What You Need to Know About Indiana Golf Carts
While golf carts are primarily used for recreational purposes, they also offer a viable form of transportation in some communities. In fact, Indiana state law permits golf carts to drive on public roadways in designated areas. However, there remain restrictions on where you can legally operate your golf cart in Indiana. Indiana Code Sections 9-13-2-106.5 through 9-13-2-106.8 legislate the use of golf carts on public roadways. These sections define important terms including "highway," "local unit," "local unit ordinance," "motor vehicle," and "utility vehicle." Let’s go over these terms in the context of a golf cart’s ability to travel on Indiana roadways.
Indiana defines "local unit" as a county, municipality, school corporation, or other political subdivision whose territory is located completely or partially within Indiana. "Local unit ordinance" means an ordinance enacted by a local unit in order to regulate the operation of a golf cart on a highway in the local unit. "Utility vehicle" refers to a four (4) wheel motor driven vehicle that: (i) is not manufactured for operation on a highway; and (ii) has an engine cubic capacity of not more than twenty-seven (27) cubic inches or is powered exclusively by electricity . "Highway" means: (i) a public street; (ii) a road; (iii) a road and street; or (iv) any other public way in Indiana that is: (A) maintained by a local unit; and (B) not otherwise designated as or found to be unsuitable for motor vehicles under IC 9-21-9-10.5.
According to Indiana’s definition of "motor vehicle," a golf cart is technically classified as a "motor vehicle" under state law because the definition of motor vehicle includes: (a) a motor driven cycle, a motorcycle, a truck, or a truck tractor that is: (i) normally operated at speeds of more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour; and (ii) was manufactured primarily for use on a highway. In other words, even though golf carts can only reach speeds of about 20 to 25 miles per hour, golf carts are still classified as motor vehicles under state law. Therefore, in most of Indiana, golf carts can only be driven on highways that have been designated as being suitable for operating motor vehicles. In some counties of Indiana, golf carts must be registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These counties include the following: "County" means a county located in Indiana. Not all counties allow the use of golf carts, and not all golf carts require registration. When driving a golf cart through the county, make sure to comply with its regulations regarding golf carts.
Registering and Licensing Your Golf Cart
While the requirements for owning a golf cart that is street legal in Indiana are significantly relaxed as compared to a regular automobile or truck, you will still need to complete some steps. Neither a seatbelt nor a driver’s license is necessary, but you will need a few things to make sure your golf cart will be legal on the roads.
To be street legal, a golf cart must be registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Manufacturers certificate of origin or bill of sale used to initially obtain a registration is required. A Vehicle Inspection Form is also needed; this form must be completed by the state police, the BMV or an inspector appointed by the BMV. This inspection form makes sure that the golf cart meets all requirements for being street legal, such as proper lighting and motor details.
You’ll be able to categorize your golf cart as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. A Neighborhood Electric Vehicle is defined as a four-wheel electric vehicle that satisfies the following criteria:
• Has a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or less
• Has at least four wheels
• Meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards for low-speed vehicles under 49CFR section 571.500
Depending on where you live or where you plan to drive your golf cart, there may be additional permits or documentation needed. For example, in order to drive your golf cart in a gated community, you may need permission from the owners association.
Keep in mind that you will still be held to the same rules as other motorists. Even though a golf cart doesn’t need to have a function like a conventional brake light, it still needs one that is visible to a reasonable distance. You also can’t use your cell phone while driving a golf cart, just as you would with other cars.
Driving Safety Tips and Legal Requirements
It is important that those who own and operate golf carts follow the proper safety regulations. Parke County Ordinance No. 2019-3 requires that all golf carts used on public streets within the boundaries of Parke County meet the following guidelines:
Safety Equipment
You must have seat belts in the golf cart for each passenger. Note: if your golf cart has been modified to hold more than four (4) passengers, each seat must have a seat belt.
Lighting Equipment
You must have two front lights and one rear light, which must be operational during times of darkness or when conditions require the use of windshield wipers for normal vehicular operation.
Safety Flags
You must have a fluorescent orange or red flag that includes reflective material, as described below, attached to the rear of the golf cart at a height of at least 54 inches from the ground, at all times, except during daylight hours when there is no traffic.
Age Requirements and Licensing Procedures
In addition to other restrictions, Indiana requires drivers of these vehicles on public roads to be at least 16 years old and to possess a valid driver’s license. Other state laws govern the use of these vehicles on public roads as well, including: Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions. For example, a community might allow the use of golf carts, but restrict them to certain times of day or designate specific roads for their use. It is also worth noting that even if the municipality has opened up certain roads to the use of golf carts and similar vehicles, there may be restrictions regarding their use on roads with speeds greater than a specific maximum.
Municipalities with Unique Golf Cart Ordinances
We’ve hit upon a very important aspect of the question. Different counties and municipalities can have different rules about whether you’re able to drive your golf cart on the road or not. Indeed, different municipalities can have different rules from each other about these things. These cities, towns, and regions can choose to ban golf carts on the road. They can also choose to allow them on the road.
