In a continued effort to enhance safety on Vanderburgh County’s roads, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners to draft new regulations governing the operation of golf carts. At their regular meeting yesterday, the Commissioners voted to enact the ordinance.
In July 2020, the Commissioners authorized Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) to be operated within Vanderburgh County outside the corporate limits of Evansville and Darmstadt. Until now, golf carts were excluded from that authorization. With this ordinance, golf carts are now permitted on county roadways only within residential subdivisions, and under strict safety and insurance requirements.
By state statute, golf carts are not classified as ORVs and were previously prohibited on county roads. This distinction is important because golf carts travel at lower speeds and offer less protection than motor vehicles. The new ordinance minimizes hazardous interactions, reduces confusion, and ensures that golf cart operators use them in safer, neighborhood settings rather than on roads not designed for their operation.
The ordinance also responds to concerns frequently raised by residents about unsafe golf cart use in subdivisions, particularly underage and reckless driving. Under the new law, operators must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Additionally, children under the age of 14 may not ride in a golf cart unless accompanied by an adult.
“County residents were clear that they supported allowing golf carts in neighborhoods, but only with reasonable safeguards,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “These new rules strike the right balance, giving residents the flexibility to use golf carts close to home while ensuring safety remains our top priority.”
For more information on the new golf cart ordinance, visit: https://vanderburghsheriff.org/atv-law/
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