surface of the track or course used by go-karts shall be smooth and of a solid and binding material, such as concrete or asphalt.

(b) The minimum width for go-kart tracks where vehicles travel more than 8 mph shall be 3 vehicle widths throughout the entire course or track.

(c)

1. A barrier system shall be installed around the inner and outer edges of the track or course used by go-karts, and it shall extend the entire length of the track or course. Openings in the barrier system for the entrance or exit of vehicles shall be protected in the direction of travel. The system shall consist of a guard rail, rubber tires, a runoff strip level with the track surface, or an embankment of friable earth or gravel or a combination thereof.

2. If rubber tires are used for a barrier system, the tires shall be free of the rims or wheels. The tires shall be installed to provide an effective barrier without allowing the go-karts to rise over them or penetrate underneath them.

3. If a metal, wood or fiberglass rail is used for a barrier system, the rail surface shall be kept free of sharp or protruding edges or seams, and it shall be maintained so that there is no loose or unsecured area.

4. A barrier system shall be installed to designate and protect the pit area or passenger loading area.

(d) A fence or railing system at least 42 inches high shall be installed at maintenance buildings, driveways, pit areas, and fuel storage pumping areas to keep frequenters from entering these track areas without the permission of, or direction by, the track personnel.

(e) No intersecting track or course configuration shall be permitted.

(f) Any pole, post or solid obstruction that may be accidentally struck shall be protected by a resilient, energy-absorbing system.

(g) Fire extinguishers with a minimum 10-B:C rating shall be conspicuously located within 50 feet of the pit area and fueling point.

(4)   Operation requirements.

(a) The attendants shall be able to clearly view the entire course.

(b) The refueling of vehicles may not take place in any area where frequenters are present.

(c) During nighttime operation, track lighting with a minimum lighting level of 5 footcandles at the track surface shall be provided.

(d) A means shall be provided to safely alert the drivers of the vehicles to a caution situation or to stop the vehicles in case of an emergency.

(e) Smoking shall not be permitted while operating a vehicle or in the pit area.

(f) Vehicles shall not be operated with more than one person per seat unless the vehicle is designed for such operation by the vehicle manufacturer.

(5)   Signs.

(a) A conspicuous sign shall be posted at the ticket window or track entrance indicating at least the following information:

1. Minimum height of 52 inches for a driver of a standard go-kart.

2. To start and stop only at the attendant's signal.

3. To stay in the vehicle while on the track.

4. Loose clothing and hair longer than shoulder length must be secured.

5. To obey verbal instructions of the attendant.

(b) A conspicuous sign shall be posted at the boarding or starting area indicating at least the following information:

1. To keep hands and feet inside the vehicle.

2. To obey the attendant's signals.

3. Bumping, stopping or U-turns on the track are not allowed.

4. To stay on the track surface.

5. To stay in the vehicle in the parking area until released by the attendant.

6. No smoking in the pit area or while operating a vehicle.

(c) A conspicuous sign shall be posted at the unloading area indicating that the driver is to remain seated until released by the attendant.

History: Cr. Register, February, 1992, No. 434 , eff. 3-1-92; CR 02-127 : cr. (4) (f) Register May 2003 No. 569 , eff. 6-1-03; correction in (4) (b) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672 ; correction in (4) (b) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register December 2013 No. 696 ; CR 14-010 : am. (4) (b) Register August 2014 No. 704 , eff. 9-1-14; correction in (4) (b) made under s. 35.17 , Stats., Register August 2014 No. 704 .

Note

Fuel storage and fueling operations are regulated under ch. ATCP 93 , Flammable, Combustible and Hazardous Liquids. Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1