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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Ind. Law - Golf carts bills are in the legislative hopper

Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today under the headline "Many Ind. bills cater to constituents' wishes." She writes that Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, has filed "legislation to make golf carts legal to register and drive on roads other than highways." More:

A number of towns in his district and the surrounding area -- including Holland, where his cousin is on the Town Council -- have passed local ordinances to legalize their use.

But because the BMV won't register golf carts, state police sometimes ticket the drivers, Steele said.

"Driving a golf cart around town makes sense, especially when gas was up to $4 a gallon," he said. "These ordinances say they have to be wired with lighting, brake lights, just like any other vehicle or moped. I don't see any difference between these and a moped."

BMV officials are studying the bills but have not taken a position on them, Rosebrough said.

The bill is SB 291. Senator Michael Delph has also introduced a golf cart bill, SB 199.

Check here for a lengthy list of ILB entries re golf carts on streets and highways.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 11, 2009 10:10 AM
Posted to General Law Related