Commissioners direct revisions to Lakeshore Drive golf-cart resolution: licensed drivers, liability insurance, age limits discussed

The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday discussed a draft resolution to regulate golf carts on Lakeshore Drive at Alcova Lake and directed staff to revise the proposal to require licensed drivers for unaccompanied operation and to require at least liability insurance for golf carts.

The draft—prepared from language pulled from county parks rules—was presented by Lita (staff member), who said the commission has authority under state statute to regulate golf-cart operation in county parks but that regulation must be done by resolution rather than through parks rules. The board asked that the draft be amended to reflect several points raised in discussion and that the revised text be placed on the agenda for the evening meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the lake area draws higher summer traffic and cited safety concerns when minors operate carts on public county roads. The changes would formalize local limits for a defined stretch of roadway and make operator and insurance expectations explicit.

Most important details - Operator requirement: Commissioners said they want unaccompanied golf-cart operators on the specified stretch to hold a valid driver’s license. Several members preferred a firm licensed-operator rule over a broad age-based exception; others suggested a minimum unaccompanied age of 15 if the board chooses an age floor. The board did not adopt a final text at this meeting; staff was directed to incorporate the change and circulate a revised resolution. - Insurance: Commissioners asked that the resolution require at least liability insurance “per state minimums” for golf carts used on the public roadway portion covered by the measure. County staff said they would check the statutory specifics for minimum coverage and reflect that language in the updated draft. - Geographic scope and exceptions: The discussion clarified the resolution will cover a defined Lakeshore Drive corridor (intersection of Lakeview Road and Lakeshore Drive south to Fremont Canyon, dead end on south side of Alcova Lake). The board also agreed to preserve limited exceptions—e.g., county-authorized uses for work or special events (weddings, hauling goods)—that may be handled administratively or by prior approval.

What commissioners and others said - “Our concern is the unattended juveniles that do not have driver’s license… getting in golf carts and kind of operating them in a manner that’s not safe and not consistent with motor vehicle traffic,” Sheriff Farley said, summarizing his office’s safety concerns and supporting a licensed-operator or prohibition on unaccompanied minors. - Commissioner McGlision said it would be “unwise … to allow unlicensed drivers to be operating vehicles even as potentially harmless as golf carts on public roads” and voiced support for requiring a license. - Commissioner Laird and others emphasized the difference between golf carts and higher-performance side-by-sides, noting carts are speed-limited and therefore carry different safety considerations.

Process and next steps The chair asked staff to prepare a revised draft and circulate it to commissioners and administrative staff (Michelle) so it can appear in the packet for the evening meeting. No formal vote on the resolution was taken during this discussion; the board’s direction was to revise the draft consistent with the points above and bring it back for formal action.

Ending The commission’s requested changes are procedural rather than final policy: staff will update the draft to reflect a licensed-operator requirement (or a 15+ unaccompanied minimum if the board elects that route), add liability-insurance language tied to state minimums, and retain limited administrative exceptions. The updated resolution will return on the evening agenda for formal consideration.