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Golf carts and their use around the lake update!
A meeting was held on August 19, 2023 at the Coldwater Lake Association building. With sixty-three (63) members in attendance – the support for golf cart use amongst lake area residents was keen. Members were offered a review of the laws and dangers of golf cart use on public roads and their interests were keen on ways to make golf cart use safe and legal for lake residents. There was one Ovid Township Board Member in attendance and the topic as promised an agenda item at their next Board Meeting on September 11, 2023 which starts at 7 PM at the Township Hall at 381 S Angola Road. The agenda item is to communicate the community’s interest in the township pursuing a golf cart ordinance at their earliest convenience in order to benefit the lake community at large and enhance life and safety around the lake. The township has granted one speaker to represent the group in a brief presentation and area residents who have interest are encouraged to show their support by attending. There is a time set aside for public comment at the end of the meeting where those interested are able to voice their opinions. |
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Golf carts and their use around the lake
What has been happening?
Over the last number of years, the increase in golf cart use on area public roads around the lake has been quite substantial. We are not alone. Across the county and across the country – communities have embraced the use of golf carts in areas of higher density and populations. Yet, their popularity has also been seen in rural and remote areas as well.
Coldwater Lake is not unique in this trend. Yet, our members and other lake communities find the ease and convenience of golf cart use goes well past the “fun” aspect of transportation. Anyone who lives around the lake knows first-hand about space coming at a premium in these areas. Not only living space, but so too, does parking.
From a practical sense, visiting neighbors and local establishments up and down the lake is enhanced through the use of these smaller, more space-conscious modes of transportation for people. While scooters have also been popular – golf carts allow for multiple passengers and also provide space for carrying that strawberry pie or, turtle cake when attending the annual neighborhood backyard feast.
What are the challenges this activity presents?
The State of Michigan does not allow the use of golf carts on public roads. While there are exceptions, if proper actions are not taken, you may be issued a citation by law enforcement for doing so. Worse yet, it could result in the escalation of other vehicular violations once stopped. While many of us may be thinking that such an occurrence would be out of the question, it is time to consider what is happening and why.
What are my options?
While the State of Michigan prohibits the use of typical golf carts on public roads, there are some options. There are means in which you can purchase a more expensive vehicle that in all aspects “looks” and “feels” like a golf cart – these vehicles are equipped with all the equipment required by the State of Michigan as a “legal” motor vehicle from a safety standpoint. Further, these qualifying vehicles come with a VIN number from the manufacturer that allows it to be plated – similar to how you would plate your motor vehicle. These vehicles typically fall under the “Slow Moving Vehicle” exception under the State’s Motor Vehicle Code and have a set of rules of their own. While these carts are more expensive than typical golf carts – it is an option.
The more typical golf cart used by members today do not qualify for the application above as they do not contain all the safety equipment, nor do they provide for a VIN number from the manufacture. The reason is, these carts are intended for use on private property and golf courses. Their adaption for use on private roads is common and typically pose little to no threat in such cases. However, when we make the decision to venture out onto public roads, all things change. Now, we are bound to the rules and laws of the State of Michigan that pertain to such public roadways. Furthermore, the State Police and County Sheriff are dutiful bound to enforce the laws of the State.
Is there no option for my standard Golf Cart?
The State of Michigan is sympathetic to your concerns. While they desire to maintain our public roads safe for all – they understand there are areas with special needs and/or circumstances. In order to address them, there is an exception to the law that allows any Township of less than 30,000 people – the ability to construct an ordinance – allowing for the use of standard Golf Carts – within certain State mandated limitations.
As of today – none of the Townships around the lake have passed an ordinance allowing the use of Golf Carts. As such, the Sheriff and State Police have no choice other than to issue warnings at best and citations at worst, to anyone using typical Golf Carts on public roads. For now, users need to be aware.
Is passing an ordinance an easy thing for my township to do?
Passing ordinances is not a difficult task in and of itself. Passing an ordinance that enables the practical use of golf carts by “lakers” and also falls within the State’s restrictions is likely more challenging and does require more time, effort and thought than what may appear on the surface.
