City passes moratorium on golf carts

Golf carts, which have been used by many on local streets since 2022, are under review by City Council and administration. Mirror file photo.

by Sara Swanson

In September of 2022 the City (at that time still a Village) legalized the driving of golf carts. A year later the council reviewed the ordinance and left it unchanged despite concerns. However, at its regular meeting on January 6, the Manchester City Council voted to place a moratorium on the City of Manchester’s current golf cart ordinance while it is being reviewed.

When the ordinance was reviewed in 2023, the City acknowledged that some infractions were due to an unfamiliarity with the rules under the ordinance, including that the driver of the golf cart has to be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license; they have to operate it near the right side of the roadway; they cannot operate it anywhere on M-52 (as a State trunk line); they cannot operate it on a sidewalk; operation can only occur between sunrise and sunset; and they cannot exceed 15mph.

City manager Michael Sessions explained that currently there are two different concerns. He stated, “Issues cited include ambiguities in the ordinance’s definition of a golf cart and the lack of an effective tracking system for golf carts operating within the city.”

Defining what is and isn’t considered a golf cart has been an issue from the very beginning as off-road vehicles, such as Gators, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), any multi-track or multi-wheel drive vehicles, and dune buggies are not allowed under the ordinance, but there is a lot of crossover in characteristics between these types of vehicles and golf carts that could lead to confusion.

Sessions stated that the City Council’s intent is to revise the ordinance not to get rid of it altogether. The moratorium will remain in place through April 7, 2025. During this time, a team composed of City Council members, a representative from the City’s attorney, and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department personnel will work on drafting a revised ordinance, which should be ready for a vote by late spring or early summer.

Sessions reiterated, “The City of Manchester remains committed to fostering safe and enjoyable transportation options while balancing the concerns of residents and city officials.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.