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HD 5085

An Act relative to the operation of golf carts in rural communities

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Allows eligible rural Massachusetts towns to authorize golf carts on public ways under LSV safety rules, with town registration, annual inspections, and licensed operators.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 5085

Summary of Bill HD 5085 — An Act relative to the operation of golf carts in rural communities

Overview

HD 5085 would allow certain rural municipalities in Massachusetts to authorize the operation of golf carts on public ways under local supervision, subject to safety and regulatory requirements modeled on low‑speed vehicles (LSVs). The bill adds a new section to Chapter 90 and sets a regulatory pathway for municipalities to record and inspect golf carts before permitting operation.

Purpose and scope

  • Create a framework for rural municipalities with:
    • population under 10,000, and
    • population density under 500 people per square mile to authorize golf carts on public ways within their jurisdiction.
  • Ensure golf carts used on public ways conform to safety standards applicable to low-speed vehicles and are subject to municipal bylaws and state regulations.

Key provisions

Vehicle standards and safety

  • Golf carts must conform to LSV safety and equipment standards (per definitions in Chapter 90, Section 1).
  • No golf cart may operate on sidewalks.
  • Modifications to increase speed (e.g., removing the governor, upgrading engine/powertrain) are prohibited.
  • Motorists must comply with traffic laws applicable to the public way.

Registration, recording, and inspections

  • Golf carts must be recorded with the town clerk in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Registrar.
  • Each recorded cart must display:
    • a decal valid for one calendar year (rear right fender),
    • a slow-moving vehicle emblem (per applicable regulations),
    • appropriate insurance and title under Chapter 90D.
  • A safety inspection is required annually (standard LSV inspection under Section 7) or an alternative inspector approved by the Registrar.
  • No registration plate is required for golf carts under this program.
  • A rural municipality may implement fees for recording, safety inspections, and violations, but enforcement may still use standard traffic penalties.

Operator requirements

  • Operators must have a valid driver’s license; learners (16+) may operate only with a licensed driver (21+, at least one year of driving experience) seated beside them.
  • Maximum speed is 20 mph.
  • Alcohol use is prohibited; open containers are not allowed in the golf cart while operating.
  • Operation is prohibited between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
  • Operators and passengers must wear seat belts.

Boundaries and enforcement

  • Golf carts may not be operated outside the recording municipality boundaries.
  • Out-of-bounds operation constitutes operating an unregistered vehicle and may incur penalties under existing law.
  • Municipalities may adopt bylaws to establish fines for violations.

Implementation and regulatory timeline

  • Within 90 days of passage, the Registrar must promulgate regulations detailing the recording process and safety inspection requirements.
  • No municipality may begin recording or permitting operation until final regulations are published.

Legislative status

  • Introduced: September 11, 2025.
  • Senate concurred: September 25, 2025.
  • Part of the 194th General Court (2025-2026).

Who is affected

  • Residents and visitors in eligible rural municipalities seeking to operate golf carts on public ways.
  • Municipal clerks, local police, and inspectors responsible for recording and inspecting golf carts.
  • Insurance providers and motor vehicle agencies interfacing with golf carts as LSVs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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