Some things to keep in mind. No matter what the township would like to pass in an ordinance, there are certain restrictions the State places on such ordinances, such as, under no circumstance is anyone under the age of 16 allowed to operate a golf cart on public roads. No golf carts are allowed to operate on roads where the speed limit is in excess of 35 MPH. No golf carts are allowed to be operated on public roads after dusk and before dawn.
When considering all of the restrictions placed on the townships who pass such an ordinance, it does take time and thought to construct an ordinance that properly serves the community.
What has been happening?
Over the last number of years, the increase in golf cart use on area public roads around the lake has been quite substantial. We are not alone. Across the county and across the country – communities have embraced the use of golf carts in areas of higher density and populations. Yet, their popularity has also been seen in rural and remote areas as well.
Coldwater Lake is not unique in this trend. Yet, our members and other lake communities find the ease and convenience of golf cart use goes well past the “fun” aspect of transportation. Anyone who lives around the lake knows first-hand about space coming at a premium in these areas. Not only living space, but so too, does parking.
From a practical sense, visiting neighbors and local establishments up and down the lake is enhanced through the use of these smaller, more space-conscious modes of transportation for people. While scooters have also been popular – golf carts allow for multiple passengers and also provide space for carrying that strawberry pie or, turtle cake when attending the annual neighborhood backyard feast.
What are the challenges this activity presents?
The State of Michigan does not allow the use of golf carts on public roads. While there are exceptions, if proper actions are not taken, you may be issued a citation by law enforcement for doing so. Worse yet, it could result in the escalation of other vehicular violations once stopped. While many of us may be thinking that such an occurrence would be out of the question, it is time to consider what is happening and why.
What are my options?
While the State of Michigan prohibits the use of typical golf carts on public roads, there are some options. There are means in which you can purchase a more expensive vehicle that in all aspects “looks” and “feels” like a golf cart – these vehicles are equipped with all the equipment required by the State of Michigan as a “legal” motor vehicle from a safety standpoint. Further, these qualifying vehicles come with a VIN number from the manufacturer that allows it to be plated – similar to how you would plate your motor vehicle. These vehicles typically fall under the “Slow Moving Vehicle” exception under the State’s Motor Vehicle Code and have a set of rules of their own. While these carts are more expensive than typical golf carts – it is an option.
The more typical golf cart used by members today do not qualify for the application above as they do not contain all the safety equipment, nor do they provide for a VIN number from the manufacture. The reason is, these carts are intended for use on private property and golf courses. Their adaption for use on private roads is common and typically pose little to no threat in such cases. However, when we make the decision to venture out onto public roads, all things change. Now, we are bound to the rules and laws of the State of Michigan that pertain to such public roadways. Furthermore, the State Police and County Sheriff are dutiful bound to enforce the laws of the State.
Is there no option for my standard Golf Cart?
The State of Michigan is sympathetic to your concerns. While they desire to maintain our public roads safe for all – they understand there are areas with special needs and/or circumstances. In order to address them, there is an exception to the law that allows any Township of less than 30,000 people – the ability to construct an ordinance – allowing for the use of standard Golf Carts – within certain State mandated limitations.
As of today – none of the Townships around the lake have passed an ordinance allowing the use of Golf Carts. As such, the Sheriff and State Police have no choice other than to issue warnings at best and citations at worst, to anyone using typical Golf Carts on public roads. For now, users need to be aware.
Is passing an ordinance an easy thing for my township to do?
Passing ordinances is not a difficult task in and of itself. Passing an ordinance that enables the practical use of golf carts by “lakers” and also falls within the State’s restrictions is likely more challenging and does require more time, effort and thought than what may appear on the surface.
Some things to keep in mind. No matter what the township would like to pass in an ordinance, there are certain restrictions the State places on such ordinances, such as, under no circumstance is anyone under the age of 16 allowed to operate a golf cart on public roads. No golf carts are allowed to operate on roads where the speed limit is in excess of 35 MPH. No golf carts are allowed to be operated on public roads after dusk and before dawn.
When considering all of the restrictions placed on the townships who pass such an ordinance, it does take time and thought to construct an ordinance that properly serves the community.