2017 House Bill 4945 / 2018 Public Act 139

Permit golf carts on some highways

Introduced in the House

Sept. 13, 2017

Introduced by Rep. Aaron Miller (R-59)

To expand a law that lets local governments allow golf carts on streets, so it also allows them on certain sections of state trunk line highways if state transportation officials approve it based on criteria specified in the bill. The operator would have to stay as far to the right as practicable.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Oct. 31, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 9, 2017

Passed in the House 68 to 39 (details)

Received in the Senate

Nov. 28, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

April 17, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

April 19, 2018

Substitute offered by Sen. Tom Casperson (R-38)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that lets local governments impose auto-like safety equipment on golf carts that use streets.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 35 to 2 (details)

To expand a law that lets local governments allow golf carts on streets, so it also allows them on certain sections of state trunk line highways if state transportation officials approve it based on criteria specified in the bill. The operator would have to stay as far to the right as practicable. Also, to allow local governments to impose vehicle safety equipment mandates on golf carts used on streets, including headlights, tail light, horn, proper brakes, a windshield, seat belts, etc.

Received in the House

April 19, 2018

April 24, 2018

Amendment offered by Rep. John Chirkun (D-22)

To require local governments that allows golf carts on streets and requires them be registered to mandate seat belt use by minors who are golf cart passengers.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 67 to 40 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, which added a provision allowing local governments to impose vehicle safety equipment mandates on golf carts used on streets, including headlights, tail light, horn, proper brakes, a windshield, seat belts, etc. The House also added a provision requiring seat belt use by minors who are passengers in golf carts operating on local streets if the local government requires registration for this use.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

May 9, 2018