Community members gathered at the Village Board study session Tuesday to present their arguments in favor of allowing low-speed vehicles and golf carts on public roadways.
While Illinois law allows low-speed vehicles to travel on streets with a posted speed limit less than 30 miles per hour, it also leaves room for locals governments to adopt a resolution or ordinance to prohibit their use on streets within their jurisdiction.
Low-speed vehicles operate at a maximum 25 mph, and are required to have brakes, steering apparatus, tires, rear view mirror, red reflector warning devices on front and rear, headlights, turn signals and brake lights. Drivers of low-speed vehicles are also required to have registration, insurance and a driver’s license.
While golf carts do not meet the requirements of Illinois vehicle code, local municipalities can pass a resolution or ordinance to allow the use of golf carts on local streets if the street is marked with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, the driver possesses a valid Illinois driver’s license and the vehicle includes brakes, steering apparatus, tires, rear view mirror, red reflector warning devices on front and rear, headlights, turn signals, brake lights and “slow-moving vehicle” signs in the rear.
Kevin Heaney of Conway Farms noted 11 communities in Central Illinois, including Hoopeston, Mansfield and Monticello have passed ordinances for golf-cart use on local streets.
While residents along the east side of the Village would not have a route to drive their golf cart or low-speed vehicle downtown, Heaney and Scott Breedlove believe the an ordinance would promote downtown revenue and help ease limited parking. Heaney said he is more likely to use it in his neighborhood as an alternative to driving his car to neighbor’s homes.
Mahomet resident Charlie McLain, who owns a low-speed vehicle, also petitioned the board to discuss the possibility of an ordinance allowing low-speed vehicles.
Mahomet Police Chief Mike Metzler said the department has received several complaints from Mahomet residents about golf carts on public roadways. Officers are dispatched to the location, and drivers are warned, but citations or warnings are not issued.
Golf carts and low-speed vehicles are also not allowed on bike paths throughout Mahomet or the Lake of Woods Forest Preserve.
Mayor Patrick Brown said the board and staff will review the material presented Tuesday.
I have a special needs son and living in the town of Mahomet. What am I allowed to buy that I can drive my son around in, that would not be against the law. I would love to have a gulf cart or something similar to ride him around in.