Plymouth City Council looks a new golf cart ordinance that requires registration

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 3:05 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Members of the Plymouth Common Council got their first look at an ordinance that would require golf cart owners who wish to drive on city streets to register their golf carts with the city office.

Council members heard the first reading of the ordinance that proposes to imposes a $60 annual registration fee. The fee is for anyone who wishes to operate a golf cart within the City of Plymouth. The proposal is to have the fee due on or before March 1 each year. A sticker that indicates the golf cart has been properly registered must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle and remain visible. A slow-moving vehicle sign, the orange tringle must also be on the rear of the golf cart.

Rules to operate a golf cart in the City of Plymouth include possession of a valid driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility or insurance. Golf carts MUST be equipped with both working headlights and taillights and must be visible within 500 feet. You are also required to have an operational rear-view mirror.

Golf carts must carry no more passengers than the cart is designed for, and all passengers MUST always be seated. Children under 36 inches in height are not permitted to be passengers on golf carts. Adult passengers shall not hold passengers on their laps.

The ordinance also explains that golf carts are to follow the same operating rules as an automobile. You can’t drink and drive a golf cart. You can’t operate a cell phone while driving a golf cart. Golf carts are permitted on city streets and not on State Highways such a State Road 17 which includes Lake Avenue from Washington School through downtown and north to U.S. 30. Golf carts are not to be driven or parked on public sidewalks or trails including the Greenway Trail, nor are you to drive over the curbs with them.

Violations of any provisions will be subject to a fine of $50 for the first offense, $75 for the second offense, $100 for the third offense and if any subsequent offense occurs, the golf cart shall be impounded at the owner’s expense.

The proposed ordinance would go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The Plymouth City Council will take a second look at the ordinance at their next meeting on Monday, August 12.