An ordinance governing the use of "low speed" vehicles within village limits was adopted last week by the Northport Village Council.

Council members voted June 21 to adopt a 1-page document regulating the use of golf carts, lawn mowers or mopeds in a street right-of-way. According to the document, drivers of the low speed vehicles must be at least 16 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and follow several conditions.

The operator must comply with the uniform traffic code that requires low-speed vehicles to ride “as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable” and to take reasonable care when passing a standing vehicle.

Also, the vehicles can’t be operated on sidewalks constructed for pedestrian use.

In addition, vehicles must have a white light visible from 500 feet and a red rear light visible from the same distance. Lights are to be used at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, or at any other time when there is not sufficient light to see the vehicle from a distance of 500 feet.

The vehicles also must not be used to carry more people at one time than the number for which it is designed.

The ordinance becomes effective upon publication and is valid for one year, when renewal will be considered by the council.