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Hatfield officials and residents ask committee to permit regulated golf-cart use on town roads
Summary
Officials and residents from Hatfield, including the town police chief and select board chair, asked the Joint Committee on Transportation to permit regulated golf-cart operation on public ways in Hatfield, citing wide shoulders, low traffic volumes and community use for social and mobility purposes.
Representatives of Hatfield told the Joint Committee on Transportation the town seeks statutory authority to allow regulated golf-cart use on many town roads.
Diana Sinzel, chair of the Hatfield Select Board, described the town as a small farming community with wide roads and large shoulders where residents already use golf carts for visiting neighbors and attending local events. Sinzel said the vehicles are often electric, increase accessibility for elderly and disabled residents, and support local businesses such as restaurants and a vineyard.
Hatfield Police Chief (name not specified in the record) described drafting a bylaw that would mirror Chapter 90 standards where appropriate, require registration and insurance, limit operation to roads under 40 mph and exclude state highways, and require police inspection for equipment not covered by standard vehicle-inspection stations. Insurance agent Anna Holhut said insurers in the area can underwrite appropriate coverage and would offer higher liability limits for these vehicles. Town Administrator Andrew Labib described the policy as community-driven and urged the committee to allow local authorization under state law.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about safety and road selection; Representative Sabadosa said she had ridden with the chief to see candidate roads and supported the town's approach. The committee recorded testimony and accepted follow-up materials; no vote was taken.
