The Town of Rossville passed an ordinance at their August 11, 2009 meeting that will limit the use of golf carts throughout the town. This ordinance was later amended on September 8, 2020 and became effective January 1, 2021. The Indiana State Legislature allowed such ordinances to be considered by towns and cities. The ordinance is specific to golf carts. Golf Carts are defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle originally and specifically designed to transport people and golf clubs for the purpose of playing golf. Utility vehicles such as Gators, Mules, 4-Wheelers and others are not covered by the ordinance. These utility vehicles are permitted on the streets within the Town of Rossville; however, operators must follow all State and County laws regarding ATV’s and all occupants under the age of 18 years of age must wear an approved helmet as required under Indiana law.
The Town Council may designate special events, such as the Summer’s End Festival, in which golf carts may be operated in compliance with exceptions. The Town Council shall set the dates in which golf carts will be permitted for use exempting golf carts from the registration requirements. Golf carts not registered with the Town of Rossville are still requried to carry proof of financial responsibility during operation. The golf cart used during special events that does not meet the operation requirements can only be operated a half-hour after sunrise and a half-hour before sunset.
Requirements to operate a golf cart in the Town of Rossville:
- Golf carts must be registered with the Town of Rossville.
- Annual Registration Fee is $15.00 (Cash or Money Order Only) Prior to or on April 30th of each year, the owner shall complete a registration renewal at which time proof of financial responsibility shall be presented to the Town Hall along with a registration fee of $15.00. After April 30th of each year, registration renewals shall be considered late and the renewal fee shall be $30.00. A newly purchased golf cart registration fee is $30.00.
- Registration Application Form and Release of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement for each individual operating the cart must be filed with the Town of Rossville
- Annual registration shall expire on April 30th the following year and must be re-registered on or before April 30th annually.
- The Town Council shall designate special events, such as the Summer’s End, exempting golf carts from the registration requirements. Operators will still be required to carry proof of financial responsibility during operation.
- Golf cart operators must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart. Learner and Probationary licensed drivers are not permitted to operate golf carts in the Town of Rossville.
- Golf carts for annual use must be equipped with headlights, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, and slow moving vehicle sign, and a rear-view mirror. The hours of operation may be from 5 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. on April 1 to October 31, and from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on November 1 until March 31.
- Golf carts registered for use during special events must display a slow moving vehicle sign and may operate during the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 9 p.m. Regulations other than lighting apply.
- A copy of the individual driver’s license and proof of insurance/financial responsibility in the amount not less than the minimum required by Indiana law for a motor vehicle are required at the time of registration. The proof of insurance must be carried on the golf cart at all times.
- The golf cart shall not be operated on sidewalks, on Highway 26, Highway 39/421 or in/on areas of the park not specifically designed for vehicle traffic. A person may cross the highway in a perpendicular manner.
- The golf cart must display a slow moving vehicle sign and must observe all rules of traffic, state laws, federal laws, and town ordinances.
- Golf carts shall be equipped with factory seating for all occupants, with only one person seated in each seat.
- No one under the age of (8) eight years old can ride on the back seat of the golf cart unless accompanied by an adult. Small children and infants are not permitted to set or be held on the lap or person of another occupant or operator. The use of child car seats and booster seats are prohibited unless the golf cart has been properly equipped with safety belts.
- The use of drugs or alcohol while operating a golf cart or ATV is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate revocation of registration and possible criminal charges. Open containers of alcohol on the golf cart or ATV possessed by the operator or occupants is strictly prohibited.