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Monday, November 27, 2006

Law - Yet another story on golf carts [Updated]

The ILB has had a number of entries on the use of golf carts on city streets and roads. Sunday the Washington Post had this story, headed "Carts Are in Demand, but Who Said Anything About Golfing?" A quote:

Golf carts generally travel up to 18 mph. Authorities frown on driving them on roads with fast traffic. On certain kinds of public roads, though, "probably several hundred townships, cities and local governments have adopted rules" or regulations addressing the use of golf carts or similar vehicles, a lawyer with the National Golf Car Manufacturers Association said. And at least one local town has embraced them wholeheartedly.

Colonial Beach, Va., sits about 70 miles south of Washington, along the Potomac River, and has become a popular draw for weekend living. Since July 1, 2002, golf carts have been street-legal.

Owners must get carts inspected at designated stations. Among the requirements: lap belts, good brakes, proof of insurance and speed regulators (if the cart is gas-powered). Owners then take their paperwork to Town Hall to get their permit stickers. Cart riders also must stay off state Route 205, which runs on the edge of town.

"The first year, I have to admit, I thought, 'Boy this is a bogus thing,' " said Colonial Beach Mayor G.W. "Pete" Bone Jr. Now he is one of more than 400 estimated golf cart owners in town.

In the winter, riders can enclose the sides of carts with thick curtains akin to soft convertible tops and warm the inside of carts with a propane heater that fits into the drink holder. On Saturday, up to 25 Colonial Beach residents are expected to climb into their carts for an annual holiday parade, following Santa in their carts. This follows a golf cart scavenger hunt earlier in the year.

[Updated] A reader has sent me this story from the Portland IIndiana Commercial Review. Written by Rachelle Haughn, it reports on the Nov. 21st meeting of the Portland City Council. Some quotes:
A proposed list of restrictions on the use of golf carts in the city drew no opposition from community members.

The Portland City Council announced a list of possible restrictions for the use of carts on city streets Monday night. A handful of local residents attended the meeting and said they agreed with the proposed list. The restrictions include requiring the vehicles to stay off state highways, to be insured and for the drivers to have valid driver's licenses.

The city's attorney plans to draft an ordinance with these restrictions for council members to vote on at a future meeting.

Council president Glen Bryant read the list of proposed restrictions, and audience members were given the chance to comment on the list. None of the audience members spoke against it.

One audience member, however, said that no matter what regulations the city sets up, state law says it is illegal to drive golf carts on city streets and highways.

Portland resident Mark Iliff said he recently spoke with an Indiana State Police trooper who told him that state law prohibits the use of golf carts on all streets and highways.

"I'll look into that," said city attorney Bill Hinkle. * * *

Iliff voiced his concerns about the golf carts at a recent council meeting, prompting Bryant and council members Judy Aker and Bill Gibson to form a committee to review golf cart ordinances of other cities and towns.

The committee recommended that a city ordinance be formed with the following restrictions on the use of golf carts:

•All drivers must have a valid driver's license.

•The carts may not be driven on sidewalks. Carts also cannot be driven on West Votaw Street, Meridian Street or East Water Street (all state highways), except when crossing an intersection.

•The carts may only be driven between 30 minutes before dawn and 30 minutes after dusk unless the carts have headlights and taillights.

•Cart drivers must obey the posted traffic signs and regulations.

•Carts shall have no more passengers than the vehicles are equipped to handle.

•Slow moving vehicle signs must be displayed on all carts.

•The carts must be insured.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 27, 2006 06:50 AM
Posted to Indiana Law