Committee backs bill giving cities discretion to allow golf carts on local streets

Representative Karen Anderson (District 19) told the Transportation Committee she introduced House Bill 15 22 at a constituent’s request to change language in the North Dakota Century Code (section 45‑20‑2) so that cities may permit golf carts more broadly on city streets, including removing the phrase that limited carts to daytime travel “between owner’s place of residence and golf course.”

“By striking some of the language in line 10, it gives the golf cart driver a little more latitude in where they can travel during the day,” Anderson said. She said small towns without nearby golf courses want local authority to allow residents to use carts for short errands and mobility, particularly older residents.

Stephanie Ingebretsen, appearing for the North Dakota League of Cities, said the change would provide municipalities a tool and that large cities are unlikely to adopt the authority. “I have heard from a few cities that there are elderly individuals that would like to use golf carts as a way to get around their small communities,” she said, adding that cities could craft local ordinances to require mirrors, blinkers, route limits or time windows.

Committee members asked about liability and safety equipment. Representative Anderson said liability likely falls to the cart operator’s personal insurance; Ingebretsen said cities would be able to tailor ordinances and likely could be more restrictive than state law.

The committee voted to give the bill a due pass. The motion for a due pass was made by Representative Johnston and seconded by Representative Christiansen. The committee reported the motion carried (11 yes, 1 no, 2 absent) and selected Representative Christiansen as the bill carrier.