Submitted by City of Westfield
The City of Westfield is implementing a new Golf Cart Ordinance, effective Nov. 1, aimed at promoting safety and consistency for all golf cart operators on city streets and paths.
Under the ordinance, all golf carts must be inspected and permitted by the Westfield Police Department before being operated within city limits. The ordinance outlines safety requirements, insurance obligations, and guidelines for where and how carts may be driven. Two identical permits will be issued, per golf cart, upon successful inspection and must be placed on each side of the golf cart. Each permit will contain a large, easy-to-read four-digit permit number, along with the year the permit was issued.
Community Registration Days
To assist residents in meeting the new requirements, the city will host four Golf Cart Community Registration Days:
- Saturday, Oct. 18 at Chatham Hills Clubhouse, 1100 Chatham Hills Blvd.
- Sunday, Oct. 19 at Centennial Neighborhood Pool, 535 Bucksport Lane; tentative; please check the website and social media for updates
- Saturday, Oct. 25 at Bridgewater Clubhouse, 3535 E. 161st St.; south side near Pro Shop)
- Sunday, Oct. 26 at Lakes of Shady Nook Pool, 18330 Lake Winds Drive
All registration days will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During these events, residents can have their golf carts inspected on-site and complete the permit process. Additional community registration days will be offered in the spring.
Residents unable to attend may request an inspection appointment online at westfieldin.gov/golfcarts. Inspection appointments are generally scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Each inspection will verify that headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all operational and that rearview mirrors are installed. Owners must also bring proof of insurance (as required by IC § 9-25-2-3) and a valid driver’s license. If these are not verified at the time of inspection, a permit will not be issued.
The initial inspection and permit cost $100 and will be valid through Dec. 31 of the second calendar year following inspection. Payments may be made by check or card only; cash will not be accepted as a form of payment.
Ordinance reminders
Golf carts are permitted on city streets with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less, as well as authorized perimeter paths and trails (with a maximum speed of 15 mph). Operators must obey all standard traffic laws, including DUI and hands-free phone regulations.
Violations of the ordinance may result in fines starting at $100 for the first offense, increasing for subsequent violations, and may include impoundment for serious or repeated infractions.
Motorcycles, motorized street/trail bikes, minibikes, mopeds, and ATVs are not allowed on paths.
For more information, including full guidelines, maps of permitted routes, and inspection requests, visit westfieldin.gov/golfcarts.