The Plymouth City Council members unanimously approved the second reading of the golf cart ordinance amendment during their last meeting Monday, August 12.
The ordinance amendment was up for second and third reading during that meeting, but Mayor Robert Listenberger suggested that the third reading of the ordinance be held in a future meeting to gather more input from residents on the proposed changes.
The amendment includes a registration requirement, fees for violations including impounding of the vehicle on the fourth offense, and a 36 inch or taller height restriction that applies to passengers. Adult passengers will also not be allowed to hold passengers in their laps; all passengers must be seated.
Since the City of Plymouth has seen a significant increase in the use of golf carts on streets and alleys over the years, this ordinance defines the legal use of golf carts while at the same time ensuring public safety by adding requirements for use and establishing a registration program.
Any person who wishes to operate a golf cart within the City of Plymouth must register the golf cart with the Clerk-Treasurer’s office and pay a registration fee of $60.00 on or before the first day of March each year. The City shall provide a registration sticker to indicate that the golf cart has been properly registered with the City of Plymouth. A copy of the registration form must be kept in the golf cart when operated on public streets or alleys. The required registration sticker, along with an approved traffic safety slow moving vehicle sign must be visibly mounted to the rear of the vehicle, and the registration sticker must always remain visible during operation of the vehicle.
There was public comment about the $60 registration fee and that is too high.
City Attorney Jeff Houin said the third reading will be during the next council meeting Monday, August 26.
Residents are reminded that golf carts cannot be operated on state highways which includes North Michigan Street and Lake Avenue in the City of Plymouth.
