Council mulls golf carts again

Local News

June 5, 2009

Debbie Blank

Persistence may pay off for Dan Weigel, who asked the Oldenburg council to legalize golf carts on town streets Aug. 4, 2008.

Weigel made his plea again June 1, noting, “The state just passed it.” House Bill 1483, effective July 1, “prohibits an individual from operating a golf cart on a highway, except when a city or town has adopted an ordinance authorizing the use of golf carts on the city's or town's highways.”

The bill stated a local ordinance must require a person operating a golf cart to hold a driver's license and may require that a cart display a slow-moving vehicle sign or a red or amber flashing light. Golf cart drivers are financial responsible.

The bill defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled electrically-powered motor vehicle with a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. The cart must be equipped with headlights, front and rear turn signal lights, tail lights and stop lights; reflectors; exterior or interior mirrors; brakes; a windshield; vehicle identification number; and safety belts for each seat.

A fine assessed for a golf cart traffic violation will be deposited into the town’s general fund, according to the bill.

Member Dennis Moeller wondered if driving while intoxicated laws would apply. Weigel believed so as cart drivers must follow all traffic laws.

Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Laker will ask town attorney Tom O'Connor to review the new law. It also will be given to Deputy Eric Moenter, who is swapping jobs with Marshal Scott Barnhorst, tentatively Aug. 1. Barnhorst told the council he has work conflicts with another job.

Golf carts will be on the agenda at the July 6 meeting.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.