The Hobart City Council has passed an ordinance setting rules for driving golf carts on city streets.
It contains only a few limitations: those behind the wheel must have a driver’s license or be at least 18; the golf cart must have working head lights and tail lights after dark, and the cart can’t be driven on any roads with a speed limit greater than 30 mph.
Other rules had been suggested and discussed, such as having working brake lights after dark or having separate insurance, but weren’t included in what passed Sept. 6.
“We can always tweak it later,” said Councilman Dan Waldrop, D-At-large, during an ordinance committee meeting.
It was also noted that there are state rules governing golf carts, including not being able to drive them on state roads.
The age of the driver was a concern to some council members. Councilwoman Monica Wiley, D-At large, said she’s seen kids around 12 driving carts around the city.
“They would be breaking the law,” said City Attorney Anthony DeBonis.
Police Chief Rick Zormier said violators would need to appear in juvenile court.
“We’ve been getting calls from parents asking about the age rule. It’s a good rule,” he said.
The council first began looking at implementing rules for golf carts a couple years go, when more residents were using them to get around the city.
In other matters, the city council presented the Tony Wirtz volunteerism award to Theresia Larimore, president of the Hobart Food Pantry.
Mayor Brian Snedecor said Larimore “has literally touched hundreds and hundreds of families, families in need, those who don’t have food to put on their tables at night.”
Larimore also served on the Maria Reiner Center for seniors board of directors, he said.
The award was started last year in honor of Anthony “Tony” Wirtz, a long-time volunteer in the city.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
