Are Golf Carts “Street Legal” on Michigan Roads?

Where golf carts were once reserved exclusively for golf courses, they have become a popular mode of transportation beyond the greens. They are energy-efficient and easy to maneuver in places where cars may be unwieldy. In Michigan, they are especially useful in beach communities and places where motor vehicles are prohibited, such as Mackinac Island. Because the practice of operating golf carts on public roads and streets is relatively new, there is some understandable confusion about the rules and regulations governing their use.

Here is an overview of when, where and how golf carts may be used and why it is important to hire an experienced car accident lawyer if you are injured in a crash.

HOW DOES MICHIGAN LAW DEFINE A GOLF CART?

Section 257.657a of the Michigan Vehicle Code defines a golf cart as “a vehicle designed for transportation while playing the game of golf.”

Despite this definition, golf carts may be driven on some public streets in cities, townships and villages with populations under 30,000 as long as certain conditions are met.

However, municipalities must pass a resolution allowing the operation of golf carts on their streets. In addition, the municipality may require golf carts and their operators to be recorded on a list maintained by the city, township or village.

Furthermore, the board of commissioners in the county where the municipality is located may hold a hearing to disapprove the operation of golf carts if they determine the vehicles will damage the environment or pose a risk to public safety.

Recommended reading: New Michigan Law Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones

DO I NEED NO-FAULT INSURANCE TO OPERATE A GOLF CART ON THE STREET?

No. Golf carts are not covered under No-Fault because they are not considered motor vehicles under Michigan law. However, if a golf cart operator is injured in a crash with an automobile, No-Fault benefits may be available under the policy covering the motor vehicle owned by the victim, their spouse or a relative living in the same household.

If no other vehicle is involved, the golf cart operator would seek reimbursement of medical expenses from their health insurance policy.

It is a good idea, however, for golf cart owners to insure the vehicles along with their other valuable property.

It is not necessary to register golf carts with the Secretary of State.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR OPERATING A GOLF CART OUTSIDE A GOLF COURSE?

Golf carts are permitted on streets only in municipalities that have passed a resolution permitting their operation on roadways outside of a golf course.

However, Michigan law includes specific rules for operating a golf cart on public streets or roads:

• Golf carts may not be driven on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or higher, including state trunk highways, except when crossing the road
• Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license
• Golf carts should be ridden on the right side of the street as close to the curb as possible
• Drivers must obey traffic rules, signals and signs
• Golf carts may not be used on pedestrian sidewalks
• The maximum speed for golf carts is 15 mph
• Golf carts may not pass between lines of traffic or lane-split
• They may not be driven at night, from one half-hour before sunset to one half-hour after sunrise

In addition, individual municipalities may require operators to use a path adjacent to a road when one is provided.

The city, township or village may also restrict the operation of golf carts on certain streets.

Recommended reading: Is It Important to Obtain a Police Report After a Michigan Car Accident?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A GOLF CART ACCIDENT?

Establishing liability for a golf cart accident depends on the circumstances of the crash.

If no other vehicle is involved, an injured golf cart operator may seek reimbursement of medical bills from their health insurance policy.

When a motor vehicle such as a car or truck is involved, the golf cart operator may be entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under the No-Fault policy covering their own automobile or that of a spouse or resident relative.

A golf cart operator who sustained serious injuries may be able to sue the at-fault driver (or vehicle owner) for excess medical expenses and lost wages as well as intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

Because these cases typically require extensive documentation and a thorough knowledge of Michigan No-Fault law, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is the best way to receive the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Recommended reading: Why Michigan Car Accident Victims Need Unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

ARE GOLF CARTS REQUIRED TO HAVE SPECIFIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT?

Yes, if required by the municipality where the vehicle is registered. While Michigan law does not require safety features for golf carts, individual cities, townships or villages may require golf carts within their jurisdictions to have some or all of the safety equipment required for low-speed vehicles:

• At least 2 headlamps
• Tail lamp
• Stop lamp and additional lamp or signal device for turning
• Red reflectors on the rear and both sides of the golf cart
• Exterior and interior mirrors
• Brakes, including parking brake
• Horn
• Windshield
• Safety belts
• Manufacturer’s identification number permanently affixed to the frame of the cart
• Crash helmets, although Michigan law does not require them to be worn by operators and passengers

Recommended reading: Do You Need A Lawyer For A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault?

CALL OUR EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a golf cart accident or any other type of crash, we can help. Our experienced car accident lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.