Some cities even allow them on public roads under certain circumstances. For example, in Chesterton, Indiana, the town actually allows for golf carts on certain streets in the town. In 2008, they passed Ordinance 2008-13, which allowed for golf carts on streets with the exception of certain areas. In areas of high traffic or that were especially hazardous, they were prohibited .
In fact, while we are all talking about this one ordinance, there are multiple golf cart ordinances that have been passed in Chesterton. So golf cart rules vary within the same city—as just one example.
Another example is in Orient Point, Indiana. There, there are multiple golf cart ordinances as well. As this points to, these ordinances can be quite complicated and can differ quite a bit. So before you think that you are allowed to drive your golf cart, pay close attention to the ordinances in your specific municipality.
Some have no ordinances at all. Some have more than one. It can be a very complex area of law!
We’re still on the natural strength of our golf carts if…yes…we look out for specific ordinances and laws in our communities.
Penalties for Riding Unregistered, Unlicensed Golf Carts
Failure to comply with Indiana’s golf cart laws can lead to severe penalties. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties may include monetary fines, the suspension of a driver’s golf cart privileges, and/or the impounding of the golf cart itself. While Indiana courts have discretion when it comes to establishing the penalties for non-compliance, the state or local government may issue a notice — after which the driver has a specific number of days to pay the fine and/or come into compliance. Local authorities will often issue a warning for minor violations, but repeated violations can result in the immediate confiscation of the golf cart until the driver demonstrates that they are capable of coming into compliance.
Other States and Their Golf Cart Laws
The regulation of golf carts extends well beyond the borders of Indiana. In fact, Indiana is one of 36 states that allow some form of Golf Cart use on public roadways, usually through the issuance of some kind of local permit from a municipality or other local governmental body. Of the 15 remaining states, 10 (Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin) have no laws regulating Golf Cart use whatsoever, leaving it up to local authorities to either outlaw or allow their use. The remaining five of the 50 states with no law regulating Golf Carts are Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Wyoming and are surveyed below.
Montana: Unlike most states, Montana requires that an owner of any type of motor vehicle must obtain a title for the vehicle and also requires the owner to display a license plate on the vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is registered in Montana. In addition, unlike Indiana law, no driver’s license is required of the operator, provided the operator is operating the vehicle during daylight hours in a hermetically sealed environment (i.e., has a driver barrier that provides for the sidewall and rear windows); however, the operator must be at least twelve years old.
Nebraska: Nebraska law provides a $25.00 registration fee for Golf Carts and specifies a License Plate Fee of $5.00 unless the local authorities require a different fee.
New Hampshire: Golf Carts are generally prohibited on New Hampshire highways unless the municipality or town has specifically authorized their use by ordinance, resolution or otherwise. New Hampshire is joined by a number of other states in placing the authority on the municipalities to determine how and where Golf Carts may use public roadways.
South Dakota: South Dakota permits the local authorities to permit Golf Carts on streets and highways with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. In addition, South Dakota restricts underage driving, stating that a driver must be at least fourteen years of age and have a permit.
Wyoming: Similar to New Mexico and Louisiana, Wyoming’s law regulating golf carts provides for their ability to use any area open to another type of motor vehicle if specified criteria are satisfied.
Pros and Cons of Owning and Operating a Golf Cart
One of the most significant benefits of driving a golf cart is the reduced environmental impact compared to other forms of motorized transportation. Golf carts run on electricity, which eliminates the need for fossil fuels and produces zero carbon emissions. They are also lighter and use less energy than traditional vehicles, making them more efficient for short trips. In an age where climate change is a pressing concern, this eco-friendly aspect makes driving a golf cart appealing to a growing number of environmentally conscious individuals.
Another key benefit of using a golf cart is convenience. In many cases, a golf cart can easily navigate through tight spots, crowded neighborhoods, and small parking areas where full-sized vehicles may struggle to fit. They often have a much tighter turning radius than standard vehicles, making them easier to maneuver around tight corners and other obstacles. This maneuverability can make the process of completing errands and navigating through crowded parking lots much easier than it would be with a full-sized vehicle. By allowing drivers to navigate easily through congested areas and tight spaces , golf carts can offer a level of convenience not typically found in other modes of transportation.
However, there are drawbacks to consider as well. Due to their limited speed and range, they may not be the best option for all driving scenarios. Depending on the area, they may not be allowed on public roads, and those that are permitted have a maximum speed limit of 25 MPH in Indiana. While this may be acceptable for residents of a golf community, other individuals may find themselves stalling traffic and presenting other issues. Golf carts also lack the safety features that are standard on full-sized vehicles, such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, and roll bars. This makes them a less than ideal choice for those who spend most of their time on busy roadways or longer commutes. In addition, golf carts are significantly smaller than full-size cars, which can make them difficult for other drivers to see. This lack of visibility puts the driver at risk of an accident.