The ability to use golf carts on city streets in Breezy Point has a long history. It has been much appreciated by the public and for the most part has gone well with few incidents or problems. There are rules that are required under both state law as well as city ordinances that need to be observed. Most users are respectful of these.
State law requires that owners of golf carts who drive on
city streets have adequate liability insurance coverage to drive on public
streets. This is no different than state
law requiring insurance on motor vehicles.
State law also requires golf carts that drive on city streets receive a
permit from the city. Insurance coverage
is required before a permit can be obtained from the city. Many insurance policies for golf carts are
written to extend only for use on private property. It becomes important that coverage is valid for
use on public streets. There has also
been a concern that youth drivers may not be covered when driving a golf cart
on public streets.
When the ordinance regarding golf carts was brought up to
date the provision regarding having a driver’s license was removed as we no
longer can require that condition under Mn Statutes 160.045 Subd. 7. Previously we used the requirement of a
driver’s license as the threshold for the age of the driver. Removing this requirement meant there was no
minimum age for drivers of golf carts.
At the time, we didn’t think parents would allow young children to drive
golf carts on their own. We’ve come to
find out differently as young children, some who can barely see over the
steering wheel, are driving carts all over the city. This seemed to be a
tragedy in the making.
With concerns of safety and the possibility of insurance not
covering young drivers the city took an additional step for golf cart
users. Drivers as of January 1, 2017
will be required to be at least 15 years old.
As permits are issued for 2017 the owners of golf carts will be made
aware of this provision. Enforcement
activities will include, among other things, stopping youth drivers who may not
be old enough to drive a golf cart on city streets.
