The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved legislation Tuesday to allow golf carts to be driven along state trunk lines in some small communities as long as certain stipulations are met.

In Michigan, a village or city of fewer than 30,000 residents may adopt a resolution allowing golf carts to be operated on streets. However, the law currently prevents individuals from operating a golf cart on state trunk lines. In many small communities, parts of town are connected by only such trunk lines.

“This bill will allow for small communities to continue to maintain safety while people drive their golf carts,” said Rep. Aaron Miller, of Sturgis, who authored the bill. “Drivers will have the ability and privilege to travel to areas convenient for them while following the law.”

Under current Michigan law, individuals driving a golf cart must:

• Be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license;

• Follow the same traffic signals required for motor vehicles;

• Drive on the far right side of the road;

• Only operate a golf cart during daylight hours;

• Not drive faster than 15 miles an hour; and

• Not drive on any road that has a speed limit of 30 miles an hour or higher except to cross that street.

These important safety rules continue to apply under Miller’s proposal.

House Bill 4945 moves to the full House for consideration.