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HB 1522

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2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Haste and 1 co-sponsor

ND cities may authorize golf carts on city streets for short trips between home and golf course, limit highway use, and exempt these carts from Title 39 registration.

Authored by Senator Haste (principal Senate author)
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Bill Summary · HB 1522

Summary — HB 1522 (North Dakota)

AN ACT to amend and reenact section 40‑05‑22 of the North Dakota Century Code — Golf carts on city streets

Purpose / Intent

HB 1522 clarifies and restates the authority of municipal governments to authorize the operation of golf carts on city streets by local ordinance, and clarifies limits on where and when golf carts may be operated. It also confirms that golf carts permitted under such local ordinances are exempt from certain state motor‑vehicle requirements.

Key provisions

  • Amends ND Century Code § 40‑05‑22 (new text replaces prior version).
  • Local control: The governing body of a city may, by ordinance, allow golf carts to operate on city streets.
  • Highway restrictions: An ordinance may not permit golf carts to operate on federal, state, or county highways within the city, except the ordinance may allow a perpendicular crossing of those highways.
  • Time/location limitation: The statute continues to limit authorized operation to travel between a golf cart owner’s residence and a golf course. (The engrossed bill text contains a typographical/formatting anomaly combining “daytime” and “at night.” The practical effect intended in prior law was to limit operation to trips between residence and golf course; please consult the enrolled/enacted version for the final precise time‑of‑day restriction.)
  • Exemption from Title 39: Golf carts authorized by a city ordinance are expressly exempt from Title 39 provisions on vehicle title, registration, and equipment while operating under that ordinance.

Who is affected

  • Cities/municipalities: Gain explicit statutory authority to adopt ordinances authorizing golf‑cart operation on city streets (subject to the highway and travel‑purpose restrictions).
  • Golf‑cart owners/residents: May be allowed to use golf carts on certain city streets for limited travel (residence ↔ golf course), depending on local ordinance.
  • State motor vehicle administration and law enforcement: Affected by the Title 39 exemption for municipally‑authorized golf carts; enforcement responsibilities will be shaped by local ordinances and the statutory highway exclusions.
  • Road safety stakeholders: local traffic engineers, police departments, and public safety officials who must consider safety, signage, and crossing rules.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Amended § cited: 40‑05‑22 NDCC.
  • Legislative action (as provided): introduced in the 69th Legislative Assembly; passed both houses (recorded votes available); enrolled and transmitted to the Governor; signed by the Governor; effective date recorded as September 1, 2025. (Check the official state legislative website for the final enrolled act/Act number and the exact effective date.)
  • Drafting note: Because the engrossed text includes a likely drafting error regarding “daytime” versus “at night,” municipalities and enforcement agencies should consult the final enrolled and codified text to confirm the operative time‑of‑day restriction before adopting or enforcing ordinances.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Increases municipal flexibility to permit a low‑speed vehicle mode of travel for short trips, potentially reducing local vehicle use for golf‑course access.
  • Could raise safety and traffic‑management issues (mixing golf carts with other street traffic; highway crossings).
  • Title/registration exemption removes some state regulatory burdens for permitted golf carts but could complicate enforcement and liability questions; local ordinances should address equipment, lighting, operator age/insurance, and safety standards.

For precise regulatory language and enforcement implications, consult the final enrolled bill (codified § 40‑05‑22 NDCC) and any model ordinance language or guidance issued by state or local authorities.

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

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