We wanted to share information from Cary Police & Town of Cary regarding the use of golf carts on the streets.  We have been approached by residents asking if these are allowed on streets in Lochmere.

The short answer is NO:  Golf carts are not allowed to be operated on Town of Cary streets/sidewalks/greenways/etc.

However, with new laws in NC you can now register and operate on roadways what are being classified as “Low Speed Vehicles”.  These are essentially the same as golf carts but actually get their own license plates, have to go through a safety inspection every year and have to be equipped with proper safety equipment very similar to a motor vehicle (headlamps, windshield wipers, turn signals, etc.). These vehicles look extremely similar to golf carts and it can sometimes be hard to differentiate between the two, but I would encourage residents to call Cary Police if they see “golf carts” on the roadways which have no license plate or the vehicle/operator is not adhering to any of the operating procedures detailed below:

§ 20-121.1. Operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle on certain roadways.

The operation of a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle is authorized with the following restrictions:

(1) A low-speed vehicle may be operated only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. A mini-truck or modified utility vehicle may be operated only on streets and highways where the posted speed limit is 55 miles per hour or less; provided, a modified utility vehicle may not be operated on any street or highway having four or more travel lanes unless the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. This subdivision does not prohibit a low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle from crossing a road or street at an intersection where the road or street being crossed has a posted speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

(2) A low-speed vehicle or mini-truck shall be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, windshield wipers, speedometer, seat belts, and a vehicle identification number. Any such required equipment shall be maintained in proper working order.

(3) A low-speed vehicle, mini-truck, or modified utility vehicle shall be registered and insured in accordance with G.S. 20-50 and G.S. 20-309.

Any questions must be directed to Cary Police at (919) 469-4012, or Patrick Fox, Community Engagement Unit Cary Police Department, (919) 469-4324 (O).