Municipalities Given Ability to Broaden Use of Golf Carts on Public Roads

Golf carts can now be used for more purposes than just getting to and from the course on public roads in Saskatchewan.

SGI has refreshed a strategy that will permit individuals to drive golf trucks on specific metropolitan streets, on the off chance that their district cruises a by-regulation, dependent upon specific limits and SGI endorsement.

Beforehand, in the event that districts cruised a by-regulation permitting it, golf trucks were just allowed for transportation to and from the green, with drivers utilizing the most immediate course.

“many SUMA members, primarily from smaller communities and resort villages, have expressed support for ability-inclusive, cost-effective, safe, and environmentally-aware transportation alternatives that enhance community connectivity and reduce parking congestion in public gathering spaces,” read the resolution that was presented at the most recent annual convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).

Don Morgan, the Minister in Charge of SGI, stated, “Our government has listened to our municipal stakeholders and asked SGI to make these common-sense changes that balance safety considerations with meeting the needs of our communities.”

Resort Village of Shields Mayor Angie Larson stated, “Expanding the use of golf carts within our resort village will allow golf carts to operate as vehicles on municipal roadways subject to numerous safety requirements.” Our community’s quality of life will rise as a result.

Safety is always a hole in one

The updated policy includes the following requirements:

• Golf carts must not be operated on any provincial highway, other than to cross one.
• The bylaw must identify the road or part of the road within the municipality where the operation of a golf cart is permitted.
• Municipalities must include in their bylaw that they will monitor and inform SGI of any collisions that occur and if there were any injuries or fatalities.

This is in addition to the rules that were already in place and remain in effect:

• The driver of the golf cart must be the holder of a valid Class 7 (Learner) or higher driver’s licence.
• The owner is required to carry a minimum of $200,000 in liability insurance for damages caused by the golf cart and provide proof of insurance at the request of a peace officer.
• Golf carts must be equipped as defined in The Registration Exemption and Reciprocity Regulations (at least three wheels, weight limit of 590 kilograms, not counting riders and clubs).
• Golf carts cannot operate on any roadway with a posted speed over 50 km/h.
• Golf carts will be required to display a slow-moving vehicle sign (already required by legislation for vehicles travelling less than 40 km/h on the roadway).
• Golf carts can only be operated during daylight hours (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset) on roadways.
• Golf carts cannot be capable of operating at a speed of more than 24 km/h on level ground.

Golf carts must only be operated by a sober driver. You can be charged with impaired driving if you are operating a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs.