July 14, 2012
07/16/12 Monday morning the Marshall County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on an ordinance that would allow the use of golf carts on county roadways.
Last month the commissioners discussed an ordinance that would allow golf carts to use specific county roadways around the lakes communities in the county. It was discussed that other citizens have golf cart and would like to drive their carts around the county too so action was tabled on the ordinance.
A new ordinance was written and a public hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the second floor meeting room of the County Building. The new ordinance allows golf carts to travel any county roadways.
The ordinance does include requirements such as drivers of golf carts must be licensed and have the license on his person while driving. All golf carts must have insurance and proof of insurance must be in the golf cart at all times during operation. All carts must display a red or amber flashing light at times when headlights are necessary for other motor vehicles and the light must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. In addition, golf carts must be equipped with both headlights and taillights that are in working order.
Owners and operators of the golf carts must abide by all Indiana traffic laws and provisions of the slow moving vehicle statute of Indiana. While in operation golf carts must carry no more passengers than it is equipped to handle and all passengers must be seated.
The ordinance also includes a provision for violators. Anyone violating any of the provisions of the ordinance shall be subject to a fine of $25.00 for the first violation, $50.00 for a second violation and $100.00 for a third violation.
Following any public input the County Commissioners will have the option of approving the new ordinance or some revision of it that could limit travel on some county roadways.