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SB 900

Vehicles: other; operation of golf carts on streets and county roads in certain municipalities; allow. Amends sec. 657a of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.657a).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hertel

SB 900 lets Michigan towns up to 65,000 population allow golf carts on local streets, with MDOT involvement for some state trunk lines.

referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
#stateagencies(existing):state #trafficcontrol:trafficregulation #vehicles:other
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Bill Summary · SB 900

Overview

Senate Bill 900 (2025-2026) from Michigan would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to expand the possibility for local units of government to allow golf carts to operate on local streets. The bill increases the population threshold at which a city, village, or township can permit golf carts from 30,000 to 65,000 based on the 2010 census (note: the bill refers to the most recent decennial census for current effect). It also narrows the authorization pathway for state trunk line routes (state-controlled roads) to only local units with populations of 30,000 or less, subject to additional criteria and processes outlined in the bill.

Main purpose and intent

  • To broaden the ability of smaller municipalities to permit golf carts on their streets by raising the population threshold from 30,000 to 65,000 for local authorization.
  • To regulate where and how golf carts may operate on state trunk line highways, ensuring MDOT involvement and specifying eligibility based on local population size and existing ordinances.

Key provisions and changes

  • Eligibility threshold (Section 1 and 2):
    • Villages, cities, or townships with a population of fewer than 65,000 (based on the 2010 decennial census, effectively the 2010 figure and “most recent federal decennial census” wording) may, by resolution, allow golf carts on local streets.
    • This replaces the current threshold of fewer than 30,000 in prior law.
  • Local listing and fees (Section 2):
    • If authorized, local units may maintain a list of golf carts and operators. No listing fee may be charged.
  • County-level disapproval (Section 3):
    • County boards of commissioners may disapprove golf cart operation in a township via resolution after a hearing if environmental damage or public safety concerns are found.
  • Notice and hearings (Section 4):
    • Requires at least 45 days’ public notice for hearings, including written notice to the township.
  • Operator requirements (Section 5 and 6):
    • Operators must be at least 16 years old and licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
    • Operators must follow applicable signal requirements and ride as close to the right as practicable.
  • Restrictions on state trunk lines (Section 8 and 9):
    • Except as otherwise provided, golf carts may not operate on state trunk line highways.
    • Local units with population ≤ 30,000 may request MDOT authorization to allow golf carts on a state trunk line highway (non-interstate) within their jurisdiction, subject to MDOT review and local input.
    • MDOT may grant requests in whole or in part within 60 days of receipt; counties can submit requests on behalf of local units if requested.
  • Conditions for MDOT authorization (Section 10):
    • Authorizations limited to state trunk lines that serve specific connectivity purposes (tourist access, connectors between county road segments, or crossings enabled by bridges/culverts).
    • Requires the local unit to have already adopted an ordinance under subsection (1) and meet defined criteria.
  • Closure authority (Section 11):
    • MDOT may close a trunk line highway to golf carts with written notice at least 30 days prior, detailing reasons; no obligation to provide an alternative route.
  • Path and roadway rules (Sections 12-15):
    • Availability of adjacent designated paths may be required to be used by golf carts.
    • No passing between lines of traffic; passing is limited to specific conditions.
    • Golf carts cannot be operated on sidewalks intended for pedestrians.
    • Speed limit capped at 15 mph; carts cannot operate on trunk lines or streets with speeds over 30 mph except for crossing; local jurisdictions may designate allowable roads.
  • Operating hours and helmet rules (Sections 16-17):
    • No operation from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise.
    • Crash helmet requirement is not mandatory for operators or passengers.
  • Registration and safety standards (Section 20-29):
    • Golf carts used under this section are not required to be registered under the normal vehicle registration framework for purposes of the Michigan Insurance Code.
    • Local units may require golf carts to meet some safety features typical of low-speed vehicles (lights, reflectors, mirrors, brakes, horn, windshield, manufacturer ID, seat belts) to enhance safety.

Who or what would be affected

  • Local units of government (cities, villages, townships) in Michigan, particularly those with populations up to 65,000, could adopt ordinances allowing golf carts on local streets.
  • Residents and operators of golf carts within those municipalities.
  • County governments, which would retain the ability to disapprove township-level approvals after hearings.
  • Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), which would review and grant or deny requests to allow golf carts on state trunk line highways, with specific eligibility constraints.
  • State trunk line highways within municipalities that opt for authorization, subject to MDOT approval.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and committee: SB 900 introduced April 15, 2026, assigned to the Local Government committee.
  • Hearings and action: The bill includes requirements for public notice (45 days) for hearings and 45 days’ written notice to affected townships.
  • MDOT review: If a local government seeks authorization to place golf carts on a state trunk line highway, MDOT has up to 60 days to decide on the request.
  • Public safety and environmental reviews: County boards may hold hearings to assess environmental or safety concerns before disapproving local golf cart operations.

Fiscal impact (as analyzed)

  • The bill is projected to have a negative fiscal impact both on the state and on local governments because more municipalities could permit golf carts, potentially reducing conventional vehicle registrations and gasoline tax revenue for MDOT and local authorities.

Note: This summary reflects the introduced text and the accompanying fiscal analysis. Further amendments could modify thresholds, processes, or permissible road classifications.

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

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