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Sunday, July 12, 2009

Ind. Law - More on: Enthusiasm builds over use of golf carts in smaller communities

Updating this ILB entry from July 9th, here are more stories:

"Golf carts expected to be discussed at Linton Council meeting on Monday night" is the heading to this story July 10 in the Greene County Daily World, reported by Timberly Ferree:

Look for golf carts to top the discussion during Monday's Linton City Council meeting.

Linton Mayor Tom Jones provided the details in a Thursday morning interview with the Greene County Daily World.

"We'll talk about a golf cart ordinance. We're not ready to pass one yet. It may be August or September when we're ready," Jones explained.

In April, the state approved legislation allowing golf carts to be driven in towns and cities beginning July 1 if there is a local ordinance allowing it.

"It's not legal as we speak today in Linton. It's not legal until the city passes an ordinance," Jones said.

Provisions within the state legislation require the driver of the golf cart to have a valid driver's license and the vehicle to have insurance as well as a revolving red or amber light or slow moving vehicle sign.

"I'm not opposed to them (golf carts) at all. But I want to make sure we do it right. I think it's a good idea as long as we have the infrastructure to support it," the mayor added.

Discussion with the police department on the issue is also needed, he noted. The matter is currently being researched.

Chandler Indiana is the focus of this Evansville News 25 story by Jennifer Cahill that begins:
Starting July 16th, cars and trucks in Chandler will have to share the road with golf carts and off-road vehicles. But NEWS 25 learns drivers will have to follow some major rules and regulations to make those vehicles road-worthy.

"Four way flashers. A horn. I'm just tried to make it street legal is what I tried to do." With headlights, turn signals, brake lights and rear view mirrors installed, Jim Hutchcraft is ready.

"I've got a clock. I even made a copy of my (handicap) sticker and put it up there," he says.

The City of Chandler's new off-road vehicle and golf cart ordinances take effect July 16th. When that happens, ATV's, 4-wheelers and golf carts, like Hutchcrafts, will share the road with cars and trucks.

"The gas is so much cheaper. It hardly uses any gas at all, you know. It'll be great for when you want to get out in the evening at sunset and take a little ride. Just relax," Hutchcraft says.

"For errands like the store, the post office, the bank. Everything is in close proximity," says golf cart owner, Bil Musgrave, of how he plans to use his.

The ordinance will create a new way of life for Chandler residents, but also a whole new set of laws for police to enforce.

"We don't know what we're going to come in to, but it's probably going to be people not driving where they're supposed to and not staying where they're told they can ride it," says Chandler Police Officer, Tim Patton.

To drive 4-wheelers and golf carts under the new laws, the driver must be at least 18, have the vehicle insured, and get a city permit for 15 dollars.

The vehicles are banned from Highway 62, except to cross it at the town's one stop light.

Golf carts are limited to roads with speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less.

"We're going to enforce it the way it needs to be enforced," Patton says.

From the July 9th Greencastle Banner Graphic, this report by Jared Jernagan:
Bainbridge town council members reviewed a draft of an ordinance to regulate golf cart usage in town.

The ordinance will allow the use of golf carts on the streets and alleys of the town of Bainbridge with the exception of S.R. 36. It defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled motor vehicle designed to transport one or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.

Any carts operated in Bainbridge must display either a slow moving vehicle emblem or a red or amber flashing lamp. Drivers must have a valid driver's license and proof of liability and financial responsibility.

Violations of the ordinance will result in a fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent violations.

Council members asked city attorney Jim Ensley to add that the carts must have headlights and tail lights, follow all traffic rules and regulations, and be properly seated in a seat with no body parts extended outside the cart.

The first reading of the ordinance will take place at the next town council meeting.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 12, 2009 10:12 AM
Posted to Indiana Law