OK my golf buddies, it’s time for my first “What Do You Think?” Post.
Actually, this is the main reason that I started this blog, so that we could
all comment on a particular subject that has to do with golf.
And since many of you emailed me to say that you’d respond with comments
make sure you do, OK? It’s no fun talking to myself 
Anyway, here, goes…
And the first subject is not specifically about golf, but it has ties to it.
What Do You Think About…
Golf Carts on the highway?
It seems that there have been a lot of communities lately that have created rules
or changed existing rules that now allow golf carts on the roads.
But in their zeal to help their citizens save on gas, they may have put them in danger of
fines at the least, and serious injury at the worst!
Reports are coming to me from all over, but it seems that Indiana is in the middle of this
issue so I’ll start there - in the city of Lebanon IN, for example.
Its city council passed an ordinance in 2006 allowing the use of golf carts on most city
streets, but despite that ordinance, state police ticketed drivers of golf carts.
The issue could pit state law against home rule. Under home rule, the city may establish
ordinances and enforce regulations.
But it appears there is a gray area in Indiana and other states when it comes to laws concerning the
use of golf carts, and it’s an issue likely to face state legislators soon, as gas prices
continue to hover around $4 a gallon.
As in Indy, most state code does not specifically mention golf carts or ban their use or
operation on public highways. But they do impose certain requirements and restrictions
upon the use of golf carts operated on public highways.
The typical code is that golf carts can be operated on public highways, but they must be registered
and plated with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
And of course there is no method for registering or plating a golf cart…
Of course, you could do like a guy in Ohio did. He actually spent $938 to install a windshield,
horn, headlights, turn signals, brake lights and seat belts on his golf cart.
And he got it registered and licensed, and now he drives it around the neighbor.
It interesting to note that more than 82 percent of trips made in cars are 5 miles or less,
according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. And due to the surging price of gas,
people are looking for alternative forms of transportation.
So it makes some sense…
But does it?
Some town mayors have gotten a little ahead of the game, like in Benton, Ill. where they
are using golf carts to transport water meter readers and to make trips to the post office, etc.
They passed an ordinance last month, allowing golf carts on city streets.
The mayor of Mitchell IN, Dan Terrell, encouraged the use of the carts. He even bought one,
and drives it to work at City Hall.
But the fate of golf carts on the streets appears up in the air.
That’s because golf carts are not road legal in Indiana and other states, and some say only the
state General Assembly can change that — not the mayors of small towns.
That’s because the carts don’t have seat belts, proper braking systems or turn signals, among other things.
so therefore in the eyes of the police, they are not street legal.
So, What Do You Think? Should golf carts be legal on city streets? Or should they remain on the
golf course?
Or should some industrious soul make a fortune selling “upgrade kits” to make them street legal?
Enter your comments!!
