We never thought it would ever come, but warm weather is finally descending upon Fishers, and with the warmth, Fishers Police want to remind everyone that certain motorized vehicles are governed by specific city ordinances.
Let’s start with golf carts. Golf carts can be driven on streets under very specific circumstances only. Carts can be driven on subdivision streets when the neighborhood has all the following requirements in place:
1. Fishers has determined that golf carts may be safely operated on the streets within
the specific neighborhood;
2. A threshold amount (75 percent or higher) of property owners in the
neighborhood have voted in favor of allowing golf carts within the neighborhood and the results of the election have been certified; and
3. The proper signage in the designated locations has been placed.
It should be noted that only three neighborhoods meet all three criteria as I write this post. They are:
Britton Falls, Thorpe Creek, and Graystone.
If you live within these three neighborhoods and use your golf cart on subdivision streets, there are still rules and regulations you must obey, listed later below in this post.
Fishers Police officers would also like to remind everyone that there are state laws dealing with mopeds, scooters and small vehicles such as motorized bicycles – all must have plates and registrations. Other requirements include:
* Operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
* Divides into two categories;
* Class A MDCs
* Greater than 50cc
* Require Insurance
* Require Operators License
* Class B MDCs
* 50cc or less
* No license, no insurance
* Class B requirements
* 15 years old
* ID card with MDC Endorsement
* No passengers
* No interstates or sidewalks
* Not faster than 35 mph
Golf Cart
OPERATION REGULATIONS
a) Hours of Operation. Golf Carts shall only be operated on designated streets from sunrise
to sunset unless such golf cart is equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights,
seatbelts, turn signals, and rearview mirror.
b) Right-of-Way. The operator of a golf cart shall yield the right-of-way to overtaking
motor vehicles
c) Streets. Golf carts may only be used on streets designated within the establish
neighborhood or other Fishers’ approved neighborhood areas. Nothing in this policy
shall be construed to apply to or limit the use of golf carts on golf courses or private
property.
d) Fishers Property and Sidewalks. Golf carts shall not be operated on any sidewalk,
pedestrian walkway, multi-use path, or trail or any other non-designated public ways.
The only exception to this use is of golf carts on Fishers’ municipal property for official
purposes.
e) Golf Cart Capacity. The seating capacity, normally no more than four (4) passengers,
shall not be exceeded nor shall the operator or any passenger be permitted to stand while
the golf cart is in operation.
f) Parking. Golf carts may only be parked in the same manner and at the same places
designated for parking of motor vehicles. The stopping, standing, or parking of golf carts
in areas where parking is not allowed or in any place that impede the flow of traffic,
pedestrian walkways, or a passageway is prohibited.
g) Alcohol Use. No person under the influence of an alcoholic beverage shall operate or be in control of any golf cart operated within the neighborhood. No golf cart shall have an open alcoholic beverage container aboard while in operation.
h) Valid License Required. Only persons possessing a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Indiana, another state of the United States, or an international agency shall be permitted to operate a golf cart on Fishers streets.
DISCLAIMER, LIABILITY, AND INSURANCE
a) Disclaimer. Golf carts are not designed for or manufactured to be used on public streets, and Fishers neither advocates nor endorses the golf cart as a safe means of travel on public streets. Fishers in no way shall be liable for accidents, injuries, or death involving the operation of a golf cart.