Many communities do not authorize the use of golf carts on town streets. The town of Chesterfield does authorize the use of alternative transportation so residents can enjoy time in the town. However, there can be many safety concerns for passengers and other motor vehicles. The town, like other communities that allow the use of golf carts, has established guidelines for the operation of the carts around town. These minimum guidelines take effect September 1, 2025. Listed below is the town ordinance listing the guidelines.
USE OF ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
OF THE TOWN OF CHESTERFIELD, INDIANA,
CODE OF ORDINANCES #2025-7
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN OF CHESTERFIELD, MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA:
WHEREAS, the Town Council, Town of Chesterfield, Madison County Indiana, that the following ordinance is hereby established as the above-described use of alternative transportation:
(a) Covered Vehicles: This ordinance shall apply to golf carts, utility vehicles (UTVs), and other electric vehicles that meet the following criteria:
(1) Are not required to be registered and plated for operation on public roadways under the Indiana Code; and
(2) Are primarily designed and manufactured for operation on golf courses or off-road recreational or maintenance purposes. All covered vehicles shall be referred to as either “golf carts” or “alternative transportation” herein.
(b) Excluded Vehicles: This ordinance shall specifically not apply to the following vehicles:
(1) All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or similar vehicles designed with straddle seating and handlebars for steering;
(2) Bicycles of any type, whether pedal-powered or electric-assisted; and
(3) Quad-runners or any other motorized vehicles with more than four wheels.
This definition aims to clearly delineate the types of low-speed, non-plated vehicles intended to be governed by this ordinance while explicitly excluding vehicles typically designed for more rugged off-road use or personal transportation like bicycles.
1.That any operator of alternative transportation must have a current and valid driver’s license or be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have a valid state issued identification and comply with local and state ordinances and laws. Licensed drivers under age eighteen (18) cannot have any passengers under the age of sixteen (16) other than certain family members (siblings, children, or spouses) unless an age eighteen (18)
adult or older person is also present in the vehicle.
2. All rules and laws apply to alternative vehicles that apply to regular motor vehicles. If alternative transportation will be operated after daylight hours, then the vehicle shall be equipped with headlights and taillights. Any alternative transportation vehicle may be operated on town streets but not state highways.
3. A golf cart can only carry as many passengers as designed. Everyone must be always sitting and not overcrowded. This ordinance does not mandate the actual use of seatbelts but recommends for the safety of passengers to utilize safety restraints if available.
4. Each golf cart must have a standard-sized slow moving vehicle emblem attached to the rear and have side or center rear view mirrors. Must have working brakes, a parking brake, and good safe tires.
5. Each golf cart must not exceed the speed of 25 mph and obey all traffic laws. They shall not exceed the posted speed limit at any time. Carts can cross other streets at intersections only.
6. Neglect or reckless operation is Prohibited. No person shall operate a golf cart to endanger the person or property of another or cause injury or damage thereto. Operation is prohibited when visibility is impaired such as fog, heavy rain, smoke, or insufficient lighting to see a person or vehicle three hundred (300) feet or more. Must yield right of way to faster moving vehicles, shall not obstruct traffic flow-by pulling off to side of roadway if needed to permit faster moving vehicles to pass.
7. Parking-Golf carts shall comply with all the rules governing parking of motor vehicles. Golf carts may, however, share a parking space with other golf carts so long as there is no encroachment in another parking space.
8. Each alternative transportation unit shall be insured by the owner and proof of insurance shall be provided at the inspection time and be carried on the alternative vehicle at all times.
9. Any alternative transportation vehicle or device must have an initial one-time inspection. The inspection cost is a one-time $10.00 per unit fee. The Chesterfield Police Department shall conduct the inspection. The purpose of the inspection will be to determine whether the unit is safe and in compliance with all related rules and regulations.
10. Each unit shall be issued with an inspection sticker. The sticker is to be placed in plain view and on the driver’s side one (1) inch below the driver’s seat visible to passing vehicles.
This ordinance will take effect September 1, 2025.
Any violator of this ordinance shall be cited in a local court and subject to fines listed below:
No or non-operating head lights and tail lights (after daylight hours) $50.00
No inspection sticker $25.00
Vehicles may be towed at officer’s discretion.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of Chesterfield, Indiana, on this 13th day of May 2025.
NOTE: Golf cart inspections will begin on June 17, 2025, at the Chesterfield Police Department. Inspections will be conducted Tuesdays through Thursdays, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. To schedule an inspection, please bring your cart to Town Hall and contact either the Police Department or the Clerk’s Office to make an appointment (765) 378-3331 Town Hall.
If you are unable to register your cart during the listed hours, please call the Chesterfield Police Department (765) 378-3354 to arrange an alternative appointment.
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