GOLF CAR FRIENDLY VILLAGES, CITIES, & TOWNSHIPS IN MICHIGAN

One of the most common questions asked by our customers is… “where can I drive my golf car?” 

If you’ve been following our Lifestyle Blog, you probably already know some campgrounds and golf courses allow the use of personal carts.  Besides the trails, your property, retirement communities, subdivisions, etc., you can also drive your Golf Car in some villages, cities, and townships right here in Michigan. 

Our team has spent countless hours assembling lists of golf car friendly campgrounds & golf courses allowing personal carts, so now we figured it’s about time to start working on our neighborhoods.

Imagine being able to drive your kids to the local park, visit the local shops, or perhaps even drive to work in your very own Golf Car or PTV (Personal Transportation Vehicle)… well, thanks to Michigan Vehicle Code Act 300 of 1949, it may already be possible. 

Here is a summary of this Vehicle Code; 

• A village, city, or township having a population of fewer than 30,000 individuals may by resolution allow the operation of golf carts on the streets of that village or city.
• A person shall not operate a golf cart on any street unless he or she is at least 16 years old and is licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
• The operator of a golf cart shall comply with all signal requirements that apply to the operation of a vehicle.
• A golf cart shall be operated at a speed not to exceed 15 miles per hour and shall not be operated on a highway or street with a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour except to cross that highway or street.
• A golf cart shall not be operated on the streets of a city, village, or township during the time period from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise.
• A golf cart operated on a street of a village, city, or township under this section is not required to be registered under this act for purposes of section 3101 of the insurance code of 1956, 1956 PA 218, MCL 500.3101.
• A person operating a golf cart upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
• A person shall not operate a golf cart on a state trunk line highway unless the local government has filed a request with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and subsequently has the request approved by MDOT allowing the ordinance enabling golf carts to use highways (i.e. M-24, M-53, etc.).
• A person operating a golf cart shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a 2-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a 1-way street, in an unoccupied lane.
• A golf cart shall not be operated on a sidewalk constructed for the use of pedestrians.
• A true “golf cart” used for golf is not required to meet the vehicle safety requirements of a low-speed vehicle for approval under this section.

In addition, if your city or township allows the use of golf carts on public streets, you may be required to be added to a list that is maintained by your local municipality. Be aware that if your city does allow golf carts on public roads, they shall NOT charge a fee for listing golf carts or the operators of those golf carts.  Please also note, separate laws apply to LSV’s (Low Speed Vehicles).

If you encounter any errors in our list, or if you can provide information about the policies of communities not listed, please let us know and we will update our list.

And one last thing… please respect the rules of the community while operating your golf car.  Participating communities offer this as a privilege we do not want to lose!

Viers Golf Cars is a Club Car Authorized Dealer proudly serving Eastern Michigan.

Click here for a printer friendly list of Golf Car friendly villages, cities, & townships in Michigan.

Disclaimer:  Although we’ve taken a thorough approach to researching this specific Motor Vehicle Code as it applies to Golf Carts, it is recommended you perform the research on your own and reach out to your local municipality.

Helpful Links:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(4tqnojeav4gcel1hwk1rpmiw))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-257-657a