(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – Under a 10-year pilot project announced by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Township of Huron-Kinloss will be able to create a bylaw to permit the use of golf cars on municipal roadways. A Municipal bylaw is required to permit the operation of a golf car on the road.
On September 7, 2021, the Township of Huron-Kinloss enacted a bylaw allowing golf cars on specified roads took effect. Anyone planning to operate a golf car within the Township of Huron-Kinloss must register their golf car with the Township before using it on a roadway. For more information on the operation of a golf car in the Township of Huron-Kinloss please visit the Township website at: https://www.huronkinloss.com.
Under this pilot, golf cars will be considered motor vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and operators will be expected to follow the rules of the road. In addition, specific requirements have been added to the HTA for golf cars:
· Driver must have a valid Ontario driver’s license
· Only operated where permitted by the Township of Huron-Kinloss
· Can only be operated on roads with a maximum speed of 50 km/h
· Can’t be driven on the road in December, January, February or March
· Can’t be capable of travelling 32 km/h or faster on a level surface
· Can’t tow other vehicles
· A Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign must be mounted on the rear
· Must not carry passengers under 8 years of age
· Adequate night time lighting is required if operated between ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise
· Daytime running lights are required to be on at all times
· Can’t carry any combustible fuel, except in the fuel tank (if equipped)
· Must be driven in the far-right lane
· Drivers are subject to all HTA rules of the road and penalties
Section 228 of the HTA creates an offence for violating the requirements of a pilot project. This section carries a maximum fine of $2,500 upon conviction.
In order to be operated on the road, Golf Cars must be equipped with safety equipment including:
- Steering wheel
- Service brakes
- Parking or emergency brakes
- Rear-view mirror
- Horn
- Good quality tires
- Daytime running lights
- Turn signals
- Brake lights
- Reflectors
Golf cars are not required to display license plates or have proof of automobile insurance at this time.
The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants you to know that a golf car is a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code. Operators can expect that the South Bruce OPP will have a zero tolerance for anyone operating a golf car while impaired.
The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.