When most people think of vehicle accidents or personal injury cases, their mind automatically jumps to car crashes on busy highways or intersections. However, in many communities around Michigan, collisions involving golf carts are not uncommon. Contrary to popular belief, accidents involving golf carts can result in major injuries, costly damage, and complex legal questions. In this blog we’ll be breaking down the laws regarding the use of golf carts in Michigan and steps that you should follow if you own or plan on owning a golf cart in the future.
Driving on Public Roads
According to Michigan Law, golf carts are permitted on public roads as long as there has been a resolution passed permitting the use of golf carts in the local municipality and the golf cart meets the specific state laws and ordinances making it “street legal”.
However, there are several different requirements that a golf cart must meet in order to be deemed “street legal”.
Based on the area in which it is being operated in, a golf cart may need certain equipment to be considered “street legal” such as headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, a horn, a windshield with windshield wipers, rearview mirrors, seat belts, parking brake, or a certain speed capacity.
Road Use Rules
Once you are able to legally get your golf cart on the public roads, there is a different set of rules that you must follow on Michigan roads based on the city you are in.
Every municipality across Michigan requires the driver to be 16 years old with a valid driver’s license as this is a statewide rule.
Outside of following the standard traffic laws that cars follow on the road, some municipalities require additional rules for golf carts driving on public roads including specific speed limits, certain title or permit requirements, time of day restrictions, helmet requirements, passenger limits, and more depending on where you are in Michigan.
Golf Cart Insurance
On top of the additional laws that come with driving a golf cart on the road, in some communities, golf carts also require golf cart insurance, in order to be driven on public roads. Golf cart insurance is very similar to car insurance in its ability to financially protect you from damage, liability, and injury resulting from the use of your vehicle.
However, one of the major differences in the rules regarding insurance between cars and golf carts in Michigan is the fact that golf cart insurance is usually not required, unless your golf cart is considered “street legal”. Another major difference is the fact that golf carts are not considered “motor vehicles” in Michigan, meaning golf cart occupants are unable to receive PIP (Personal Injury Protection) unless they were hit by a motor vehicle, such as a car or truck.
Even if you are not planning on taking your golf cart on public roads, it is always a good idea to have golf cart insurance so you and your family can be financially protected in case something were to happen.
Safety
When driving golf carts, especially on public roads, many people underestimate the dangers of golf carts due to their low speeds and open designs.
There are thousands of golf cart related injuries each year as a result of rollovers, falls, collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, and even ejections from the cart itself.
In order to avoid these dangers while operating a golf cart, be sure to drive slowly and defensively, making sure that you and the people in your golf cart are following the correct precautions such as wearing seat belts, remaining seated while the cart is in motion, etc.
Investing in different safety accessories such as seatbelts, mirrors, lights, reflectors, etc. and maintaining regular maintenance on the cart itself are very important steps when owning a golf cart to protect you and the people in your cart from harm.
Golf Carts are Vehicles Too
It’s easy to assume that drinking on a golf cart is harmless as it is so common in golf courses, private communities, etc. However, even though it may seem innocuous to sip a drink while driving in a golf cart, Michigan law treats a golf cart like any other motor vehicle on a public road when it comes to alcohol. Therefore, you can be ticketed, arrested, or even charged with a DUI if you’re caught operating a golf cart while under the influence of alcohol or with an open alcoholic beverage.
All in all, no matter how casual it feels, driving a golf cart, especially on a public road, comes with large responsibilities. Be sure to stay sober and follow the rules of the road, just like any other vehicle, at all times.
Get David Get Paid
If you or a loved one have been involved in a golf cart accident or any type of vehicle crash be sure to call the experienced team of lawyers at Femminineo Law at 855-65-CRASH or visit our website at getdavidgetpaid.com.
