New Golf Cart Ordinance - May 2008

Warm weather is just around the corner, I think, and as with every change in seasons summer brings out its own special problems. The big question every year is what kinds of vehicles are allowed on city streets.

A simple rule to follow is that if the vehicle can move under its own power it must be licensed, have insurance and be operated by a licensed driver. This applies to four-wheelers, dune buggies, dirt bikes, motorized cycles of all kinds, Gators, golf carts and anything else with a motor. This is covered by State law and applies to every public roadway, including the shoulder and the ditch, in the State of Iowa with only very limited exceptions.

A new ordinance in Clermont allows the operation of golf carts on the roadways and alleys of the city under the following rules:

1 – The definition of “Golf Cart” is “a motor vehicle that is originally designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 MPH,” This does not include ATV or utility vehicles. You cannot hang a golf bag on your gator and call it a golf cart!

2 – Golf carts may not be operated on Mill St (Hwy18), Union St or Stone St. except for crossing at an intersection.

3 – Golf carts must be equipped with adequate brakes, a bicycle safety flag and a slow moving vehicle sign.

4 - The person operating the golf cart must have in his possession a valid motor vehicle driver’s license and the golf cart must have in effect liability insurance covering the golf cart that meets the same minimum requirements as automobiles.

5 – The golf cart can only carry the number of passengers for which it was originally designed. Everyone must be on a seat and the seats not overcrowded.

6 – The Iowa traffic code Chapter 321 “Motor Vehicles and the Law of the Road” applies to all golf carts being operated on city streets and alleys.

7 – Golf carts may only be operated between sunrise and sunset and not during inclement weather such as rain, fog, or when there is an accumulation of ice or snow on the ground.

Remember, this ONLY applies within the corporate limits of the City of Clermont. Once you leave the city limits golf cart operation is illegal.

In parting I send congratulations to the Valley Class of 2008.

Chief Arthur J. Sullivan, Jr.
Clermont Police Department
Clermont, Iowa
(563)423-7096