AN ACT to amend and reenact section 40-05-22 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to golf carts on city streets.
Summary
HB 1522 amends North Dakota Century Code section 40-05-22 to authorize cities, by ordinance, to allow golf carts on city streets. The bill preserves local control: a city may choose whether to permit golf carts, but any ordinance must still prohibit golf carts on federal, state, or county highways within the city except when crossing those roads perpendicularly. The bill also limits use to daytime travel between the owner’s residence and a golf course, with an exception allowing nighttime travel for that specific trip.
The bill further exempts golf carts operating under a city ordinance from the title, registration, and equipment requirements in title 39. In practical terms, this reduces regulatory burdens for golf cart owners in cities that opt in, while leaving municipalities responsible for setting the local rules and enforcement framework. The measure affects city governments, golf cart owners, and potentially law enforcement and transportation regulators in communities that choose to permit this use.
Impact
HB 1522 changes state law governing low-speed vehicle use by expanding and clarifying the authority of cities to permit golf carts on municipal streets. It amends section 40-05-22 of the Century Code and creates a statutory exemption from title, registration, and equipment provisions in title 39 for golf carts authorized by city ordinance. The bill does not require cities to allow golf carts; it gives them discretion to do so under the stated restrictions.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It passed the House 86-7 and the Senate 43-4, indicating strong bipartisan approval. The vote margins suggest the measure was generally viewed as a modest local-control and convenience bill rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between local flexibility and roadway safety. Supporters would favor allowing cities to decide whether golf carts can be used on local streets and to reduce unnecessary licensing burdens, while opponents may worry about mixing golf carts with regular traffic, especially near highways and during nighttime travel. The bill addresses some of those concerns by limiting use to city streets, restricting highway crossings, and tying nighttime use to travel between home and a golf course.