Golf Cart Permit Sticker

Golf Cart Permit Application Form
Kirkland Golf Cart Community Frequently Asked Questions
General Release of Liability, Waiver, Discharge & Covenant Not to Sue Form

Policy Statement

This ordinance is not to be relied upon as a determination that the operations of golf carts on streets is safe or advisable, even if done in accordance with the ordinance. All persons operating golf carts must be observant of and attentive to the safety of themselves and others, including passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. All persons who operate or ride golf carts on streets within the Village of Kirkland do so at their own risk and peril. The Village of Kirkland has no liability under any theory of law for permitting golf carts to be operated on Village streets.

Golf Cart Definition

A “Golf Cart” shall be defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/1-123.9, and shall mean a vehicle specifically designed and intended for the purpose of transporting one or more persons and their golf clubs or maintenance equipment while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising play of golf, maintaining grounds on a golf course.

Note: The Village of Kirkland does NOT authorize operations of any other “Non-Highway” vehicle to include, but not limited to; All Terrain Vehicles or ATV’s, Utility Vehicles (AKA-UTV’s or Side-By-Sides), John Deere Gator (style) vehicles, garden tractors (modified or stock), home-made specialty vehicles, etc.

ALL golf carts are subject to inspection and approval by the regulations of the Kirkland Police Department.

Operations of Golf Carts

The Village of Kirkland has adopted the operation requirements of Section 11-1426.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code which states the following:

  • Any operation of a golf cart on Village Streets must carry a VALID Driver’s License.
  • An operator of a golf cart may only travel on Village Streets ONLY! An operator must NEVER travel along Main St. (IL Rt. 72), Malta Rd, or any road outside the Village Limits.
  • Golf carts must ONLY cross Main St. at 4th St. DO NOT CROSS MAIN ST. AT ANY OTHER INTERSECTION!!!!
  • Golf carts must never be operated on sidewalks or any other public property not allowing vehicular traffic.
  • Golf cart operators must yield to over-taking vehicles at all times.
  • Golf carts shall not be operated during inclement weather or when visibility is impaired.
  • Each golf cart may transport only as many individuals as in the number of seats designated by the manufacturer.

Safety Requirements of Golf Carts

All golf carts must contain the following:

  • Brakes
  • Steering apparatus
  • Tires (Approved by manufacturer)
  • OEM engine and suspension specifications
  • Seat belts for ALL passengers
  • Rearview mirror
  • Red reflectors on front and rear of golf cart
  • A slow moving emblem on rear of golf cart
  • At least one (1) head lamp emitting white light up to 500 feet
  • At least one (1) tail lamp emitting red light up to 100 feet
  • An identifiable red brake light and front and rear turn signals.

NOTE: When operating on a street, a golf cart shall have its headlight and tail lamps lighted half hour BEFORE sunset and half hour AFTER sunrise.

Registration of Golf Carts

No golf carts shall be operated on any street in the Village of Kirkland unless the owner shall have first registered the golf cart with the Village in accordance with the following:

  • Registrations shall be administered by the Chief of Police or his designee.
  • A form must be signed which would consist of a waiver releasing the Village of any and all claims.
  • An inspection form making sure all safety requirements are met and the vehicle meets the required definition of a “golf cart”.
  • An annual registration fee of $50.00 shall be paid to the Village of Kirkland.
  • Proof of Liability Insurance for the golf cart shall be shown to the inspecting officer and documented for records. Insurance must be continuously current.
  • Receipts of registration shall be kept with the golf cart and shall be produced upon demand of law enforcement or other Village personnel.
  • Registrations shall be effective for a period of one (1) year (May 1st to April 30).
  • Registration fees will not be pro-rated.
  • Registrations are Non-transferable in the event of change of ownership.
  • Registration stickers must be displayed on the left side upper or lower corner of the golf cart windshield.
  • Registrations shall be subject to revocation by the Village in the event of a violation of requirements not being met or provisions of the ordinance.
  • The Kirkland Police Department reserves the right to not approve any golf cart which does not meet regulations for safe operations on Village streets.

Other Laws, Regulations and Ordinances

Golf carts shall be operated at all times in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Rules of The Road contained therein, and any other laws, regulations or ordinances governing the operations of motor vehicles in the Village.

In addition to the revocation of the registration for a golf cart, any person violating Laws, Regulations and / or an Ordinance shall be subject to a fine of not less than $75.00 and not more than $150.00 for each violation.

Any moving violation in Chapter 11 of the Illinois Vehicle Code shall be prosecuted in Traffic Court on a State charge.

NO unsealed alcoholic beverages may be transported on golf carts while operating on Village streets.

Any impaired operation of golf carts on Village streets and / or private property will result in an arrest for DUI and impoundment of the golf cart as well as revocation of the registration with the Village.

Contact the Kirkland Police Department to schedule an appointment to have your golf cart inspected. An officer will meet you at your residence and walk around the golf cart to make sure requirements are met.