North Judson residents will no longer be able to register their utility vehicles as golf carts. Some Gators and similar types of vehicles have been permitted in the past, even though the town’s golf cart ordinance is not designed to apply to any other vehicles.
After discussing the issue with Town Marshal Kelly Fisher and Chief Deputy Frank Thomas, the town council has decided to leave the ordinance alone, and stop granting permits for vehicles that aren’t golf carts. Council member John Rowe said Monday there are too many variables to consider, to allow other vehicles. “There’s some that do 40 miles an hour. There’s some that only do 25,” he explained. “But those variations are just too hard to decipher between which is which. It’s just too hard. So by sticking with the ordinance, the ordinance just states, simply, ‘golf carts.'”
As for what qualifies as a golf cart, the ordinance gives this definition: “A motorized cart or car in the context of this ordinance is an electric- or gasoline-powered motor vehicle commonly called a ‘golf cart,’ designed and intended to transport one or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.”
Town officials say there are two vehicles that don’t fit that description that currently have valid golf cart permits. Those vehicles will be allowed on town streets for the rest of the year, but their permits will not be renewed next year.
Collins pointed out that the only utility vehicle explicitly allowed by the town is owned by Osborn Advantage Real Estate for use during the Mint Festival.
