Recently we were asked what the current laws were in relation to Golf Cart use on the road in Connecticut. So we did a little digging and found the information regarding this new change as of 2009.
The General Assembly in 2009, passed new legislation authorizing towns to allow golf carts on local streets, with certain restrictions.
Under the new legislation, local traffic authorities will enforce regulations for the golf carts on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or lower.
Find out what's happening in Tollandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In addition, the carts cannot be driven at night and operators must have a driver’s license.
According to officials, the penalty for violating these regulations is $35 under state law, but that could increase in the future. Cart drivers must also obey the normal traffic regulations that apply to any motor vehicle.
Find out what's happening in Tollandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Liability Insurance is needed for all golf carts that are ridden on the road and off your personal property. In most cases your homeowners insurance will cover your golf cart if it is being used for maintenance of your property.
Here is the actual language of the legislation that was passed.
Sec. 27. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The traffic authority of any
city, town or borough is authorized to permit the operation of golf
carts, during daylight hours only, on any street or highway within the
limits of, and under the jurisdiction of, such traffic authority, provided:
(1) Each such golf cart shall be equipped with an operable horn in
accordance with the requirements of subsection (e) of section 14-80 of
the general statutes; (2) each such golf cart shall be equipped with a
flag that is positioned to assist operators of motor vehicles in observing
the location and operation of such golf cart; (3) no such authorization
shall be granted for operation on any street or highway the posted
speed limit of which is more than twenty-five miles per hour; and (4)
the operator of any such golf cart shall carry a valid Connecticut motor
vehicle operator's license while operating such golf cart. Any person
who operates a golf cart in violation of any provision of this
subsection, any insurance requirement established in accordance with
subsection (b) of this section, or any other conditions or limitations
established by the traffic authority for the operation of golf carts shall
have committed an infraction.
(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish, by
regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 of
the general statutes, insurance requirements for the operation of golf
carts in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
§ 27 — OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ON LOCAL ROADS
The act authorizes any local traffic authority to permit the operation of golf carts, during daylight hours, on any road under its jurisdiction. A golf cart must be equipped with an operable horn meeting the requirements of state law and a flag positioned to assist other drivers to see it. The traffic authority must limit cart operation to roads with a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. The operator must carry a valid Connecticut driver's license when operating a cart. Violations of these requirements are infractions.
The act authorizes the DMV commissioner to establish insurance requirements for golf carts by regulation.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
So remember to contact Penny Hanley & Howley for all your off-road vehicle insurance needs.
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