Bill > HB4644

This bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to expand the ability of smaller municipalities to allow golf cart operation on their streets and certain state highways. The bill raises the population threshold from 30,000 to 65,000 for villages, cities, and townships that can authorize golf cart use, and establishes comprehensive regulations for such use. Key provisions include requiring golf cart operators to be at least 16 years old and licensed to drive, mandating that golf carts operate primarily on the right side of roadways, and prohibiting their use on state trunk line highways except under specific circumstances. The bill allows local governments to create lists of golf cart operators without charging fees and gives county boards of commissioners the ability to disapprove golf cart operation in townships if significant environmental or safety concerns exist. Additionally, the bill outlines specific safety requirements for golf carts, such as headlamps, tail lamps, reflectors, mirrors, brakes, and other equipment. Golf carts are restricted from operating during low-light hours (half an hour before sunset to half an hour after sunrise) and must not exceed 15 miles per hour. Local governments can request authorization from the state transportation department to allow golf cart use on specific state trunk line highways under carefully defined conditions, providing more flexibility for rural and small municipal communities.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4644