A golf cart may be the best solution to beat high gas prices. That’s what some Osgood residents are doing, despite a state law saying it’s illegal.

An ordinance was passed in 2007 by the Osgood town council  to allow golf carts and utility vehicles to be driven within the city limits. Resident Bill Warren and wife Brenda do a lot of errands like going to the post office or store, using their golf cart. It saves on gas, they said.

However, state police say a state statute trumps a local ordinance. Sgt. Noel Houze cited the law: to be lawfully operated upon a public street or highway in Indiana, motor vehicles must be registered and plated. A golf cart is a motor vehicle because it is self propelled. It excludes some farm equipment and scooters, but not golf carts. The problem is the BMV won’t plate the golf cart because it does not meet safety standards.

Osgood Town Marshal John Hegge doesn’t have a problem with it. He cites Indiana code title 14 saying he believes cities and towns can make ordinances for golf carts. But Title 9 contradicts that, he says. The vehicles should have lights if operated after dark, be insured and operators adhere to traffic rules.

Sgt. Houze admits the state police are not actively engaged in enforcing the golf cart laws, but troopers will not a turn a blind eye if  violations occur while they are on routine patrol.

Osgood residents using golf carts hope state police will not seek them out. As Bill Warren says, what’s the big fuss. In Florida, where he also owns property, grocery stores have designated “golf cart parking only. “

Golf cart use has also been brought up in Oldenburg. Oldenburg’s town attorney is researching golf cart ordinances. Residents brought up the subject at the Aug. 4 council meeting. Some towns do not allow carts on roads with speed limits  over 35 mph or cross state highway. The town marshall has said he had no problem with it.

See more on this story in this week’s Versailles Repubilican.

Tags: Golf Carts Allowed So Far On Osgood Roads