(ESSEX COUNTY, ON) – The Essex County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that golf carts are not allowed to be driven on Ontario roads.
Though golf carts may resemble other low-speed vehicles, they are not typically equipped to meet the requirements for low-speed vehicles as defined by the Highway Traffic Act and the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada). If caught driving a golf cart on a road, you may face fines such as:
- Operate motor vehicle on a roadway with no insurance (minimum $5000 fine)
- Operate motor vehicle without required equipment.
- Operate motor vehicle with no vehicle permit.
- Operate motor vehicle on roadway with no driver’s licence.
There is an exception in Pelee Island and the municipality of Huron-Kinloss where a 10-year pilot program has been introduced that allows those municipalities to pass by-laws governing golf cart usage on roads with a speed limit of no more than 50 km/hr.
In addition, if you are intoxicated by alcohol or drug, you could face impaired driving charges while operating a golf cart on or off the roadway.
If you are considering an alternative form of transportation, please ensure that you know the rules and regulations governing the usage of the vehicle. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Please do your part to keep Ontario roads safe.
Essex County OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Towns of Tecumseh, Essex and Kingsville and the Municipalities of Lakeshore and Leamington, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.