City Council Adopts Ordinance Allowing Use of Golf Carts on City Streets
The Roseau City Council has officially adopted a new ordinance permitting the operation of motorized golf carts on designated city streets under specific safety guidelines. This new policy opens up alternative transportation options for local residents while establishing strict rules to guarantee the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. All golf cart operators must secure a city-issued permit and understand the following compliance frameworks before hitting the road.
Operator Licensing & Age Restrictions
- Teen Operators: Unlicensed drivers between the ages of 13 and 16 may operate a golf cart only if they have completed the online Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ATV course or a standard Minnesota Driver’s Education course.
- No Teen Passengers: Operators aged 13 to 16 are strictly prohibited from carrying any passengers.
- Driver Proof: Youth operators must present proof of course completion to the City Police Department immediately upon request.
- License Revocations: Anyone with a driver's license that is currently revoked, suspended, canceled, or withdrawn due to criminal or implied consent proceedings is entirely barred from obtaining a permit. Any existing motor vehicle license restrictions will automatically apply to the golf cart permit.
Permitted Roadways & No-Go Zones
- Local Roads Only: Carts may be operated on public city roadways but are completely banned from driving along State Trunk Highways. Direct crossings of intersecting roadways are permitted.
- Avoid Busy Streets: Drivers must use extreme caution and actively avoid roadways experiencing a high frequency of automobile traffic.
- Downtown Ban: Motorized golf carts are strictly prohibited from entering or operating within the Downtown area of the City of Roseau.
- Sidewalk Prohibition: Driving on public sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or paved trails is completely illegal unless the path is located directly on the golf course.
- Lane Positioning: Operators must drive as close to the right-hand curb as possible, except when preparing to make a legal left-hand turn.
Operating Hours & Weather Conditions
- Daylight Standard: Carts are restricted to driving from sunrise to sunset.
- Night Driving Exception: Operation after dark is only permitted if the cart is factory-equipped with original headlights, taillights, and rear-facing brake lights.
- Inclement Weather: Carts must stay off the roads during severe weather, smoke, fog, or any condition where visibility drops below 500 feet.
Required Vehicle Equipment & Safety Standards
- Slow-Moving Emblem: All carts must prominently display a standard slow-moving vehicle emblem in compliance with Minnesota Statute Section 169.522.
- Rear View Mirror: Vehicles must feature a rear-view mirror offering a clear view of the road for at least 200 feet behind the cart.
- Capacity Limits: The number of passengers must never exceed the manufacturer's designated occupant load. Every rider must sit in an official seat; standing or hanging off the back is illegal.
- Mechanical Health: The golf cart must be kept in safe, prime working condition for passenger transport.
- Noise and Conduct: Carts cannot be operated carelessly, recklessly, or in a negligent manner. Drivers must not generate loud, unusual, or unnecessary noise that disturbs neighbors.
Permits and Insurance Compliance
- Visible Permit Tags: Permits are tied to a specific vehicle. A current city-issued permit tag must be clearly visible from the rear or passenger side of the cart at all times.
- Three-Year Validity: Once issued, permits are valid for three calendar years, starting January 1st and expiring on December 31st of the third year.
- Mandatory Insurance: Every operator must carry physical proof of insurance while driving on designated streets and produce it immediately if demanded by a police officer.