The Bremen Town Council members approved the first reading of an amended golf cart ordinance during their meeting Monday afternoon.
The ordinance now has a statement of purpose that outlines the operation of golf carts on the highways, streets and roads in the Town of Bremen and the State of Indiana, the purpose of safety, and the encouragement of residents to follow the guidelines within the ordinance.
Residents are reminded in the amended ordinance that off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles are not allowed on the streets and alleys of the Town of Bremen. The definitions of these vehicles are included in the amended ordinance, as well as the definition of a golf cart.
In addition to the slow-moving emblem or a red or amber flashing light, all golf carts should have operational headlights, tail lamps, turn signals, and brake lights visible for at least 500 feet if operated one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset.
Operators of golf carts must be at least sixteen-and-a-half years old with a valid state-issued identification cards or driver’s license. Golf carts shall not be operated at a speed over 30 mph.
A golf cart must be registered through the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office and the registration must be clearly displayed on both the driver and passenger side of the golf cart. An annual calendar-year registration fee is $30 paid to the clerk-treasurer. Proof of insurance must be presented at the time of registration.
A person who violates this ordinance on the first offense shall be fined $100, with the second offense fine at $250. If a person has accumulated more than three violations in any calendar year, the privilege of operating a golf cart in the Town of Bremen may be suspended by the town council. A hearing on the matter could be convened if a petition is filed.
Any fine that is not paid within 30 days of the date of the citation issues shall result in the revocation of the registration of the golf cart used in the commission of the violation.
The ordinance amendment will be published with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for the Bremen Town Council’s first meeting in August. It will be after the public hearing the ordinance would be considered for further amendments or additional readings before formal adoption.
