North Judson Council to Revisit Golf Cart Ordinance

Posted on June 24, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

North Judson may soon revisit its golf cart ordinance. Police Officer Frank Thomas told the town council Monday that residents are buying vehicles expecting to be able to register them as golf carts. But he said they’re clearly not what the ordinance envisioned. “The problem is over the years, even since 2012 when we put this into place, things have changed and we’re seeing more of these utility vehicles that are kind of lumped in with golf carts, and it’s gotten really, really gray,” he said.

For example, Thomas said he’s been asked to register Gator vehicles, but some are more golf-cart-like than others. “There’s so many variables,” he said. “Now one Gator maybe only goes 10 or 15 miles an hour. It’s very much like a golf cart. But then there’s another Gator that has 200 horsepower and goes 50 miles an hour. ‘Well, that guy’s got a Gator, and I want my Gator done,’ and so we’ve gotten into this kind of a pickle.”

Council President Wendy Hoppe said that when the council adopted the ordinance five years ago, members considered a provision that would define golf carts based on horsepower or engine size. However, it wasn’t included in the final version.

Town officials plan to look at other communities’ golf cart ordinances, to see how they’re handling the issue.

North Judson Considers Nighttime Golf Cart Operation

Posted on August 3, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI 

North Judson residents are one step closer to being allowed to ride their golf carts at night. A revised golf cart ordinance was approved on second reading by the town council Monday.

The update adds lighting requirements for those who wish to use their golf carts at night. Golf cart users who register their carts with the town have been allowed to ride them on town streets since 2012, but nighttime operation has been prohibited until now. Council members will likely decide whether to give their final approval to the amended ordinance at their next meeting.

Golf Cart Ordinances Regulate Rules of the Road

By: Anita Goodan, WKVI
Published: July 29th, 2014

Riding on golf carts has become a summer activity enjoyed by all outside of the golf course, especially those that live along the shores of Bass Lake and Koontz Lake.

Golf cart operators are advised to remember the rules of the road. Per the county statute, no person may operate a golf cart on any county road unless the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

Golf carts are prohibited from operation on state highways. The vehicle cannot be driven on a state highway or across a state highway as cited in state law. Operators must be 16 years of age and older.

A golf cart permit has to be purchased for legal operation in the county and proof of insurance must also be provided.

The city of Knox and the town of North Judson have developed similar ordinances. A copy of the ordinance can be found in each clerk-treasurer’s office.

Click on the link to see Starke County’s ordinance: Golf Cart Ordinance.  Here is North Judson’s ordinance: North Judson Golf Cart Ordinance.