Golf carts

Golf carts are a type of motor vehicle designed mainly for use on golf courses or roadways where access and use of other motor vehicles are restricted.

Ontario’s current pilot framework uses the term “golf car” to describe this type of vehicle.

About the pilot program

The golf cart pilot program provides another transportation option for people living in communities with unique transportation needs.

The pilot program allows residents and visitors to use golf carts on roads with a speed limit of up to 50 km/h in:

  • the Township of Pelee Island
  • the Municipality of Huron-Kinloss
  • the Municipality of Lakeshore (specifically within the Lighthouse Cove community)
  • the Township of Amherstburg (specifically within Bois Blanc Island)
  • the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (specifically within the Village of Erieau)

The pilot program started in June 3, 2021 and will run for 10 years.

Municipalities

Currently, only 5 municipalities are eligible to participate in the pilot.

To participate, a municipality must:

  • pass a by-law to allow golf carts on their roads
  • email a copy of the by-law to the Ministry of Transportation at REO@ontario.ca
  • send the ministry an annual report on how the pilot program is working locally
  • follow the municipal guidelines that outlines best practices for the program

After the pilot

We will use the information gathered during the pilot to decide whetherhelp golf carts will be allowed permanently in Ontario. If they are, we will set rules about using them.

Requirements

Driver requirements

You must have a valid A, B, C, D, E, F or G licence to drive a golf cart in the pilot program.

Vehicle requirements

The golf cart can be either electric or gas-powered. It must have:

  • two to six seats
  • a steering wheel
  • service brakes
  • parking or emergency brakes
  • a rear-view mirror
  • a horn
  • good-quality tires
  • daytime running lights
  • turn signals
  • brake lights
  • reflectors

If the golf cart is manufactured with seat belts, the seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers.

Operating requirements

Golf carts allowed under the pilot must:

  • be used only in the municipalities specified under Ontario Regulation 407/21: Pilot Project - Golf Cars
  • be used on roads with maximum speed limits of 50 km/h or less
  • only be operated between April 1 and November 30 each year
  • not tow other vehicles
  • not be used for an Ontario driver’s licence road test
  • display a slow-moving vehicle sign on the rear of the vehicle
  • not carry passengers under 8 years old
  • have proper nighttime lighting from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise
  • have daytime running lights that are always on
  • not be capable of going faster than 32 km/h or on a level surface
  • be driven in the lane furthest to the right, unless preparing to make a left turn
  • not carry any combustible fuel except in the fuel tank (if equipped with one)

Golf carts must also cross only at an intersection where there’s:

  • traffic control signal
  • stop sign
  • other traffic control devices that control traffic in all directions

The speed limit at the intersection must be 80 km/h or less.

Insurance and registration requirements

Car insurance, licence plates and provincial vehicle registration are not required under the pilot program.

Duty to report

If you’re using a golf cart and it is involved in a collision with a person, vehicle, or animal that causes injury or property damage, you must:

  • report the incident to police
  • give any information requested about the event

Applicable laws

All Highway Traffic Act rules of the road apply to golf carts allowed under the pilot program. In addition, federal penalties for impaired driving under the Criminal Code would apply.

Penalties, such as fines of $250 to $2,500, will also apply to violations of the pilot regulation and other applicable regulations under the Highway Traffic Act. Police are responsible for enforcing the law and any violations of the pilot regulations.

For the full list of pilot requirements, please see Ontario Regulation 407/21: Pilot Project - Golf Cars.