Warning

• The lengthy letter of Indiana law--according a state police statement released Aug. 31, 2009--cautions against driving electric golf carts on roadways.
  In part, the statement reads: "Operating a golf cart on any roadway (including County and State highways) is unlawful; unless it is within the jurisdiction of a city or town that has passed an ordinance permitting this (a gated community may allow golf carts if their roads are privately maintained)."
  
  

Warning

• Indiana law requires a person driving a golf cart on city streets to have a valid driver's license and be at least 16 years old. Any golf cart driven on a state highway is subject to restrictions against driving without state registration and a minimum set of highway safety features. Safety features required for registration include: turn signals, seat belts, headlights, taillights, a horn and windshield.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• In recent years, Indiana law enforcement officials have maintained that driving electric golf carts on public roadways gives rise to potential safety hazards. According to a 2008 article in the "Journal of Trauma" as many as 12,000 Americans suffer golf cart-related injuries annually. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said it considers driving electric golf carts on public roadways a dangerous practice.
  
  

Significance

• According to a 2008 USA Today analysis, 26 states allowed at least limited use of electric golf carts on roadways.
  
  

Benefits

• Those who advocate for the right to drive electric golf carts on Indiana roadways cite the money they save on gasoline. Small-town Hoosiers have also expressed in media reports that driving electric golf carts, as opposed to cars, puts them in closer contact with their neighbors.
  
  

Considerations

• Hoosiers who own electric golf carts often cite the economic and lifestyle benefits of the slow-rolling motor vehicles. Some municipalities--Lebanon, Hamilton, Vincennes and Summitville--have enacted ordinances to allow or encourage driving them.