PD Chief says, “let the people decide”

Golf cart use questioned; no ordinance in place

 

IMLAY CITY — The use of golf carts within the city limits of Imlay City is once again being researched and discussed, following multiple requests to allow the carts on city streets.

According to officials, the topic has been a point of conversation numerous times, most recently at the beginning of this year when the city commission was approached at a meeting earlier this year by a resident who inquired about the possibility.

Imlay City Police Chief Brett Selby and other city officials have been investigating pros and cons of the issue for several weeks. The Chief was present at the July 15 commission meeting to share his feelings about the topic.

Chief Selby said the department did a survey in May of 2024 on the issue of golf carts and reported, “there was overwhelming support in the survey to allow golf carts,” he said.

“There is a lot that goes in to this,” Chief Selby said in making his presentation. “Obviously, first and foremost is the safety issue. No question. Beyond that, there are a lot of moving pieces, legally and logistically, in trying to decide how best to move forward.”

If the golf carts were to be allowed in Imlay City, there are requirements to be met for the machine. A cart must have turn signals, headlights, brake lights, a horn, a windshield, operational brakes and seatbelts.

The Chief says certainly the matter warrants further discussion and meetings with interested parties in trying to come to a possible agreement.

There is a financial aspect to consider as well, with the need to place signage throughout town, if the golf carts were allowed.

Chief Selby said he expects it would cost more than the $3,000 spent to install signage for the city’s social district.

A vote of the people could decide the matter.

“My recommendation would be to let the people decide by a vote on it,” Chief Selby said. “Let them decide how to move forward with this.”

He added, “that being said, there are a lot of questions to get answered. And, golf cart operators need to know, it’s not just get in a cart and go. There are requirements and laws that must be followed.”

Chief Selby pointed out, “right off the bat, if a decision was to be made to allow them in town, they most certainly would not be allowed on M-53 or M-21. There is so much work to do on this issue, at the earliest, it would be next summer before a decision was made and people voted on it, if that is the way this commission chooses to go.”

In his presentation to the commission at the July 15 meeting, Chief Selby noted, “We live in a time people want more rights, not less and we also live in a democracy. Ultimately, it depends on the cost we are willing to invest at the risk of the citizens who will not, or fail to police themselves. This community must weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks based on it’s unique circumstances and needs, versus wants and risks for all involved.”

Currently, there is no ordinance in place that governs the use of golf carts in Imlay City. The Chief reported according to national reports, more than 15,000 golf cart-related injuries occur every year.

Elsewhere, golf carts are permitted in the village of Capac, according to Police Chief Carlos Dealca.

“As long as the operator has a valid MI license and follows all traffic laws. Golf carts should not be operated on a sidewalk constructed for pedestrians and shall not exceed over 15 MPH when being driven within the village. The village currently does not require the owner to register their golf cart.”