City Council issues reminder on golf cart regulations and registration requirements

With warmer weather bringing more outdoor activity, Plymouth city officials are reminding residents and visitors about the strict regulations governing golf cart usage within city limits.

The issue was brought to the forefront during last week’s Common Council meeting when City Councilman Randy Longanecker raised concerns about unregistered golf carts being driven on city streets and prohibited areas.

A major point of emphasis during the meeting was the city's Greenway Trail. Officials stressed that the trail is strictly reserved for walkers, runners, roller skaters, and skateboarders. Motorized vehicles of any kind—including golf carts—are expressly prohibited from using the trail system.

In August 2024, the Common Council passed a comprehensive ordinance establishing a permit requirement and safety rules for golf carts operating on city streets and alleyways. Under this ordinance, any golf cart driven in Plymouth must be registered with the city, even if the owner or operator resides outside the city limits.

The annual registration fee is $30, and the deadline to register for the year was March 1st. Owners must present proof of insurance at the clerk's office to register their vehicle. Once registered, the city provides a sticker that must be clearly mounted and visible on the rear of the cart, and a copy of the registration form must be kept with the vehicle at all times.

While golf carts are permitted on many city streets and alleys, operators are bound by standard traffic laws. This includes a strict prohibition on drinking and driving, as well as a ban on using cell phones while operating the cart. Furthermore, all operators must possess a valid driver’s license and carry the state-required minimum level of financial liability insurance.

To be street-legal in Plymouth, a golf cart must be equipped with:

• Functioning headlights and taillights visible from 500 feet away
• A working rear-view mirror and
• A red-orange Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) triangle displayed on the rear.

The city ordinance also dictates passenger safety. A golf cart may only carry the number of passengers it was originally designed to hold, and all passengers must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion. For safety reasons, children under 36 inches tall are not permitted to ride on golf carts on public streets.

In addition to the Greenway Trail and city sidewalks, golf carts are prohibited from driving over curbs or onto private property. They are also banned from operating on State Roads within the city. This includes State Road 17 (North Michigan Street) from LaPorte Street to U.S. 30, and State Road 17 (Lake Avenue) from Oak Drive to LaPorte Street. When parking, golf carts are subject to all standard parking regulations outlined in the Plymouth City Code.

The Plymouth Police Department enforces the ordinance, and violators will face an escalating scale of fines. A first offense carries a $50 fine, a second violation is $75, and a third is $100. Any subsequent offenses will result in the golf cart being impounded at the owner’s expense.

Residents who have not yet registered their golf carts for the current year are encouraged to visit the clerk's office immediately to comply with the city ordinance.