The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow villages, cities, and townships with populations of fewer than 65,000 individuals, based on the most recent federal decennial census, to permit the operation of golf carts on their streets. It specifies that these local governments can establish regulations for golf cart operation, including maintaining a list of registered golf carts and their operators without charging a fee. The bill also outlines the conditions under which a county board of commissioners can disapprove the operation of golf carts, emphasizing the need for public hearings and notifications.

Additionally, the bill introduces several requirements for golf cart operation, such as the operator needing to be at least 16 years old and licensed to drive a motor vehicle. It mandates compliance with traffic signals and restricts golf cart operation on state trunk line highways unless authorized by the state transportation department. The bill also clarifies that golf carts must not exceed a speed of 15 miles per hour and cannot be operated during nighttime hours. Furthermore, it specifies safety requirements for golf carts, including the need for headlamps, tail lamps, and other safety features, while removing the requirement for registration under the insurance code for golf carts operated on local streets.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 257.657