Fishers residents seeing more golf carts on neighborhood streets as warm weather returns should know the city ordinance allows them only under limited conditions.

Under Fishers City Code Section 94.02, golf carts may be operated on city-maintained neighborhood streets only after the city determines they can be used safely, the neighborhood’s homeowners association or developer conducts a vote, at least 75% of all lot owners vote in favor, the result is certified to the city, and city-approved signs are posted designating the streets where golf carts are allowed.

That means golf carts are not automatically legal on every neighborhood street in Fishers. According to a previous Fishers Police Department reminder, the neighborhoods that had met the ordinance requirements were Britton Falls, Thorpe Creek, Intracoastal at Geist and Graystone. I was unable to locate a newer publicly available list showing additional neighborhoods approved under the ordinance.

The ordinance defines a golf cart as a four-wheeled motor vehicle originally designed and intended to transport people for the purpose of playing golf on a golf course. The ordinance does not restrict golf cart use on golf courses, private property or official city use on municipal property.

There are also operating rules. Golf carts may be operated only on designated streets from sunrise to sunset unless the cart is equipped with headlights, taillights, brake lights, seatbelts, turn signals and a rearview mirror. Only a person with a valid driver’s license may operate a golf cart on city streets. Golf carts are not allowed on city sidewalks, non-designated streets or other public ways.

The ordinance also includes a limited public service exemption. A resident may apply through the Police Department for permission to operate a golf cart for a public service purpose, but the decision rests with the chief of police. Anyone receiving such an exemption must carry verification while operating the cart.

Violations can result in fines. The ordinance sets the penalty at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense within one year, and $250 for a third or additional offense within one year. Unpaid violations may be referred to City Court.

For residents, the main point is simple: unless a neighborhood has gone through the city’s approval process and the proper signs are in place, golf carts are not permitted on Fishers public streets.