News Vinton Police Department reminds golf cart drivers of city street driving rules

Vinton Police have received several complaints about how golf carts are being operated in Vinton since the spring weather has arrived.  While Vinton City Ordinances do permit golf carts to be operated in the City, there are restrictions as to how, when and where this is permitted.

"The most common complaint we're getting is that golf cart operator's are ignoring normal traffic regulations and courtesies, such as obeying stop signs." Jeff Tilson, Vinton Police Chief said today. "A collision betwen a car and a golf cart won't end well for the golf cart.  We want to make sure everying is as safe as possible, and that the golf cart operator's aren't endangering themselves with any false assumptions about how they may use the City streets with them."

Police want to remind all golf cart operators of the laws regarding their operation:

-    All golf cart operator's must possess a valid driver's license;

-    Golf carts may only be operated on City streets, and may only cross state highways.  Golf carts are prohibited on sidewalks;

-    Golf cart operators must obey all traffic regulations, including stop signs, red lights, and all other rules of the road;

-    Golf carts may not be parked in Handicap parking spaces;

-    Golf carts may only be operated between sunrise and sunset each day;

-    All golf carts operated on any street must display an orange bicycle safety flag, and a reflective        triangular slow moving vehicle sign displayed to the rear at all times.

And, said the police chief, golf cart drivers must have a valid driver's license.

"We've had elderly drivers who had previously lost their drivers license mistakenly believe they could operate a golf cart on the streets instead.  This is not the case,"  Tilson added.