Golf Cart Ordinances Regulate Rules of the Road

 
 

Riding on golf carts has become a summer activity enjoyed by all outside of the golf course, especially those that live along the shores of Bass Lake and Koontz Lake.

Golf cart operators are advised to remember the rules of the road. Per the county statute, no person may operate a golf cart on any county road unless the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

Golf carts are prohibited from operation on state highways. The vehicle cannot be driven on a state highway or across a state highway as cited in state law. Operators must be 16 years of age and older.

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Starke County Commissioners Proceed Carefully With Utility Vehicle Ordinance

 
 
Starke County Commissioners are proceeding carefully with the drafting of an ordinance to allow utility vehicles on county roads. They chose to separate gasoline powered vehicles like John Deere Gators and Kawasaki Mules from the policy they recently passed to allow battery operated golf carts to be driven on county roads. County attorney Marty Lucas is researching policies from other jurisdictions and hopes to have a draft recommendation for the commissioners to consider when they meet on Monday, Dec. 2. The intent of the proposed ordinance, according to the commissioners, is to allow utility vehicles with steering wheels, roll bars and seatbelts that are properly insured to be operated on roads while still restricting all-terrain vehicles like 3- and 4-wheelers.

Starke Commissioners Approve Second Reading of Golf Cart Ordinance

 
 
The Starke County Commissioners yesterday morning held the second public hearing regarding a proposed golf cart ordinance regulating the use of the vehicles on county roads. The commissioners opened the public hearing and heard comments and suggestions from the public, including a concern regarding the use of golf carts on County Road 625 E between Toto Road and Bass Lake.

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Starke County Commissioners Considering Golf Cart Ordinance

 
 

The Starke County Commissioners are considering an ordinance to regulate the operation of golf carts on county roads. First, a golf cart operator must possess a county-issued small vehicle permit and carry liability insurance on the vehicle. Permits can be obtained for a cost of $25 each from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office after the vehicle is inspected. Starke County will also honor permits issued by Marshall County, once the proposed ordinance becomes law. The permit is unique to a single vehicle, which must have brakes in good working condition and an INDOT approved slow-moving vehicle sign. Additionally, golf carts must be equipped with a rear-view mirror, manufacturers serial number plate, front and rear reflectors and working rear brake lights visible from at least 500 feet.

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Starke Commissioners Discuss Drafted Golf Cart Ordinance

 
 

After receiving a number of complaints from various lake associations, like the Bass Lake Property Owners Association, the Koontz Lake Association and the Boa Shores Association, the Starke County Commissioners this week held a public hearing for an ordinance regulating the use of golf carts in the county. Commissioner Kathy Norem explained during the hearing that the associations around Koontz and Bass lakes requested that the commissioners consider an ordinance regulating golf carts around the lakes, and with the sheriff’s input and help from the county attorney and highway superintendent, Norem said they now have a drafted ordinance that should suit the needs of the county.

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Starke County Commissioners Discuss Golf Cart Ordinance

 
 
Starke County’s lack of a golf cart ordinance is causing problems for residents of its two lake communities. Members of the Bass Lake Property Owners Association have asked the commissioners to look into setting a policy. Many people use golf carts to get around at both Bass and Koontz Lakes, often with no regard for motorized vehicles or low-light conditions when they are difficult to see. The commissioners discussed the matter but did not take any formal action. Several communities have adopted ordinances that allow golf carts equipped with slow moving vehicle signs and headlights to be operated on public roads if the owner obtains a permit to do so, and the state has a law on the books that sets regulations that must be followed.

North Judson Considering Golf Cart Ordinance

The town of North Judson is considering the idea of joining several counties, cities, and towns throughout Indiana that have adopted ordinances regulating where golf carts can and cannot be driven. According to Clerk-Treasurer Donna Henry, the town board is reviewing a sample ordinance governing golf carts to determine whether or not they want to draft an ordinance based around those recommendations.

Henry says the council is unsure as to whether or not an ordinance is currently in effect regulating golf carts, but she says it’s more likely that the board has mentioned something in the meeting minutes prohibiting golf carts from operating on town roads. However, if that is the case, the board would like to have something more concrete on record specifying requirements for golf cart operation – such as an operator’s license, insurance on the vehicle, registration, or other necessities.

The board also discussed their no-tobacco ordinance, and have sent it to be publicized. Henry says once it has been advertised in the paper, the board can move forward with the first reading of the ordinance and proceed with its enactment.

Winamac Town Board To Draft Golf Cart Ordinance

Winamac Town Hall

The Winamac Town Board will soon be putting together a golf cart ordinance.

The members discussed the issue this week and the board has said that their main concern is safety. Ordinances from other towns will be researched so the board can pinpoint what they want to address in an ordinance.

The board also appointed board member Richard Denney to the Star City Sewer Project Board until September, when appointments will be reviewed. He is taking the place of a member who recently resigned from the position.

Hamlet Police Department Investigating Theft from Hamlet Golf Course

Officers from the Hamlet Police Department are investigating a theft from the Hamlet Golf Course.

A golf cart was stolen from the premises during the evening hours on Sunday, September 11th. The cart was driven off the course onto Indiana Avenue where the suspect(s) loaded the golf cart onto a trailer and fled the scene. The suspect vehicle has been described as a newer style black Dodge Ram with large polished wheels pulling a utility trailer with metal grate style bottom and ramp. Officials at the Hamlet Golf Course are offering a reward for the return of the golf cart.

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