Golf carts get approval to drive on some roads

Published 10:51 pm Thursday, March 25, 2010

OLYMPIA — Drivers beware, a golf cart may soon be sharing your road.

A new law signed Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire lets cities and counties establish zones in which carts can travel on public roads where posted speeds are 25 mph or less.

Carts traveling in these designated areas must be equipped with reflectors, seat belts and rearview mirrors. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and must obey the same road rules as those driving regular vehicles.

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, introduced the bill on behalf of a Whidbey Island resident and overcame opposition from a handful of lawmakers who viewed it as an unnecessary change in law.

“It was a struggle,” she said following the signing. “It isn’t foolish to an individual who couldn’t get around to visit neighbors without fear of getting a ticket from the sheriff.

“It will make a huge difference,” Haugen said.

She said she’s already heard from leaders of cities interested in using the law to open up areas for golf carts.

The law, which takes effect in June, requires cities or counties to post signs informing drivers when they are entering a designated zone for golf carts. Drivers of golf carts must stay on the roadway and not travel in bike lanes.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.