The city has a long tradition of allowing golf carts to
drive on city streets. This is done with
the applicant getting a permit. To
qualify for a permit the owner of the cart must prove they have liability
insurance that covers them for use on public streets. Many people think they have insurance for
this but in close review of the policy it may only cover the vehicle on private
property or have limited coverage. The minimum
coverage required would be the same as provided a motorcycle that uses public
roadways.
The use of golf carts on public roadways is provided for by
Minnesota Statutes. With that a city
needs to provide enabling legislation to provide for the use within a
city. The city can prescribe many restrictions
on the use. Some cities will provide for
the use to be only to and from the golf course.
Some may prescribe what streets they are allowed on. In Breezy Point they are allowed on all
roadways controlled by the city except Buschmann Road. The use of golf carts are prohibited on
County Roads. This would include County Roads
11, 39 and 4.
Minnesota Statutes previously prohibited their use after sunset
or before sunrise. The rules of the city
mirrored that regulation. There was
however a change in the statue to allow the use in non-daylight hours if the
golf cart was equipped with original equipment headlights, taillights and rear
facing brake lights. The city council
recently changed the code to allow use during the non-daylight hours if the
golf cart is so equipped. So with the
golf cart season of 2015 this provision is available, but only if the golf cart
has the required equipment.
In discussing this change the city council had concerns
about their use after dark and the possibility of drinking too much. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws extend
to users of golf carts under state law.
They were also concerned that some drivers may think with the ability to
drive after dark, they don’t need the prescribed equipment. This too will be enforced. Owners are reminded that an annual golf
permit is required. The format of the
permit has been changed so a different color permit will be issued
annually. Those drivers with no or a non-current
permit can also be ticketed.
The city continues to be open minded about golf carts with
the change in rules and hope that golf cart owners will be respectful of their
obligations in operations of these.
