The Indiana legislature adopted HB 1483 which, among other things, clarified the status of golf carts being used on public streets and highways. In essence, effective July 1, 2009, an individual is prohibited from operating a golf cart on a highway, except when a city has adopted an ordinance authorizing the use on city streets.
In 2009 the City of Plymouth passed an ordinance with regulations for driving a golf cart within the city limits. The intent and purpose of this ordinance is to authorize golf cart use on Plymouth streets; require the operator to be licensed; require slow-moving signage; and require financial responsibility in the same minimum amount as required by state law for automobiles.
In Section 3 of the ordinance, it states at all times you must display either a slow-moving vehicle emblem or a red or amber flashing lamp. Section 4 requires all golf cart operators to be driven by an individual who possesses a valid state-issued driver’s license and in section 5 the ordinance requires financial responsibility in accordance with the Indiana Code. The state-required minimum is $25,000 for bodily injury to or the death of one, and $50,000 for injury or death of two individuals due to an accident. Insurance coverage must also include $10,000 for damage to or the destruction of private property due to an accident.
A person who violates this ordinance on the first offense will be fined $ 100. A second violation within a calendar year of the first offense shall be fined $250. A person who violates this ordinance a third time, or more, shall be fined a sum not to exceed $2500.
