Bill Text: MI HB5045 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: Vehicles; other; use of golf carts on local streets; allow under certain circumstances. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 657a.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-12-31 - Assigned Pa 491'14 With Immediate Effect 2014 Addenda [HB5045 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HB5045-Engrossed.html
HB-5045, As Passed House, August 27, 2014
SUBSTITUTE FOR
HOUSE BILL NO. 5045
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled
"Michigan vehicle code,"
(MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding section 657a.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 657a. (1) A village or city having a population of fewer
than 30,000 individuals based upon the 2010 decennial census may by
resolution allow the operation of golf carts on the streets of that
village or city, subject to the requirements of this section. A
township having a population of fewer than 30,000 individuals based
upon the 2010 decennial census may by resolution, unless
disapproved by the county board of commissioners under subsection
(3), allow the operation of golf carts on the streets of that
township, subject to the requirements of this section.
(2) If a village, city, or township allows the operation of
golf carts on the streets of that village, city, or township, that
village, city, or township may require those golf carts and the
operators of those golf carts to be recorded on a list maintained
by that village, city, or township. A village, city, or township
shall not charge a fee for listing golf carts or the operators of
those golf carts.
(3) A county board of commissioners may, by resolution,
disapprove the operation of golf carts on the streets of a township
located within that county if the county board of commissioners
conducts a hearing and determines that 1 or more of the following
apply:
(a) The operation of golf carts on the streets of that
township would cause significant environmental damage.
(b) The operation of golf carts on the streets of that
township would cause a significant concern of public safety.
(4) The county board of commissioners shall provide public
notice of a hearing under subsection (3) at least 45 days before
the hearing is conducted. The county board of commissioners shall
also provide written notice of a hearing under subsection (3) to
the township at least 45 days before the hearing is conducted.
(5) 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.
(6) The operator of a golf cart shall comply with the signal
requirements of section 648 that apply to the operation of a
vehicle.
(7) 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.
(8) A person shall not operate a golf cart on a state trunk
line highway. This subsection does not prohibit a person from
crossing a state trunk line highway when operating a golf cart on a
street of a village, city, or township, using the most direct line
of crossing.
(9) Where a usable and designated path for golf carts is
provided adjacent to a highway or street, a person operating a golf
cart may, by local ordinance, be required to use that path.
(10) 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.
(11) A golf cart shall not be operated on a sidewalk
constructed for the use of pedestrians.
(12) 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 village, city, or township may, by
resolution, designate roads or classifications of roads for use by
golf carts under this subsection.
(13) 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.
(14) A person operating a golf cart or who is a passenger in a
golf cart is not required to wear a crash helmet.
(15) This section does not apply to a police officer in the
performance of his or her official duties.
(16) 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.
(17) As used in this section, "golf cart" means a vehicle
designed for transportation while playing the game of golf. A golf
cart is not required to meet the vehicle safety requirements of a
low-speed vehicle for approval under this section.
Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect
unless Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No.____ (request no.
03165'13 a *) of the 97th Legislature is enacted into law.
