A new golf cart pilot project is underway in Huron-Kinloss.
As of April 1st, golf carts are legal to be driven on certain municipal roads within the municipality. This is the beginning of a 10-year pilot project announced by Huron-Kinloss and the Ministry of Transportation back on September 7th in 2021. On that date, Huron-Kinloss enacted a bylaw allowing golf carts on specified roads. Anyone planning to operate a golf cart within the Township of Huron-Kinloss must register their golf cart with the Township before using it on a roadway. Drivers must have a valid drivers license, and only use golf carts on roads with 50 km/h max speeds.
For more information on the Huron-Kinloss golf cart pilot project, visit the township website at https://www.huronkinloss.com.
Under this pilot, golf cars will be considered motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and operators will be expected to follow the rules of the road. In addition, specific requirements have been added to the HTA for golf carts:
· Driver must have a valid Ontario driver's license
· Only operated where permitted by the Township of Huron-Kinloss
· Can only be operated on roads with a maximum speed of 50 km/h
· Can't be driven on the road in December, January, February or March
· Can't be capable of travelling 32 km/h or faster on a level surface
· Can't tow other vehicles
· A Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign must be mounted on the rear
· Must not carry passengers under 8 years of age
· Adequate night time lighting is required if operated between ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise
· Daytime running lights are required to be on at all times
· Can't carry any combustible fuel, except in the fuel tank (if equipped)
· Must be driven in the far-right lane
· Drivers are subject to all HTA rules of the road and penalties
Section 228 of the HTA creates an offence for violating the requirements of a pilot project. This section carries a maximum fine of $2,500 upon conviction.
In order to be operated on the road, Golf Cars must be equipped with safety equipment including:
- Steering wheel
- Service brakes
- Parking or emergency brakes
- Rear-view mirror
- Horn
- Good quality tires
- Daytime running lights
- Turn signals
- Brake lights
- Reflectors